How a Renovation Demolition Contractor Became a Tokenizer

In conversation with Barry de Bruin, Director of RAZE Renovation Demolition

Anyone who knows RAZE Renovation Demolition does not initially think of FinTech or tokenization. Yet it is precisely there that a development has arisen in the recent period. Not from the technology, but from a practical entrepreneurial question.

Barry de Bruin says that it actually started with digitization of his own organization. “We had been working on better organizing processes for some time. Software helps us to tightly structure projects, calculations and planning. From that process, we came into contact with ByeleX.”

During that process, a new idea arose. If projects are increasingly organized digitally, why should the participation structure remain traditional?

“That was a logical next step for me,” says De Bruin. “We are building a franchise. Then you start thinking about how to properly organize participations and ownership. That’s where tokenization came into the picture.”

The basis for this already existed. Liqwith’s platform ‘Plaza PLUS‘ was previously developed by ByeleX, but had the function of serving a specific customer at a time. For example, solar parks in England.

That difference became decisive for the next step. Initially, De Bruin wanted to use the platform mainly for his own organization. “My first thought was simple: we use this for RAZE and for our franchise. That was the plan.” But once the system was in place, the perspective changed.

De Bruin: “When we really saw it work, we realized that it is actually much more widely applicable. Not only for renovation demolition. This can also be done for real estate, industry, maritime, leisure and greenhouse horticulture.” From that moment on, the platform began to develop from a tool to an infrastructure.

Further development is now being carried out by the Liqwith team, which has outsourced this to ByeleX. ‘We are working together on the next step. Liqwith’s FinTech knowledge provides the experience needed to further expand the platform.’ In parallel, Liqwith is working on access to the platform, governance and security.

“We have developed a model in which advisors can guide projects to the platform,” says De Bruin. “That’s important, because technology alone is not enough. You need people who structure and supervise projects.” At the moment, the initiative is in a phase in which the first projects are being prepared.

“The first project is now being prepared to be placed,” says De Bruin. “At the same time, we are in talks with various parties who want to join.”

What started as a question about digitization of a renovation demolition company grew into a platform that can connect multiple sectors.

According to De Bruin it actually is quite simple.“You start with a practical problem in your own company. And before you know it, you’re building something that will benefit many more parties.”

For more information, visit ValueExplorer.nl

Sergey Gafurov – Architect ByeleX

‘Working together with good people while solving complex problems is fun’

“Getting into software development came somewhat naturally to me. I think this is often where you end up if you genuinely enjoy creating computer programs and systems”


It all started in the late 1980s, when I was in middle school

‘I began by learning BASIC on a Yamaha MSX2 — a Japanese computer that was quite rare in schools in the USSR at that time. I later entered a school with specialized classes in physics and mathematics, and from there the next step was programming contests.’
Competitive programming turned out to be extremely addictive. Older friends and teachers taught Sergey mathematics and algorithms, and he eventually won several contests. As a result, Sergey was admitted to the Faculty of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at Belarusian State University without entrance exams.

‘University gives you a profession. Mine, at least officially, is “mathematician and systems programmer”. In this way, my fascination with mathematics and problem-solving naturally led me into the software development industry.’

In 2001, Sergey was recruited by one of his professors

This professor was involved in building an expert system for Byelex. His very first task? Implementing a new version of that system in Java, making it accessible via the internet.

ByeleX

After many years of collaboration, Sergey no longer thinks in terms of locations. ‘There is no ByeleX Netherlands team, and no ByeleX Eastern Europe team. It’s just one big team working from two offices.’ That mindset shows in how projects are approached: shared responsibility, open discussion and a strong sense of collective ownership.

Business trips to the Netherlands left their mark — though not necessarily in the expected ways. ‘Yes, Amsterdam came with a few “shocking moments,”’ but Sergey quickly dismisses that as uninteresting. What stayed with him instead are simpler impressions: the view from the plane while landing, the charm of smaller cities, and the friendliness of people. ‘It’s just a nice place to visit.’

Projects to be Proud of

Over the years Sergey worked on many projects he is proud of. One example is KCStreet for ArboNed. First committed in June 2007, it has grown into a large, complex software system that has evolved technologically — from Java 6, Java EE and EJB 2.1 to Java 17, Spring Boot and Docker. It represents the combined effort of many skilled engineers and has served the customer well for almost 18 years. It is the kind of project that quietly proves its value over time. ‘Not something I’d talk about at a party,’ he admits. ‘It’s simply too serious — and maybe a bit boring.’

‘From the opposite side of the spectrum, yet another project I am proud of — and one that was much more fun — was a GPU miner application.’ This was a short project back in 2014. At the time, AMD GPUs clearly dominated GPU mining. Sergey knew nothing about the topic and was puzzled why NVIDIA was losing this competition. He taught himself GPU programming in C/C++ and NVIDIA CUDA and implemented the mining calculations in Java with standard cryptography library. Using reverse-engineered algorithms he managed to built a working miner from scratch. It never beat AMD-optimized implementations — but it did answer the why. And for Sergey, that made it worthwhile.

A Project can not be Complex enough

‘I have heard from a professor who studies human’s brain, that people need a challenging problem to solve. This is true, at least for me.’ Challenging problems stimulate the brain — even if they come with stress. Complex problems are best solved when there is somebody to discuss such a problem with. Quite often a good solution is a mutual effort which eventually ends in a successful implementation.

So, all in all – working together with good people while solving complex problems and then watching how the new software is working is fun.

Current Projects

Sergey is currently involved in multiple projects, including Byecoin, which recently delivered some satisfying engineering challenges. And beyond that? He hopes for something even more complex. ‘So let’s see, fingers crossed.’

Personal Life

‘I’ve been married once, for 29 years now. My wife is pretty much the same kind of workaholic as I am, so in that sense we’re a perfect match. I exercise regularly, usually about five times a week. In the past it was martial arts, but that turned out not to be the healthiest kind of physical activity — at least for me. These days I swim and do some cardio training. I can’t say I enjoy it very much. This is especially true on Friday evenings, when the TV and sofa look like a much better choice while I’m on my way to the swimming pool. But it feels good afterwards, and it helps me cope with stress. So I try to keep it up and think of it as a kind of maintenance procedure.

I don’t really have a hobby in the traditional sense — for me, hobbies tend to turn into projects. For example, my current project is building a device for the heating system in my house. It involves embedded programming for microcontrollers in Rust (bare-metal, self-written firmware), some soldering, and digging into schematics, datasheets, and OpenTherm protocol specifications. Although it sounds very technical, it’s a completely new area for me — and that’s what makes it fun.’

Life beyond Tech?

‘With a bit of quick thinking, I can imagine some options outside of programming and IT, but they would still fall under the broader definition of “working in tech.” So let’s put it this way: I’d probably still be solving technical problems.’

Nifont Naumovich – R&D Director ByeleX Eastern Europe –

A life devoted to mathematics, technology and collaboration

‘I probably would have ended up a techie anyway’

From mathematics to software development

Nifont’s love of numbers and logic was instilled in him from an early age. ‘My parents were both mathematics professors and my grandfather was a schoolteacher. It was obvious to me that I would do something with mathematics.’

In 1974, he enrolled at the newly established Faculty of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science and graduated in 1979. Since Nifont was a good student, he was offered a job at the university as a lecturer in Mathematical Cybernetics. In 1993, he obtained his PhD after successfully defending his dissertation.

The road to ByeleX

During his academic career, Nifont wrote countless programmes — both for educational purposes and industrial applications. ‘IT was still in its infancy at the time, but I was fascinated by everything: programmes, algorithms, data structures.’ Around 1994, a chance encounter changed his career forever: ‘Through friends, I met Herman Vissia, who had come here from the Netherlands to explore business opportunities. That’s how our collaboration began — first informally, later with an official partner company in Eastern Europe. From that moment on we’ve been inseparable.’

Cross-border collaboration

Nifont is very enthusiastic about the collaboration with the Dutch team:
‘The challenging assignments we were given required all our knowledge and expertise. Everything was done professionally and with respect and sympathy.’

There is also a special atmosphere within his own team in Minsk: ‘Our people are not only excellent specialists with a university background, but also open and communicative. This creates a productive, pleasant working environment.’

An event that has stayed with him is a specially organized teambuilding event on Friday the 13th: ‘We went fishing for three days, 200 kilometres from the office — almost no internet, only telephones. But… we forgot to warn the Dutch team, and on that very day, software problems arose! It led to heated discussions, but also a lot of laughter afterwards. An educational adventure.’

Impressions of the Netherlands

During his visits to the Netherlands, Nifont was impressed by the organisation and infrastructure:

‘The order, the roads with sometimes as many as twenty lanes, the public transport, the shops — everything was well organised.’ Rotterdam, with its modern architecture and boat trips, made a lasting impression, as did walks through Amsterdam and a visit to the very big zoo. A visit to Willemstad with the client and Hermans’ forest house are also among his favourite memories.

Projects to be proud of

During his long career at ByeleX, Nifont worked on many projects, but a few stand out above the rest.
The Welplaat project was special: ‘for the first time, I felt that our software really meant something to people.’ Just like the project for Sorgeloos, which was built practically from scratch in a very short time. And of course ArboNed: ‘I devoted a large part of my life to that.’

For Nifont, a project is only truly successful if it combines creativity and usefulness:

‘The best moment is when something you’ve built from scratch works well and you see that people really need it.’

He is currently working on revamping a healthcare system with modern technologies and on a project to develop an AI chatbot. ‘There’s always plenty to do.:)’

Peace, family and fishing bliss

Outside of work, Nifont also knows what gives him energy. ‘To recharge my batteries, I like to go fishing in the Polesie region, where my father comes from. I find complete peace in nature, the rivers and the marshes.’ He also enjoys spending time with his two grandsons and watching football.

His family shares his passion for mathematics: ‘My wife is also a mathematician, so our children didn’t have much choice — they both became programmers.They work with me, and to be honest, they already know more than I do. I’m proud of that.’

A life of dedication

If he hadn’t ended up in IT, Nifont thinks he might have become a biologist, writer or professional sports coach.

‘Things turned out the way they were meant to. I have devoted my life to IT, and a large, wonderful part of that is my collaboration with ByeleX.’

Mirjam Schouten, Digital Designer ByeleX

‘The magic of bringing a concept to life continues to inspire me‘

My role at ByeleX

I have been working at ByeleX since 2007, where I started as a junior Graphic Designer and have since progressed to Digital Designer. My work is varied: I design and optimise websites (mainly in WordPress) and applications using tools such as Figma, and I also create offline designs such as posters, flyers and banners. It remains special to see something grow from an idea to a tangible result.

What drives me is how I have continued to grow over the years. When I started, I never imagined I would enjoy working here for so long. That is mainly due to the wonderful team — colleagues who not only make the work enjoyable, but also inspiring and supportive.

I am proud that I remain curious about new technologies, such as the rise of AI. Where will this take us? Maybe we will soon be working with holographic interfaces!
That future intrigues me, and I like to think about how design plays a role in it.

I continue to challenge myself by exploring new tools and investigating how technology can contribute to meaningful designs. Developing applications in particular gives me a lot of satisfaction: creating something that didn’t exist before and bringing it to life for the end user. That’s the best part of my job.

Challenges and ambitions

Over the years, I have grown from an executive designer to someone who independently leads projects, contributes ideas to concepts, and bridges the gap between technology and design. In the future, I want to continue developing at the intersection of design and technology and to translate ideas into strong digital products.

The magic of bringing a concept to life continues to inspire me.

Leisure time and passions

In my spare time, I like to be active. Dancing is my outlet — it relaxes me, gives me energy, and allows me to be creative, for example by coming up with choreographies. I also enjoy participating in social activities, such as carnival. Every year, we join in with great enthusiasm and enjoy dressing up.

Personal life

The most important thing in my life is my family. I am grateful for the warm, loving home we have together. It gives me peace, balance and strength — something I carry with me in everything I do, both privately and professionally.

Education:

  • HKU (Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht)
  • Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam

Clair Wermers about a MiCAR licence for Byecoin

Clair Wermers – 2nd Lawyer CMS – shares her experiences

As a result of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), many parties offering services related to cryptocurrencies in the Netherlands must apply for a licence from the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. MiCAR is a European regulation, which means that, in principle, the same rules apply in all European countries.

The Netherlands got off to a flying start: the Financial Markets Authority was one of the first regulators in Europe where you could already start the application process online.

However, it is an intensive process; a lot of detailed information about the business processes and organisational structure must be provided. In practice, the rules surrounding the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) — also a European regulation designed to provide greater cyber and ICT protection — often prove to be a stumbling block for parties involved in the application process. In addition, there are far-reaching information obligations under the money laundering rules. It is a puzzle to figure out how parties can comply with these within the possibilities available to them.

Byecoin’s services are unique in that no other party in the Netherlands offers these services and has obtained a licence from the Financial Markets Authority for this purpose.

The Byecoin team is very pragmatic and hands-on, which makes working with them a pleasure. They think in terms of possibilities, and their non-legal perspective is often very enlightening for me. It is also positive that they are willing to discuss certain outstanding issues with the Financial Markets Authority and open them up for debate. That keeps all parties on their toes. Given Byecoin’s unique offering, there are qualifying questions that are worth discussing.

I also find this approach very interesting on a personal level.

I have been a solicitor at CMS for almost twenty years. I advise regulated parties such as funds and brokers on licence applications and ongoing supervision. I also assist these parties in takeover processes or financing rounds. I find developments in the field of tokenisation very exciting.

In recent years, a huge number of rules have been added.

Many new and existing products and services have come under supervision. This often presents market parties with an enormous challenge. It is always a matter of searching for practical applications that are workable. Fortunately, there are often legal possibilities to implement plans within the framework. When that succeeds, it is very satisfying.

  • Note: Byecoin is aiming for a MiCAR licence. We will keep you informed!

From the archives: Storgrid – Secure File Sharing for Modern Organizations

More and more companies are allowing employees to use their own devices, or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). This is convenient, but it entails risks: sensitive company data can be leaked more easily.

Frequent use of popular apps such as Dropbox and Google Drive are easy to use, but not secure enough for companies. They offer little control over where files are located and who can access them. This is especially worrisome now that more and more people are working mobile.

After thorough market research, ByeleX became clear that the mobility of flexible working in combination with BYOD came with significant risks.

That’s why she developed Storgrid: a powerful Enterprise File Sync & Share (EFSS) solution that combines security, control and ease of use.

Storgrid offers a secure file sharing and synchronization solution for organizations that want to stay in control of their data. It’s a flexible solution for enterprise file sharing, combining ease of use with tight security.

Key benefits:

  • Strong security: Data is encrypted and can be wiped remotely.
  • Flexible installation: Works on your own servers, in the cloud or a combination thereof.
  • Full control for IT: IT teams control who has access and keep track of everything through logs.
  • Mobile working: Employees can work securely from any device.
  • Scalable and affordable: Adapts to the size of the business without high fees.

What makes Storgrid unique?

  • No dependence on one supplier.
  • Works with existing IT systems.
  • Focus on safety and compliance.
  • Supports open standards for easy collaboration.

At ByeleX, everything revolves around smart innovation. Based on Storgrid’s innovation, ByeleX has developed next-generation encryption that is both future-proof and quantum-proof.

About Storgrid….

Anton Zaleski, Director of ByeleX Eastern Europe

Career & Background

My parents were software developers, and one of the first students of the Faculty of Applied Mathematics. During my schoolyears my interest in programming grew and I also decided to study Applied Mathematics. My speciality was financial mathematics in which we study actuarial mathematics and models of financial markets. This has helped me a lot in understanding the customer needs during our projects.

In 1997, when I was a 3rd course student, my programming teacher proposed me a job with ByeleX, a small software company. I was happy to start as a Lotus Notes developer and became a member of the EQS team, one the greatest products in ByeleX early years.

From Developer to Director of Byelex Eastern Europe

Company leadership was never my goal but step by step I got more involved in different ByeleX projects and administration tasks. I had also built a good relationship will the colleagues of ByeleX. So, when I got the proposal to become a director, it seemed the natural thing to do. I accepted the challenge.

Team Experience

Nowadays I work with most of my Dutch colleagues for a very long time. From the very start I realised that we have a lot of things in common. I especially like the way in which they find the balance between work and private live. Our families are very important, but when needed everyone is 24/7 available.

When I started at ByeleX we had a small team without strict hierarchy but based on mutual respect and responsibility. I liked this atmosphere a lot and am doing my best to maintain this.

Visiting the Netherlands

In restaurants and shops I experienced the friendly communication between visitors and staff etc. and gradually became acquainted with the Dutch people.

Several times my Dutch colleagues invited me at their homes for dinner. It was memorable: the hospitality, the traditions, and home food of course. It surprised me that the traditional Dutch kitchen has almost the same ingredients as ours (meat, potato, certain vegetables), but the flavours are different.

Projects & Work

There is not a special project that stood out for me, I am proud of all projects we did in ByeleX. Every project is teamwork.

I especially like it when we can try new tools or technologies in a project. Fortunately, in software development that happens quite often. Sometimes that can be a new framework or just a new version of the library.

Another point which gives me extra energy is the experience that our software is really helping customers to perform better.

Liqwith Plaza Project

We are now working on the Liqwith Plaza project. It is based on several years of experiments and two previous production-tested versions of the product. It has quite a complex structure, so there is a lot of development work involved. On the other hand we face the challenge to keep it user-friendly for the customers. I really believe that this product has a lot of potential.

Personal Life

I have a wife and two sons of 20 and 13 years old. My eldest son is musician, playing the contrabass. And my youngest is actively finding his way in this world. I am happy to support him in this and learn different things from guitar playing to crypto-currency trading together.

I can’t say that I have a specific hobby; maybe my profession gives me enough interest and fulfilment. I do like swimming. Several years ago, I obtained a diving license and now on vacations I am always looking for a possibility to dive.

There is a phrase “A man must plant a tree, build a house, and raise a son”. Fortunately, I already did all of it. Now I do the work I like as good as I can.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t working in IT?

I hardly imagine myself without IT. I like to watch how big construction machines work. Maybe I would become an operator of such a machine.

The Top Challenges Facing SaaS Companies Today

Grant & Graham, July 2024

In the dynamic world of Software as a Service (SaaS), companies are continuously pushing the envelope to stay ahead. As the market evolves, so do the challenges that these tech pioneers face. Here’s an in-depth look at the pressing issues confronting SaaS companies and the innovative strategies they are deploying to navigate these turbulent waters.

1. Market Saturation: Standing Out in a Crowded Field

The SaaS market has exploded with a abundance of offerings, making differentiation a critical survival tactic. Companies are no longer just competing on features but on customer experience, niche targeting, and unique value propositions.

Strategy: Personalization and niche marketing. By tailoring their services to specific industries or business needs, SaaS companies can carve out a dedicated customer base. Tools like AI and machine learning help in providing personalized user experiences, making customers feel valued and catered to.

2. Economic Uncertainty: The Budget Battle

Economic downturns or fluctuations create budgetary constraints for businesses worldwide. SaaS companies often find themselves at the mercy of tightened corporate budgets, leading to reduced spending on subscriptions.

Strategy: Flexible pricing models. Offering scalable pricing, pay-as-you-go plans, or freemium models can attract budget-conscious customers while maintaining a steady revenue stream.

3. Data Privacy and Security

With the rise of data breaches and stringent regulations like GDPR, data privacy and security have become paramount. Compliance is not just a legal obligation but a trust-building factor with customers.

Strategy: Enhanced security protocols and transparent data policies. Investing in robust encryption, regular security audits, and clear communication about data handling practices reassures customers of their data’s safety.

4. Customer Expectations

Today’s customers demand seamless, intuitive, and reliable services. The bar is set high, and SaaS companies must constantly innovate to meet and exceed these expectations.

Strategy: Continuous improvement and user feedback loops. Implementing agile development practices allows for rapid iterations and enhancements based on direct user feedback, ensuring the product evolves in line with customer needs.

5. Technological Advancements: Staying Up-to-date

The tech landscape is ever-changing, and SaaS companies must stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant. Emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT offer new opportunities but also require substantial investment and expertise.

Strategy: Strategic partnerships and R&D. Collaborating with tech innovators and investing in research and development can help companies integrate cutting-edge technologies into their offerings without bearing all the risks alone.

6. Scalability and Infrastructure

As user bases grow, so do the demands on infrastructure. Ensuring the platform can scale seamlessly while maintaining performance and reliability is a significant challenge.

Strategy: Cloud-based solutions and microservices architecture. Utilizing cloud infrastructure and designing with microservices can enhance scalability and flexibility, allowing for smooth expansion and better resource management.

7. Talent Acquisition and Retention

Finding and keeping top-tier talent is a relentless challenge, especially in the tech industry. The competition for skilled developers, engineers, and other key personnel is fierce.

Strategy: Cultivating a strong company culture and offering remote work options. A positive, inclusive work environment and the flexibility of remote work can attract top talent. Additionally, continuous learning opportunities and clear career progression paths can help retain employees.

8. Revenue and Profitability

Achieving sustainable growth while maintaining profitability is a tightrope walk. The recurring revenue model presents unique challenges in managing churn and ensuring steady cash flow.

Strategy: Customer success programs and upselling. By focusing on customer success, companies can reduce churn and identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, thereby increasing customer lifetime value.

9. Global Expansion

Entering new markets brings the promise of growth but also the complexity of localization and regulatory compliance.

Strategy: Local partnerships and tailored strategies. Partnering with local businesses can provide valuable market insights and smoother entry. Adapting marketing strategies to align with local cultures and business practices is also crucial for success.

10. Environmental and Social Governance (ESG)

SaaS companies are increasingly expected to adopt sustainable practices and demonstrate social responsibility. Stakeholders are demanding transparency in ESG efforts, influencing brand perception and loyalty.

Strategy: Integrating ESG into the core business strategy. Companies can set measurable ESG goals and regularly report on progress. Initiatives like reducing carbon footprints, promoting diversity and inclusion, and engaging in community projects can enhance brand reputation and customer trust.

Embracing the Future: Be Ready

The challenges facing SaaS companies today are formidable, but they also present opportunities for growth and innovation. By embracing flexible strategies, focusing on customer-centric development, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, SaaS companies can not only survive but thrive in this competitive landscape.

In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to adapt and innovate will distinguish the leaders from the followers. The future of SaaS is bright for those who dare to navigate the storm with agility and vision.

Building the future together of renovation demolition

The lasting alliance between RAZE and ByeleX

The partnership between RAZE Renovationsloop and ByeleX is one of long standing, rooted in trust, respect, technical expertise and a shared belief in the need for progress. What began as a personal connection between Barry de Bruin, founder of RAZE Renovationsloop, and Herman Vissia, founder of ByeleX, has grown into a partnership in which vision and technology continuously reinforce each other.

Barry and Herman met 15 years ago. The click was there immediately: shared values, a passion for smart solutions and the ability to look beyond technology alone. What connected them then – ingenuity, pragmatism and mutual respect – is still the basis of their collaboration, now in a different context, with new goals and on a larger scale.

From renovation demolition company to digital ecosystem

RAZE is not a traditional renovation demolition company. From the heart of the circular economy and the need to work differently, Raze is transitioning into a franchise organisation with (for now) 12 regional partners, each with their own market, but with one common ambition: to make renovation demolition smarter, safer and more transparent. Not just by working harder, but mainly by working smarter, with technology as a catalyst.

In collaboration with ByeleX, RAZE has developed a range of digital tools that are transforming the industry. Consider the ‘Time2Calculate’ system, in which customers can instantly submit photos and details of their project via an app. Developed in close coordination with people on the shop floor, the software automatically calculates the total price of a project, according to location, type of material and risk. Within no time, the customer receives a complete project proposal, including budget and planning and waste specification.

Time registration that fits, and invoicing

With the ‘Time2Invoice’ system, RAZE goes one step further in digitising the chain. This smart solution links work performed directly to the calculation model and provides real-time insight into which hours have been spent where. The registered data then automatically form the basis for invoicing, tailored to the specific agreements per project. No more loose notes, no more differences in interpretation, but a clear, conclusive system that simplifies both planning and financial processing. This not only increases RAZE’s reliability towards the customer, but also strengthens mutual trust between main contractors, subcontractors and regional partners.

The ByeleX team: the silent force behind the systems

In this process, ByeleX is much more than a Tech partner. The ByeleX team plays a crucial role as a strategic development partner, seamlessly connecting technical innovations to the operational reality of the demolition sector. The ByeleX team does not think in individual features, but in ecosystems that function under pressure, on site and within laws and regulations.

One of the unique qualities of the ByeleX team is that they know exactly how to make the link between technology and operations, actively thinking along with RAZE. At the same time, they ask sharp, critical questions to arrive at future-proof systems that are not only scalable, but also easy to expand. Thanks to this thorough approach, RAZE’s foundation is digitally robust and future-proof

Ambition: changing the standard

What RAZE and ByeleX show is that real innovation starts with people who trust and challenge each other. Who are not afraid to challenge existing systems and who understand that progress is never just a technical story, but also a human one.

If you would like to know more about RAZE, please contact Barry de Bruin at: info@123raze.nl or phone +31 615 538 563

In conversation with the client: Christiaan van der Ven, co-founder of Budlr, a social service provider

Budlr B.V. was founded in 2018. The company focuses on improving financial care for employees of companies and residents of municipalities through innovative technology and personal service.

Their mission is to lower the barriers to seeking help for financial problems. They provide a complete package to municipalities and employers who can benefit from financial support.

Since when has the collaboration with ByeleX existed?

We started in 2020. At the time of founding, we developed a prototype ourselves, and about two years later, we began redeveloping the platform. That’s when ByeleX got involved. Thanks to Roel Wolfert, a cousin of a co-founder, we connected with ByeleX. The question was whether we wanted to hire developers or opt for a different model. ByeleX had the knowledge and expertise and had previously entered similar collaborations, where they share in the success. That’s what we were looking for when building a scalable SaaS platform. It provides peace of mind to have a strong team behind you that can act quickly, think along, and has all the necessary expertise.

For those who don’t yet know you, what exactly do you do?

Budlr is a digital platform that provides financial support for people experiencing financial stress. In collaboration with municipalities and employers, we help residents and employees manage their financial concerns, such as wage garnishment or problematic debts. Through the Budlr platform, they gain insight into their situation and receive direct assistance. If needed, we offer guidance through our coaches, whom we call Budlrs.

Budlr primarily works with employers in industries where the risk of financial stress is relatively high, such as cleaning and security. We also collaborate with partners like AON. ArboNed, a client of ByeleX, would, for example, fit well in this group. They use occupational physicians to proactively assess the health of their clients’ employees and address issues if necessary. Adding follow-up care for employees with financial stress would align well with that.

With today’s skyrocketing prices, more people are facing financial problems. An opportunity for Budlr?

Absolutely, more and more employers are dealing with this. Of the total working population, 47% of employees (approximately 4,500,000 workers) are in a financially vulnerable situation. This group experiences stress or physical complaints, which can lead to reduced productivity or higher absenteeism. We work closely with employers and municipalities to offer support to this group. The package is easy to use; users don’t need to arrange anything themselves—our Budlrs take care of that. However, there are still mental barriers; some employees hesitate to disclose their problems to their employer due to shame.

How does Budlr experience the collaboration with ByeleX?

There were some challenges at the start, and the collaboration now runs very smoothly, and ByeleX is a valuable extension of our product development. We understand each other well, and our issues are addressed effectively. This creates stability and peace of mind, which is also beneficial for our clients.

Privacy

Budlr is also satisfied with privacy matters. ByeleX takes a critical approach to its setup. Naturally, all the data we collect is securely protected and only accessible to the employee, resident, or the support worker.

How did you come up with the idea to start Budlr?

We noticed that financial care services, especially during the onboarding phase, left much to be desired. There was a lot of paperwork, bureaucracy, and multiple contact points. We thought, “There is an easier way to do this.” As entrepreneurs, we find it rewarding to combine a healthy business model with social impact.

ByeleX considers this a great initiative that shows successful entrepreneurship and societal value can go hand in hand.

For more information about Budlr., contact Christiaan van der Ven at: christiaan@budlr.nl or tel. +31 651 090 756.