An in-depth interview with Eric-Jan van Alten
A few weeks ago, founder Wouter Brokx handed IMAGEM the day-to-day management of IMAGEM to Eric-Jan van Alten (link). Eric-Jan has since taken on the role of CEO and has gained his first impressions. With over fifteen years of experience in scaling organizations and products, he brings new energy and a fresh perspective. But who is he, really? What drives him? And how does he view IMAGEM future? In an open conversation, he shares his initial experiences, his vision for sustainable growth, and the opportunities he sees for our (semi-)government clients.
Who is Eric-Jan?
At IMAGEM , he immediately IMAGEM a connection to the mission and mindset: “Here, we’re working on major societal challenges, from climate adaptation to mobility and safety. I’m eager to play an active role in that.”
“My name is Eric-Jan van Alten. I’m someone who gets a real kick out of building something that makes a difference,” says Eric-Jan. “I’ve been an entrepreneur since 2008. Making organizations scalable, helping people grow, and working together to take products to the next level—that’s what I love doing most.”
Why IMAGEM?
For Eric-Jan, social relevance and sustainable growth are what matter most. “The value of geoinformation is enormous. Putting data literally on the map helps governments make faster, better, and more informed decisions on issues related to land use planning, climate adaptation, housing, mobility, and safety. If we can speed up decision-making by weeks or even months, you not only save money, but you also make a real difference in people’s living environments.”
What was the first thing that struck you during those first few weeks?
“I was given a warm welcome. What struck me right away was how friendly and dedicated the team is. The atmosphere is informal and open. You can tell that people here really want to work together.”
And yes, having fun is part of it: “We drink coffee together, have lunch in the beautiful upstairs area of our historic building in Apeldoorn, host get-togethers, and occasionally play a game of pool. Those informal moments are just as important for good teamwork.”
You often talk about “sustainable growth.” What exactly do you mean by that?
“For me, sustainable growth is all about balance. Growing without losing your culture or losing touch with your customers. In this regard, I focus primarily on three pillars:
- People come first. We invest in our employees through coaching, knowledge sharing, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Scalable processes. Clear goals, standardized delivery, and reusable components. This enables small teams to manage large projects.
- “Continuing to innovate. We consistently set aside resources for innovation, collaboration with schools, and pilot projects with organizations. Profit is not an end in itself, but rather the fuel that drives our ongoing innovation.”
Where are the opportunities for IMAGEM?
“In two areas. First, we want to accelerate data automation. Municipalities need to be able to go live in weeks, not months.”
“I also strongly believe in policy-aware digital twins Planspace. By visualizing scenarios—from construction plans to climate impacts—you provide policymakers and administrators with a solid foundation. This helps prevent decisions from being made based on gut feelings. You can see the impact of a measure even before any money is spent.”
Technology moves fast, but the government doesn't always keep up. How do you bridge that gap?
“These are very interesting times. It’s up to us, at IMAGEM, to ensure that rapid technological developments align with the enormous challenges our government faces every day.” Eric-Jan believes that the key lies in visualization and trust, and that is precisely where our strength lies. “Technology must be understandable. Show a council member exactly what a measure does on their street, and you’ll save time in the decision-making process—but also in implementation when other stakeholders are actively and timely involved.”
Can you give an example of direct customer value?
He refers to water authorities: “By combining satellite imagery with automated change detection, we can identify vegetation growth and overgrowth in waterways at an early stage. Maintenance can be proactive, inspections are faster, risks are reduced, and it ultimately costs less. This is how you translate high-tech into tangible benefits for citizens and the government.”
What can customers expect from you?
Eric-Jan likes to quote Simon Sinek: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” “When people are having fun, they’re willing to make mistakes and learn faster. You see that in the coffee corner, at the pool table, and in the project teams that go the extra mile. I believe that with IMAGEM , we IMAGEM help the government make faster decisions on the urgent issues surrounding our living environment.”
“And, above all, plenty of personal attention,” he adds. “I’m always open to a good conversation. Feel free to send me a message on LinkedIn or come talk to me at one of our events. Grab a cup of coffee—whether online or in person—and I’d love to hear about what you’re working on.”
Ready for the next step
With Eric-Jan van Alten at the helm, IMAGEM combines IMAGEM people-first culture with smart processes and innovative geotechnology. This enables us to help governments make faster, better, and more sustainable decisions. Curious about what that means for your organization, or just want to meet Eric-Jan? Schedule an appointment. We’ll have the coffee (and maybe even a pool table) ready for you.
