We started Forgeon because we like solving technical problems — especially the ones where the answer isn't obvious yet. Between us we've worked as engineers, entrepreneurs, product developers and innovation managers, and that mix shows in how we work: we want to understand the wider system, we go into the technical detail when it matters, and we'd rather test an assumption early than discuss it indefinitely.
In practice, that comes down to a few convictions.
Analysis has value; so does a soldering iron. When an important assumption can be tested cheaply, we run the experiment instead of scheduling another meeting. Early prototypes can be ugly — they exist to produce information. And a proof-of-concept is not a product: first establish that the idea works, then engineer it properly.
We prefer systems that can be inspected, repaired and understood: open protocols, documented interfaces, no unnecessary abstraction. Complexity has a cost, and someone eventually has to debug it.
That also means avoiding lock-in by default. We prefer open standards, open-source software and infrastructure that stays under the control of the organisation using it — and we hold ourselves to the same standard; our own systems are set up to minimise dependence on large external platforms. Depending on a proprietary platform can be entirely reasonable, as long as it's a conscious choice. We don't treat openness as a religion.
Forgeon is deliberately small. Projects are led directly by experienced engineers and founders, communication lines are short, and the people discussing your problem are the ones making the technical decisions. For skills outside our own, we bring in the right specialist rather than building every discipline in-house. When outside expertise is needed we bring in a specialist, not a layer of management.
David Beijer.
David is an experienced founder and engineer, and has held roles from electrical engineer at Epyon developing fast chargers for EVs, to founder of utility-backed startup Peeeks that was active in grid balancing. At YES!Delft he lead the program that helped corporate partners and governments innovate, from strategic level all the way to MVP-level prototypes to solve operational problems.
In his spare time he reads hard SciFi, plays guitar in a band, and is on the board of the Delft Astronomical Association.
Contact: david@forgeon.nl
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Wouter Robers is The Validator. Wouter Robers helps with bringing sensible innovations to the market.
He can link technology experts, customers, investors, subsidies, and partners to build ideas even further.
Wouter has a background in energy, electricity, cleantech, automotive, 3D printing and the startup Ecosystem. Furthermore, Wouter is quick in understanding new techhologies and linking them to sensible applications.
Contact: wouter@forgeon.nl