While our roots are firmly planted in Belgium, we collaborate with many international clients and we've grown into a truly European company with thriving studios in Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Bucharest. Despite the distance between our offices, we've cultivated a unified company culture that feels like home, no matter which studio you're in.

We recently had a chat with our Amsterdam-based team: Angelique Plugge, our country lead, and Wouter Holten, our senior business developer. They spilled the beans about the company culture, how they cross-collaborate, and what makes In The Pocket such an encouraging and — irresistible — place to work.

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Paint us a picture of the ITP Amsterdam studio. What's the vibe like?

Angelique: Our Amsterdam studio is truly special. We're located right behind the Dam Square, in the heart of the city. It's a co-working space with a laid-back vibe – lots of plants, very relaxed, but in a good way. It really captures our spirit as a company.

Wouter: There's a lot of autonomy and room for entrepreneurship, which is crucial as we expand into the Dutch market and grow our international presence.

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It is only a three-hour drive from Amsterdam to Ghent, making it easy to visit Belgium HQ. How often do you stay connected with the crew in Belgium?

Wouter: Despite being in different countries, we work as one cohesive unit. I am in Belgium once every two weeks, sometimes for a day in Antwerp or two days in Ghent. The distance isn't an issue at all.

Angelique: We also attend social events and company gatherings in Belgium as much as possible! I try to spend at least four days a month in Belgium, combined with recurring in-person meetings. For instance, this week, I'm in Antwerp for meetings and lunch with colleagues, and on Friday, I'll be in Ghent for our quarterly meeting and summer drinks. It's important to build and maintain personal relationships across the organisation.

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Let's talk about biz dev…What sets In The Pocket apart when it comes to sales approach?

Angelique: Our sales and marketing team is very mature and strategic in our approach but also very autonomous, with enough space to experiment.

Wouter: We focus on long-term relationships with our clients. It's not about quick wins or one-size-fits-all. We're looking to build lasting partnerships with premium brands, always focused on bringing value with exceptional results.

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That's very important! Being innovative comes with a curious mindset. How does ITP help you sharpen old skills and develop new ones?

Angelique: We invest heavily in the development of our people. Time and budget are allocated for learning new skills and technologies. We encourage each other to explore and experiment with the latest digital developments. 

Wouter: Absolutely. We're always on the lookout for new technologies. For example, we're already working on projects with Apple Vision Pro - even though it hasn’t been available on the market in the Netherlands and Belgium yet. That's the level of bleeding-edge tech we engage with. If there's a new tool or AI development, we invest time and resources to explore it. We're often among the first to bring it to market if it proves valuable.

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How would you describe the company culture at In The Pocket? 

Wouter: We're essentially a bunch of tech nerds who love what we do. We work with big companies on complex technological challenges – we're playing in the Champions League, so to speak.

Angelique: But it's not all work: we work and play hard. We have a strong focus on social activities, too. From our regular Friday drinks to larger events and team trips, there are plenty of opportunities to connect outside work.

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In your opinion, what makes In The Pocket unique regarding HR initiatives and keeping the team happy?

Angelique: It's quite remarkable. At company events, I often meet people who've been with In The Pocket for a decade or more. That's unusual in the tech industry, especially among younger talent. I believe our people-first culture, autonomous approach to work, and curiosity about new technology is the ideal combination that keeps everyone engaged and motivated to grow - individually and as a team.

Wouter: I think it's because we offer a combination of challenging work and a great environment. People here constantly learn and grow, but they're also part of a close-knit team.

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Walk us through how you tackle a new project. What's the secret recipe?

Wouter: It usually starts with a meeting, often through our network or at an event. We try to understand the client's needs and spot opportunities where we can add value. Then we bring in experts from our team – maybe a UX designer or a specific tech specialist.

Angelique: We approach the challenges of our clients with a multidisciplinary view that combines user, tech, and business goals. We also challenge our clients in this way to sharpen their needs. 

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What kind of projects and initiatives have you been working on, and who are some of your key clients?

Angelique: We continue to expand our footprint in the European market through our Dutch Studio, combining innovative tech projects with thought leadership initiatives. Next to working for clients, we regularly bring together leaders in digital exchange during roundtable events on topics like (generative) AI, digital strategy, and digital transformation.

Wouter: Our clients are notable organisations like TP Vision and North Sea Port. These partnerships demonstrate our commitment to driving digital across diverse sectors.

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Any final thoughts for potential team members? 

Angelique: If you're passionate about technology and want to work in an environment that focuses on the latest digital developments and provides great work-life balance, In The Pocket could be the perfect fit. We're growing our team in the Netherlands, and we’re looking for people who share our enthusiasm for game-changing tech and collaborative work. Our focus is on AI, as it's a truly transformative force in the digital landscape. We're dedicated to helping clients leverage AI in their strategy, product, and platform development.

Wouter: Absolutely. It's an exciting time to join us. You'll be working with some of the brightest minds in the industry on projects that are shaping the future of technology. And you'll be doing it in a supportive, dynamic environment that truly values its people.

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As In The Pocket continues to grow and expand its European footprint, we're always looking for passionate individuals to join our journey. If you're passionate about the sweet spot of bringing together the needs of users, the latest in tech and business value creation and want to work in an environment that values taking the initiative and collaborating to grow together, we’d love to have a chat with you!

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