About me

One partner for
business and tech

I'm Mathijs. I help SMEs and scale-ups modernise ageing software, automate processes and grow their business with technology. Not a bill-by-the-hour developer, but a partner who takes responsibility for your product.

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Mathijs Oggel
Haarlem, NL freelance Laravel · Vue · AI available
the story

The story behind Oggel Codelabs

As a technical lead and bridge builder between business and IT, I've been helping companies bring structure to complexity for years. From strategy to implementation, I believe that software development is more than just writing code.

After more than five years as Lead Developer at one of the most innovative marketing production agencies in the Netherlands, where I developed two successful SaaS platforms from concept to scale-up, I founded Oggel Codelabs. My goal? To directly apply that experience for companies ready for their next growth step.

By working directly without intermediaries, we can switch quickly and deliver truly custom solutions. I bring not only technical expertise, but also the ability to speak your language and work together to find the best solution.

approach

Hired help or a technical partner?

A contracted developer or an agency solves a capacity problem. A technical partner takes responsibility for your product.

Analysis

Identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement

Prioritization

Focus on high-impact areas first

Implementation

Iterative development with rapid feedback

background

Experience that counts

From startup to scale-up, from prototype to production, my journey through various sectors has taught me what works

Oggel Codelabs

2025 - present

Founder

Oggel Codelabs

The next step: After successfully building two SaaS platforms and proving my value as a technical partner, it was time for the next challenge. Oggel Codelabs was born from the desire to make my expertise directly available to companies ready for growth.

Why independent? By working directly without intermediaries, I can switch faster and deliver truly custom work. I bring not only technical expertise, but also the ability to speak your language and work together to find the best solution.

Focus on impact: iteratively working on areas that deliver the greatest performance improvements

De Reclamefabriek

2019 - 2025

Lead Developer & Partner

De Reclamefabriek

Smart Content Creator: From prototype to profitable platform. This tool automates InDesign processes and makes content production 10x more efficient for brands. Grew from developer to Lead Developer and partner in two years.

Smart Content Manager (2022): Fully self-developed platform that now forms the core of the digital transformation at De Reclamefabriek. Increased efficiency for clients like bol.com, Aldi, Bauhaus, and Subway by more than 30%.

From concept to scale-up: both platforms have grown into crucial business drivers

CGI

2018 - 2019

Digital Aviation Consultant

CGI

Worked directly with KLM, Transavia, and Schiphol Group on innovative digital solutions. Developed a prototype app that uses machine learning to reduce food waste in the aviation industry.

Member of the "Avinovation" team, researching cutting-edge solutions for complex industry challenges.

VU Amsterdam

2016 - 2018

Web Developer KnowVU

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Developed the KnowVU platform, a faculty knowledge base for sharing educational innovations. Built bridges between technology and didactics by working closely with education experts.

PHP, Laravel, and WordPress formed the technical foundation for a scalable community where teachers exchange best practices.

2012 - 2014

Co-founder

Birdey Webdesign

First entrepreneurial adventure at age 16. From simple websites to complete narrowcasting platforms with Raspberry Pi's. A valuable learning experience that laid the foundation for my passion for development and entrepreneurship.

"Besides my work in tech, I was a competitive rower for years, a sport that taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. As a two-time National Champion, I know what it means to work together toward a goal and get the best out of yourself and your team."

roeien.nl

education

Academic background

VU Amsterdam

2014 - 2017

BSc Information Sciences

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

During my bachelor's in Information Sciences at VU, I learned the fundamentals of information systems, software development, and data analysis. The focus was on building bridges between IT and business: how do you translate business needs into technical solutions that truly add value?

VU Amsterdam

2017 - 2018

MSc Information Sciences

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

In the master's program, I deepened my knowledge at the intersection of technology and organization. I specialized in analyzing and optimizing business processes using IT, and guiding digital transformations.

This background is more relevant than ever: nowadays, almost all business processes are also IT processes. Through my studies, I learned not only to build technical solutions, but especially to bridge the gap between business and IT - a skill that is essential in today's digital world.

ready to start

Let's meet

Curious how we can help your business grow? Let's meet without obligation and discuss the possibilities.