Who drive software development forward at Epona
Meet the key players
A team of innovators
Epona is taking the future of its software extremely seriously – and to that end has recruited a top-notch team of developers to take charge. We spoke with Rik Vos, Rens Rijvers and Willem van Hooijdonk to get a behind-the-scenes look at the ambitious roadmap ahead of them. This is more than a team. It is a powerhouse of knowledge and collaboration. Their goal? To develop software that not only supports our clients, but inspires users to get the most out of legal work.
“We are really going to make the market look up from our software solutions in the coming years,” says Willem, the team’s strategist. “With the power of Microsoft behind us and our own team of innovators, we’re going to define what’s possible.”
Ticking off and developing
The new development team is leading major upgrades to Epona’s core products, including a complete move to cloud-based platforms and the integration of advanced AI capabilities. But beyond ticking off to-do lists, the team is focused on building software that is truly future-proof.
“It’s not enough to just keep up with the latest trends,” explains Rik, the technology guru of the bunch. “We need to get ahead of the troops and develop solutions that serve our customers for years to come. No rush jobs; we go for rock-solid stability and really good user experiences.”
At the helm is Willem. As team lead, he ensures a good balance between long-term vision and day-to-day execution. “My role is part coach, part nerd,” he laughs. “I have to keep the team focused on our big goals, which I do with Marco Dissel (CTO) and others, while also rolling up my sleeves to take care of the code to perfection.”
“Software should always be looking ahead,” says Willem. “Our focus is on stability and innovation, without trading one for the other. We work hard to build a foundation that allows us to constantly innovate, without losing sight of the basics.”
“We have the space here to deliver quality without shortcuts. That’s pretty rare in the tech world.”
Part of a bigger picture
Rens and Rik, along with Willem, form the core of this team, which works intensively with other specialists, including AI professionals Floris and Albert-Jan. Together they have developed a vision in which innovation and ease of use are central. “We want to develop software that no one ever gets annoyed by,” says Rens, with a smile. “The goal is that our products not only work well, but that they fit seamlessly with the expectations and needs of our users.” The ambition of this team is big: 2025 will be the year when the team wants to surprise the market with really cool stuff.
Rik adds: “We have the space here to deliver quality without shortcuts. That’s pretty rare in the tech world. We get the chance to figure out and test everything thoroughly, so that our software is both efficient and reliable.” Together, the men want to ensure that every new development has a positive impact on Epona’s users.
“We are not a loose group of developers; we are a close-knit unit with a shared passion for what we do.”
Raising the bar together
The three protagonists draw energy from each other’s enthusiasm, constantly challenging each other to raise the bar. “We are not a loose group of developers; we are a close-knit unit with a shared passion for what we do,” said Rens. “And we certainly don’t shy away from having a little fun along the way.”
Whether it’s Rik’s penchant for tinkering with microcontrollers, Rens’ hobby in game design or William’s drumming talent, the team finds ways to stay motivated and inspired.
“Ultimately, we are here to create something special,” says Rik. “And with this team, I’m sure we’re going to make that happen.”
Collaboration with the AI team
At Epona, we are heavily committed to working with Microsoft. With the introduction of new features in Epona 365 Web and ContactManager version 3, the team ensures that our software stays in tune with the latest technologies. Floris and Albert-Jan, our AI experts, are working on tools that help users save time and be more productive, such as data anonymization and document summaries. “AI offers us incredible opportunities to optimize work processes,” says Willem. “Integrating these technologies not only strengthens the functionality of our software, but also makes it future-proof.”
For more details on AI developments and Floris’ vision, please refer to his article he wrote recently
Software to trust blindly
A big advantage of our development team is that it works internally, working closely with our support and consulting team. “We have direct contact with the people who use our software on a daily basis,” says Rens. “That gives us the ability to move quickly and respond to feedback. Instead of a detached, wait-and-see attitude, we have a hands-on approach: we address problems as soon as they arise, and that is reflected in the quality of our software.”
The software continues to be developed with input from various departments and users, making it a perfect fit for day-to-day operations. Willem describes it as a constant process of improvement and refinement. “We work not only on the ‘front end’ of the software, but also on the back end. Our systems must remain stable under all circumstances, so that our users can fully rely on them.”
Guilty pleasures and the workplace atmosphere
Although Epona’s development team is always focused on innovation and growth, she also makes sure to keep the atmosphere on the shop floor light and cozy. Rens, for example, likes to think out loud – sometimes so intensely that he disappears completely into his own world. Colleague Rik has a different approach: when he stops laughing, his colleagues know that something serious is going on!
And music? It plays an indispensable role during their working days. The sound bar turns on, and whether it’s the latest hits or a song from the Top 2000, everyone contributes to the work playlist – even if their tastes don’t always align. “It makes for a good balance,” Rik says with a laugh. “Music helps us focus.”
Basis for continued growth
With this team on board, Epona has a solid foundation to continue to grow and remain a leader in the legal tech sector. “We want our software to be innovative and stable,” says Willem. In the coming years, the team will focus on migrating to Epona 365 Web, further developing AI functionalities and strengthening our collaboration with Microsoft.
This team does not just build software – it lays the foundation for Epona’s future and ensures that we are ready for tomorrow’s challenges. “Our goal is to exceed market expectations,” says Rik. “With this ambition and our drive, we are going to show what we can really do in 2025.” Epona is betting on the best developers to maintain an edge. That’s why we have assembled a strong, ambitious development team with a mission: to not only keep Epona relevant, but to make it a leader in the market.
Meet the Masterminds
Personal interviews with our developers
In addition to this team portrait, we also dive into the personal stories and motivations of our three core members. Meet the people behind the code in our “Meet the Masterminds” series: three short interviews in which Rik, Willem and Rens talk about their work, their ambitions, and their personal passions.
Team lead and strategic thinker
Willem van Hooijdonk
Willem van Hooijdonk is not just another team leader, he is the linchpin that keeps the team positively together. With his coaching attitude, he creates a dynamic, inspiring work environment in which everyone can develop.
“I’m a nerd, not a manager,” Willem says with a laugh. “My role is mainly to provide structure and direction without limiting the creativity of the team. We work together on a roadmap that helps us constantly innovate and improve our software.” Willem is a fan of AI and cloud transformation and sees these as essential pillars for Epona’s future. “We are constantly working to future-proof the software, and that requires a strong foundation and an eye on the future.”
Willem is also active and involved outside of work. He promotes social activities and makes sure the team gets outside regularly. “I myself am an avid runner and thrillers are my favorite vacation literature. I love photography, except nature photography. Waiting for birds in nature is nothing to me; I like progress, on all fronts.”
Innovator with an eye for detail
Rens Rijvers
Rens Rijvers is a developer with a great passion for optimization and user experience. His goal? To develop software that not only works well, but makes users genuinely happy. “The best compliment is when a user doesn’t notice that the software is there – it just works.”
Rens is closely involved in the development of our web applications, which are still in their infancy. “The web version is relatively new, but we as a team have the ambition to make something very special out of this,” he says with determination. For Rens, the biggest challenge is to set up architecture that will stand the test of time. “You can really only create software if you can see into the future, and that makes it exciting.”
Besides work, Rens finds time for his hobby: game design. “I find it interesting how people react to certain elements in games, and I try to apply that in my work.” After a long working day, you can find him in the gym for some serious strength training. For him, the perfect balance between rest and effort.
Perfectionist and quality controller
Rik Vos
A perfectionist at heart, Rik Vos is determined to develop software that works flawlessly. “I like working in an environment where we are given the time to deliver quality,” he says. “In other companies everything has to be done quickly, but here we take the time to work everything out to perfection.” Rik is always working on new technologies and looking for ways to make the software more efficient and user-friendly.
Rik works closely with the support team, allowing him to move quickly when problems arise. “It’s nice that our support department literally sits next to us; that way we can process feedback and improve immediately,” he explains. Outside of work, Rik enjoys tinkering with microcontrollers and electronic gadgets.
“I love technology in all forms, and like to work on small, smart solutions that make life just a little bit easier.” In his free time, Rik recently picked up basketball again. And a long-distance hike – but a really long one – is also on his bucket list. Oh yes, and living together with his girlfriend.