Built by engineers, for engineers
We are not recruiters who learned tech jargon. We are engineers who lived the problem and decided to fix it.
A shared frustration, turned into a company
It started with Guus, an engineer who became a lead and found himself struggling to hire good people through traditional staffing agencies. Talented engineers were either scooped up straight from university or stuck in large organizations where they were treated as numbers. When he shared this frustration with Inan, Sander, and Kenan, they recognized the same pattern from their own careers. Together, we decided the industry needed a different approach. InitLabs was born from a shared belief: IT professionals are pioneers, not headcount. Find them properly, match them on skills, and treat them like the experts they are.
Engineers first
We have been in the trenches ourselves. We know what good engineering looks like and what it takes to find the right people.
Seen both sides
As engineers and leaders, we hired through big agencies. As founders, we built something better.
For pioneers, not numbers
InitLabs exists for the engineers who think differently. The ones big companies overlook or undervalue.
The people behind InitLabs
One founder and three partners with a shared conviction: IT staffing should be about skills, not labels.
Guus Langelaar
Founder & CEO
"I built InitLabs because I saw great engineers stuck in organizations that treated them as headcount. They deserve to be seen for what they can actually build."
Inan Ates
Partner & COO
"The best teams are built on trust and skill, not on what title someone had at their last job."
Sander Bergman
Partner & CTO
"Transparency is not a selling point for us. It is just how we do business."
Kenan Saracevic
Partner & CRO
"Great professionals want to work on projects that challenge them. Our job is to make that connection happen."
How we operate
Direct communication, always
No corporate layers. When you work with us, you talk to the person making decisions. Feedback is fast, honest, and actionable.
We say no when the fit is not right
If we do not have the right person for your project, we tell you. No filler candidates, no wasted interviews. Quality over volume.
Every decision is reversible
We do not lock you in with contracts or penalties. If something is not working, we fix it or you walk away. Simple as that.
Transparency is not a feature, it is the default
Our margins are open. Our process is documented. Our timelines are honest. You should never have to wonder what is going on.
Want to work with us?
Whether you are a company looking for talent or a professional looking for your next project, we would love to hear from you.