About us

Our team

Innovation starts with people – meet our team.

A small team with a big mission

Satellite-AI that helps you tackle spatial challenges— anytime and anywhere.

Satellite data provides an unparalleled view of the Earth’s surface and offers insight into a wide range of spatial challenges. Our mission is to make this information accessible to everyone, to analyze it quickly and intelligently, and to make it usable in day-to-day operations in an intuitive way – so that organizations can better respond to the pressing spatial challenges of our time.

In short

Spheer is a young and ambitious tech company based in Groningen, the Netherlands, specializing in advanced AI technologies to solve spatial challenges. Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of what we do. We believe that AI is the key to bridging the gap between ever-growing Earth observation datasets and human decision-making.

We’re proud to be one of the first companies worldwide to not only train its own satellite foundation model, but also put it to real-world use. Through continuous innovation, we aim to increase our impact and contribute to the future of sustainable, data-driven spatial monitoring and management.

How we started

2017

The co-founders work together on satellite-AI projects and discover their shared passion for combining AI and Earth observation.

2021 

Spheer is founded! We decide to join forces and focus fully on developing advanced AI solutions for satellite data.

2022

After a strong start, we move from the Launch Cafe to our current office in the Westertoren—a new chapter for Spheer.

2023 

The development of Carto begins: our platform for advanced satellite-AI monitoring.

2024 

We launch the alpha version of Carto, with 8 major clients and over 90 users testing our technology in practice.

2025

Carto proves its value in daily operations, and more and more organizations are signing up!

We're growing

Our team

Our team consists of experts in artificial intelligence, software development, and product innovation. We work in an environment that encourages creativity and innovation. We combine deep technical expertise with a practical mindset to develop solutions that don’t just work technically, but truly add value for our users. We’re critical, empathetic, and love to laugh.

Jakko de Jong

Business Developer - 
Co-founder

Jakko is responsible for the long-term vision and strategy of Spheer.

Hij deed ervaring op met high tech onderzoek in zijn PhD in de Quantum Optics en was 7 jaar teamleider en product owner van verschillende AI- en software teams. Jakko is ook een TEDx-spreker en algoritmisch kunstenaar.

Dominique Cirkel

AI Specialist -
Co-founder

Dominique ensures Spheer’s AI technology aligns with user needs and keeps projects on track.

With experience as Lead Data Scientist at the Dutch Central Bank and as project manager for several large-scale events, she brings both technical expertise and organizational skillsto Spheer. In her free time, you’ll likely find Dominique in the bouldering gym.

Mark Boer

AI Engineer - 
Co-founder

Mark builds Spheer's AI models and teaches them to understand the Earth’s surface through satellite data. He also manages all cloud-based data processing.

Previously, Mark worked as Lead Data Engineer at Alliander, bringing critical infrastructure models into production. Outside of work, he is a hobby botanist and frequent Python conference speaker.

Mark de Wijk

AI Engineer -
Co-founder

Mark leads development of the Carto app. He ensures it works smoothly, feels intuitive, and that new features integrate seamlessly.

As a full stack developer, he previously worked on the FinTech app OpenPoen. Mark is a true polyglot, he reads Caesar in Latin, Dostoevsky in Russian, and Sun Tzu in Chinese.

Jordy de Lange

Data Scientist

Jordy focuses on improving Spheer’s AI models by combining advanced research with practical techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results.

With a master’s in Artificial Intelligence, he approaches problems methodically and delivers real-world solutions. In his free time, he plays racing simulators or bakes cakes for the team.

Carlos Brito

Full stack developer

Carlos helps build and maintain the backend systems that power Carto.

He has several years of experience in software development at Kriptos and is currently completing a master’s in Computer Science, specializing in software engineering and distributed systems. Outside of work, you’ll find him bouldering or relaxing with a video game.

What do we care about?

Our values

At Spheer, we believe in curiosity and proactivity: we encourage team members to share ideas, explore different perspectives, and collaborate to find the best solutions. Critical thinking, self-reflection, and open communication are essential to effectively tackle complex challenges.

Our company culture is friendly, relaxed, and authentic. We foster a working environment where people feel at home, can be themselves, and are constantly learning. We channel the team’s energy and talents into building positive, meaningful solutions that don’t yet exist—without waste, and with respect for the long term. Our team knows its strengths, and what we’re working toward: that’s how we keep innovating, growing, and pushing the boundaries of technology.

Innovation     Collaboration      Sustainability      Joy 
Critical Thinking       Openness      Freedom      Honesty

Join our team

Vacancies

Want to work in a dynamic, positive environment where you build cutting-edge technology that addresses real-world challenges? Check out our open positions and become part of our team!

No current opening? No problem! Send us an open application and tell us why you’d be a great addition to Spheer.