Our team
Innovation starts with people – meet our team.

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.
Spheer impressions






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
The co-founders work together on satellite-AI projects and discover their shared passion for combining AI and Earth observation.
Spheer is founded! We decide to join forces and focus fully on developing advanced AI solutions for satellite data.
After a strong start, we move from the Launch Cafe to our current office in the Westertoren—a new chapter for Spheer.
The development of the Spheer App begins: our platform for advanced satellite-AI monitoring.
We launch the alpha version of the Spheer App, with 8 major clients and over 90 users testing our technology in practice.
The App proves its value in daily operations, and more and more organizations are signing up!
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.
He gained experience in high-tech research during his PhD in Quantum Optics, and spent seven years as a team lead and product owner of various AI and software teams. Jakko is also a TEDx speaker and an algorithmic artist.

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 skills to 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.

Jordy de Lange
Data ScientistJordy 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 developerCarlos builds and improves the foundations of Spheer, ensuring our app remains fast and scalable under the hood.
He has several years of experience in software development at Kriptos and 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.

Ivo Steegstra
AI EngineerIvo develops AI models that become increasingly smarter and seamlessly connect to real-world applications.
His background in artificial intelligence and consultancy helps him quickly grasp complex challenges. In his free time, Ivo enjoys programming his own games, devouring books, or diving into a new hobby with enthusiasm.

Dirk Nederveen
Lead Full stack developerDirk leads the technical development of the Spheer App and ensures seamless integration between front- and backend.
With his broad experience in software development, he keeps the App robust and future-proof, while continuously working on new and smart features. In his spare time, he enjoys reading or heading out with his children and a tent.

Daniël Koster
Application specialistDaniël helps users get the most out of the Spheer App by developing use cases, providing training, and exploring new ways to apply the platform.
Fresh out of the Artificial Intelligence master’s program at the University of Groningen, he brings a new perspective and plenty of enthusiasm. Outside of work, he enjoys sports and playing board games, preferably with a good craft beer in hand.

Allia Neamt
Computer science internAllia researches how Spheer's foundation model compares to other models in the field and where it creates most value for our customers.
As a Master's student in Computer Science and a business and policy track, she combines technical depth with a sharp eye for the market. Exactly what's needed to position our model effectively. In her spare time, Allia loves to hit the dance floor.

Mees van Dijk
Frontend developerMees makes sure Spheer's technology not only looks great, but also feels intuitive and pleasant for our users.
As an experienced software engineer and technical lead, he knows better than anyone how to turn technical complexity into interfaces that simply work. In his spare time, Mees heads out into nature to go camping, plays guitar, or takes his motorbike out for a ride.

Jan van der Molen
Business Development RepresentativeJan connects the right organisations to Spheer and helps determine how our product best aligns with what the market needs.
He brings extensive experience in sales, marketing and product strategy, in both the Netherlands and the UK. When he's not with clients, Jan spends his time out and about with his girlfriend and dog, or can be found on a terrace with a cigar.
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

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.