Key Takeaways

• Build with Purpose, Not Just Code: Lizard Global focuses on creating digital solutions that combine business strategy, user experience, and agile development to ensure long-term success — not just functional software.
• Culture is a Competitive Advantage: A strong company culture centered on client success, craftsmanship, and adaptability is what sets Lizard Global apart in a saturated tech landscape.
• Start Small, Grow Smart: Their MVP-first approach allows clients to validate ideas quickly, then scale based on real feedback and performance data — as seen in success stories like DEXTR and Peco-Douwes.
• Tech is Only Part of the Puzzle: Beyond development, Lizard Global helps with product strategy, marketing, budgeting, and continuous improvement — acting as a true digital partner, not just a vendor.
• Choosing the Right Stack & Team Matters: Entrepreneurs are advised to select tech stacks that scale and work with teams who align with their mission and values, not just their budget.

What started as a chance encounter in a university math class eventually evolved into one of the most respected custom software development companies in the Netherlands and Southeast Asia. Lizard Global is no longer just a tech team—it’s a strategic partner helping businesses scale digital products with real impact.

We sat down with Jeremy Raes, CEO and co-founder of Lizard Global, to talk about entrepreneurship, company culture, and the vision that’s taken the company from humble beginnings to global success.

From Classroom Seats to a Global Tech Vision

When Jeremy Raes moved from Antwerp to the Netherlands in 2004 to study computer science, he didn’t expect a random seat in a math class to shape the next two decades of his life. Sitting beside Guido, the two quickly bonded — a friendship that would eventually blossom into a business partnership and the foundation of Lizard Global, a company known for creating innovative digital solutions that actually work.

“I graduated in semantics, so I was already playing with AI in a way, long before it became a buzzword,” Jeremy shares. “Guido always had a strong sense of what makes a product work and look great. We complemented each other perfectly.”

Graduating with a focus in semantics — essentially, how context gives meaning to language — Jeremy was already exploring the early edges of artificial intelligence before it became the global buzzword it is today. While Guido, a technical genius, one of the best coders Jeremy has ever met, dove into industrial design, honing his eye for what makes a great product, Jeremy tackled the operational and strategic side. The synergy was clear: design meets business, creativity meets code. Thus, Lizard Global was born.

Building Lizard Global: From Subcontractor to Innovation Partner

Lizard Global didn’t start as a flashy tech firm with glossy offices and venture capital. In the early days, the company worked as a subcontractor. But Jeremy and Guido quickly noticed something troubling: far too many mobile apps were a waste of time, money, and potential. Products were being built without proper consideration for the end-user or business outcomes.

This realization shaped the vision behind Lizard Global:

“We wanted to build software that users love, that delivers results, and actually helps businesses grow.”

By focusing on MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) and iterative, agile development, they helped transform small ideas into scalable products. The proof is in the partnerships — many of Lizard Global’s earliest clients, such as WAPA, Transvision, and Peco-Douwes, are still with them today. What started as modest concepts evolved into powerful platforms, now serving hundreds and thousands of users. One standout example is Peco-Douwes: with a niche idea — a measuring tool for nuts and bolts — and a small budget, Lizard Global helped create an app that went viral among professionals and hobbyists alike.

What Sets Lizard Global Apart?

In a crowded field of software development agencies, Lizard Global stands out by focusing on what most others miss: context, culture, and craftsmanship.

“We see software as a craft — like baking bread. You can get a factory-made loaf, or you can come to a bakery where it’s done properly. We’re the bakery.”

This philosophy permeates every layer of their work — from understanding the client’s business DNA, to data analytics, UI/UX design, and custom software development. Everything is tied together with a CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipeline that ensures speed, quality, and scalability.

Jeremy compares building a product to building a football team or orchestra:

“You can’t just show up and expect to win. You need the right mix of talent, strategy, culture, and tools. That’s what we bring to every project.”

The Power of Culture and the Lessons of Entrepreneurship

When asked about the most valuable lesson he’s learned as an entrepreneur, Jeremy doesn’t hesitate in saying: culture.

“Our culture is built around client success. We’re agile, quality-driven, and we understand the startup mindset because we’ve lived it.”

From choosing the right tech stack to finding product-market fit, Jeremy believes that success is not an accident — it’s designed. He references Tolstoy’s quote from Anna Karenina:

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

This same logic applies to startups: successful companies tend to follow similar patterns, and failed ones fail in unique — but preventable — ways. That’s why Jeremy actively studies what makes tech giants tick and applies those insights to every partnership.

Looking 10 Years Ahead

From building simple WordPress websites in 2012 to now delivering enterprise-grade platforms, the journey has been anything but linear. The Lizard Global team recognized early on the need for evolution — building an in-house design team, becoming more agile, and expanding their expertise in cloud infrastructure, data, and marketing.

So where does Jeremy see Lizard Global in the next decade?

“We’re growing from a software company into a full-spectrum digital partner. Clients need more than just apps — they need marketing, budget guidance, and product strategy. We’re building all of that.”

One example is My New Behavior (MNB), a client who had already invested in an app with another agency that failed to deliver. With limited finances and high stakes, Lizard Global collaborated closely to rebuild and relaunch the product — creating a win-win outcome for both sides.

Advice for Aspiring Tech Entrepreneurs

Breaking into the tech world as an entrepreneur is thrilling—but it’s also filled with hidden pitfalls. Having walked the journey from student to CEO, Jeremy Raes shares a few hard-earned insights that can help newcomers navigate the chaos of starting and scaling a digital business. His advice is grounded, practical, and shaped by years of experience building successful software products across multiple continents.

Jeremy’s message to new entrepreneurs is simple but powerful:

• Choose the right tech stack from the start — The wrong one will limit your growth, create bottlenecks, and make your product harder to maintain over time. Start with scalable, well-supported technologies that fit your business goals.
  

• Understand your market deeply — Don’t build in a vacuum. Talk to real users, research your competitors, and validate your assumptions. Success comes from solving real problems, not just writing great code.
  

• Work with a team that fits your culture — Skill alone isn't enough. The people you work with must share your values, your pace, and your vision. Culture fit is what keeps teams resilient under pressure.
  

• Be passionate and skeptical — Fall in love with your idea, but stay grounded. Learn how to distinguish between shiny marketing and real craftsmanship. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to build better, not just faster.

These aren’t just tips—they’re principles that have helped Lizard Global grow from a bootstrapped startup into a trusted innovation partner. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or scaling your first product, these lessons are worth bookmarking.

Why Lizard Global Is the Partner You’ve Been Searching For

Lizard Global is more than a software development company — it's a growth partner for businesses that want to turn ideas into lasting impact. Whether you’re a startup looking to build your first MVP or a scaleup navigating product-market fit, Lizard Global brings strategy, execution, and deep domain expertise to the table.

From mobile and web app development to AI integration, UI/UX design, cloud architecture, and go-to-market strategy, the team covers every base — ensuring that your product isn’t just built, but built for success.

So if you're ready to take your digital idea from concept to scale, you know where to go — Lizard Global: Where Digital Ideas Come to Life - contact us today!.