Hi, I'm Freddy.
I help teams go from AI concept to first working system
With deep AI/ML expertise and 20+ years in software development, I don't just advise — I build alongside you.
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The Problem I Solve
In the early stages of AI product development, what matters most isn't hours of coding — it's making the right decisions. You need an experienced technical leader who can ask the right questions, help shape what to build and how, and then actually help build the foundation. That's where I come in.
What I Do
- Align technology and proposition In early phases I help align what is technically possible with the value you want to bring.
- Assess feasibility If a direction is chosen, I provide feedback and direction to maximise your chances of success.
- Develop the first prototype Provide direction and hands-on research to develop and validate the core approach.
- Build the foundation Help develop the foundation for production systems.
- Improve over time Provide input and hands-on help to continuously improve your product.
Beyond building, I guide existing teams — steering data scientists and developers in the right direction, while helping communicate technical strategy and manage expectations towards stakeholders and investors.
How I Work
| Engagement |
Part-time, from 12 hours/month for strategic advisory to 40 hours/month for hands-on advisory, depending on what you need. Short spikes, up to full-time, are also possible, depending on availability. |
| Mode | Remote-first, with periodic on-site visits as needed. Based in the Netherlands, available across Europe/UK and US. |
| Format | Hands-on advisory: I don't just advise — I build alongside your team. Direction-setting, AI/ML R&D, code, architecture, and stakeholder communication. |
| Duration | Ongoing engagements (3+ months) or project-based. Flexible to your needs. |
I don't claim to know everything — but I know how to find the right answer. When a question goes beyond my immediate expertise, I take it home, research it thoroughly, and come back with a well-considered answer or proposal.
Track Record
In a career spanning 27+ years I have worked for R&D organisations, large corporations, and startups, such as:
- Shell (Principal AI Research Scientist) — Led development of RAG-driven conversational AI from research concept to production. Guided 6+ data scientists and developers.
- Philips Research (Senior Scientist) — 9 years of R&D into new technologies and product concepts. 16 patent applications, 3 granted.
- Gradient-DS (Hands-on Fractional Technical Advisor) — Directing technical strategy and building system foundations for an early-stage startup.
- Rekall.ai (Lead ML/AI Engineer) — Built smart applications from the ground up: custom ML algorithms, real-time computer vision, large-scale fitness data analysis.
- ING Labs (Senior Full-Stack Engineer) — Helped build an 'Instant Mortgage' service from scratch combining ML models with a full production stack.
- Doppelgangers.ai (CTO) — Built an AI platform from scratch for conversational AI with streaming, tool use, and agentic assistance.
Expertise
AI / Machine Learning
LLMs, RAG, NLP, Conversational AI, Deep Learning (PyTorch), custom algorithm & model development
Research to Product
Translating R&D into working systems; evaluation & validation methodologies
Software Engineering
20+ years. Python, Node.js, distributed systems (RabbitMQ), MongoDB, vector databases, AWS
Leadership
Technical strategy, team guidance, stakeholder communication, expectation management