i-spark started in Groningen in 2016 with one goal: help companies turn raw data into reliable insights and enriched data feeds. Today we're a team of data specialists with a northern way of working.
Rooted in Zevenhuizen, LeekNorth of the Netherlands
2016Founded
How we work
A pragmatic team of data and AI experts
We combine data strategy with hands-on technical work, as a long-term partner for companies that run on high volumes of data.
Our approach
We work the way the North of the Netherlands does business: down-to-earth, direct and no-nonsense. We say what we will do, do what we say and focus on results you can see.
Our solutions
We build cloud-based data platforms, bring your data sources together and deliver two concrete outputs: clear insights and automated enriched data feeds. Our Data-Team-as-a-Service gives you architecture, engineering, analytics and strategy in one flexible team that scales with your needs.
Our process
Open and honest collaboration. We work closely with your team, stay flexible and move quickly when it matters.
Choosing to do what is right, even when it’s uncomfortable or unnoticed.
Transparency
Being clear and open about our intentions, methods and decisions.
Responsibility
Taking ownership when something doesn’t go to plan, and working to restore trust when needed.
Practical responsibility
Craftsmanship
Well-prepared professionals who bring both knowledge and quality.
Commitment
We care about the outcome and the relationship. We show up, stay involved and go the extra mile.
Reliability
We do what we say. Realistic expectations, clear communication and follow-through.
Human-centred approach
Harmony
Connection and balance, within the team and in projects with clients.
Empathy
We try to understand where others are coming from, even when we don’t agree.
Mental & physical well-being
We take people’s health seriously, including pace, pressure, energy and space to recover.
Our vision
A world in which companies always have access to broad data expertise, so their data is reliable.
High-quality data is the base for good decisions and responsible AI. We help companies adopt AI at the right moment, so the technology serves their goals and not the hype.
Meet the team
The people behind your data
Certified specialists with years of experience across many industries, and a shared passion for data.
Tamara de Heij
Founder & Managing Director
Tamara has worked with data for more than 25 years and founded i-spark in 2016. She loves structure, measurement and the insight that leads to real improvement. She applies the same approach outside work: after breaking her ankle on a hike in Poland, she tracked her way back to hiking, cycling and padel.
Sietse likes to move quickly and put something visual in front of the client early, then refine it together. He is happiest on projects he runs from start to finish, and he believes in letting AI and automation take over the routine work. When he hits a wall, he talks it through with his rubber duck.
Jorke turns giant piles of incomprehensible data into data you can understand. Over the years he has developed a sixth sense for when something feels off, and he enjoys the detective work of finding out why. His favourite tool is dbt, and his advice is to master the basics before chasing the buzzwords.
Irene loves data modelling: breaking things down, figuring out how they connect and watching the bigger picture take shape. She is a certified dbt developer and works carefully and steadily, so the foundation is solid. Outside work she recharges on the korfball court.
Soknita loves the puzzle side of data: tracing why something looks off and finding the one part that causes the trouble. Her favourite projects have small teams, lots of questions and problems nobody fully understands yet.
Elena may not work with data every day, but being part of the team has changed how she sees it, from the thinking behind every project to the role of governance and security. Her colleagues are always trying to convince her to join their running team, though with all the office cake, her Strava dashboard has its doubts.
Frans is the founder of Clear Value, strategic partner of i-spark. He combines data strategy with change management, drawing on work with companies like Albert Heijn, Wehkamp and IKEA, because a strategy only works when teams put it into practice.
Esther keeps i-spark running behind the scenes, from finance and administration to project planning. Look a little closer and it's all data: she compares hours worked with planned hours and plans projects around who, what, how much and when.
Tessa has a background in Data Science & Society and a strong interest in data ethics and security. She also polishes presentations at the last minute and is number one on the i-spark running team.