15 years of LeanForms: How an idea grew into a successful software company
In 2010, LeanForms was officially founded. But actually the story began earlier, in 2006, when Anton and Ronald met. What began with a barn as an office grew into a company that now helps organizations every day to make their processes smarter and simpler.
“We sat at the computer together and got wild ideas,” Anton says. “I think the whole world is waiting for this, we thought at the time.”
An organization as we wanted it to be
Not only did the product grow, so did the organization. With a team where openness and commitment are key.
As with any young company, LeanForms had its challenges. The first version of the software worked, but was far from perfect. “Back then we were proud of it, now we can laugh about it,” says Ronald. And in the years that followed, technical choices, customer expectations and growing ambitions also provided learning moments.
“I am proud of what we have built, we have established an organization as we envisioned it ourselves: Little politics, mistakes are allowed and everyone does their best,” Ronald said.
According to Anton, that culture is essential to success. “LeanForms has to be workable for everyone. Not only the software, but also the organization itself.”
Growth with the customer as a compass
What has remained a common thread from the beginning is customer involvement in development. LeanForms has never been just a software company; it is a club that listens, thinks and learns.
Regular customer days were organized. These proved to be a driver of innovation for many years. Also because external experts were invited to provide in-depth information on specific themes. But especially because LeanForms was given the opportunity to continue building a practical and accessible product together with users.
“After a customer day, you see that customers seek each other out. They make contact, share experiences and learn from each other. And we learn at least as much from them,” Ronald said.
Anton adds: “We always say ourselves: software is a tool. Without the people you won’t get anywhere.”
Future: Technology, people and enjoyment of work
Pim and Ronald see the future of LeanForms as a balance between technological innovation and human involvement.
“Innovation is crucial, especially in software. AI now plays a big role in that. But just as important is listening to our customers. What do they need? What works in practice?”
In addition to technology, culture is an ongoing concern. “We have an open and informal atmosphere here, but people work extremely hard. Everyone is helpful. And I always try to think: how would I want it myself, if I were on the other side?” said Pim.
This listening happens not only during customer days, but also in daily practice. During training sessions and implementations, we actively examine how organizations use LeanForms, what they encounter and what could be improved. This direct feedback is often the basis for improvements or new features.
Full speed ahead
In fifteen years, LeanForms has grown from a wild idea to a solid company with vision, values and an ever-expanding reach. It now has international clients and ambition to grow further.
“We didn’t do it alone,” Anton says. “We are incredibly grateful to our customers. For thinking with us, giving feedback and sometimes complaining, because that helps us move forward again.” Or as Ronald concludes, “Without them, LeanForms would not be what it is today.”
On to the next fifteen years.
From generation to generation
In recent years, LeanForms was getting ready for a new phase. Anton gradually handed over his role to Pim, who has been with the company for more than eight years and has literally experienced LeanForms from a young age.
“It felt logical to have Pim take over my role. He has the same click with Ronald that I had,” Anton said. “I haven’t left LeanForms yet, but this is a golden couple that will take LeanForms further.”
Pim agrees. “I grew up with LeanForms and still saw version one of the software. Now we are three offices down, we have many new customers and my role has grown with them.”
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