Think Digitally, Act Humanely

Wirtschaftsforum:Mr. Merkus, NetRom Software has been successful in software development for over 25 years. How has the company developed during this time?

Jaap Merkus: NetRom was founded in 1998 by Han in 't Veld from the Netherlands and Mircea Negrila from Romania. At that time, the idea was to meet the growing demand for qualified software developers in Western Europe. The name 'NetRom' stands for the connection between the Netherlands and Romania - and this partnership still shapes us today. What began with two founders is today an international company with about 500 employees at four locations. We are particularly proud of our campus in Craiova, which is more than a workplace: there we foster talent, operate our own academy, and offer our engineers an inspiring environment with space for learning, sports, and exchange.

Wirtschaftsforum:What defines NetRom today - how do you differ from other software providers?

Jaap Merkus: We develop custom software solutions - for customers who value quality, communication, and long-term collaboration. Our projects are created in close partnership with companies that either distribute their own software products – so-called Independent Software Vendors – or with medium-sized and large companies that need individual software for their business processes. We do not deliver off-the-shelf products, but solutions that exactly match the requirements of our customers. Our nearshore model plays a significant role: Our teams in Romania work in the same time zone as our customers in Western Europe, communicate in English, and understand the business culture. This creates efficiency and trust. Our teams are technically excellent, but what really sets us apart is the human approach. We listen, we think along, we work agile in short cycles, and adapt flexibly. In the end, there is no off-the-shelf product, but a digital tool that truly supports the processes and strengths of our customers.

Wirtschaftsforum:How would you describe the corporate culture at NetRom?

Jaap Merkus:At NetRom, the focus is on the person – both the customer and the employee. Our philosophy is: 'Employee first is Customer first.' We know that dedicated and satisfied employees are the key to happy customers. That's why we invest a lot in training, development, and open communication. Our culture is characterized by team spirit, knowledge exchange, and a passion for technology. Many of our employees have been with the company for many years. This continuity ensures stability and quality - and our customers feel that. They know they are working with experienced teams who understand their business and stay by their side over the long term.

Wirtschaftsforum: What topics are you currently particularly driven by?

Jaap Merkus:We want to continue growing internationally – particularly in Germany, where we see great potential. So far, we have been supporting our German customers from the Netherlands, but we are planning our own sales office. In addition, artificial intelligence plays a central role. We already integrate AI into our own development processes to work more efficiently, and we help our customers integrate AI into their products and processes. We have not started doing this only yesterday – our first AI projects go back more than 15 years. Now we are experiencing a tremendous acceleration, and we see great opportunities in using intelligent technologies sensibly.

Wirtschaftsforum:Sustainability is another important issue of our time. What role does it play at NetRom?

Jaap Merkus: We are a company of people for people, not a production company - and yet we take responsibility. On our campus in Romania, we rely on photovoltaic systems, we minimize waste, optimize energy consumption, and travel consciously only when necessary. But sustainability for us also means social responsibility: diversity, equality, and respectful interaction are integral parts of our corporate culture. We want our employees to be able to develop - professionally and personally. For me, environmental awareness is as much a part of sustainable action as environmental awareness.

Wirtschaftsforum: If you had to summarize NetRom Software in a few words - how would you describe your company?

Jaap Merkus:NetRom is a company that connects technology with humanity. We are experts in custom software development, but at the same time a partner who listens, thinks along, and works on solutions for the long term. Quality, communication, and continuity are not just buzzwords for us, but lived values. Our vision is to continue to grow internationally, to open up new markets, and at the same time to preserve our culture - a culture in which people passionately work on software that makes a difference.