In the bustling centre of Amsterdam, I sat down with the four founders of ADAMI, a pioneering AI Consultancy company. In this interview, we delve into their mission, unique market position, innovative concept 'The Foundry' and their future aspirations.
Written by: Lucas Blokpoel
What is ADAMI’s mission, and why did you start this company?
Niels van der Wal (CEO): "First of all, ADAMI is a AI Consultancy company. We noticed a significant gap between the available AI talent and the businesses that urgently want or need these skills to facilitate their AI projects of AI programs. Our goal is to bridge that gap and provide these companies with the right people."
Philip Gast (CTO): "We also saw that many AI professionals were looking for a place where they could truly develop and work on projects that matter. We wanted to create an environment, ‘The Foundry,’ where these talents could not only work on challenging projects but also learn and grow together."
We talk about The Foundry later, but what makes ADAMI stand out in the market?
Niels van der Wal: "What really sets us apart is our focus on the people behind the technology and our own knowledge of AI. We see AI not just as a set of skills but as a buildup of personal acknowledgements and competences within the domain where human creativity, expertise and collaboration are central. At ADAMI, we treat every employee as a ‘founder,’ giving everyone the chance to make an impact and help build our success."
Steven van Randwijck (CFO): "In addition, we offer more than just AI Experts. We provide a complete end-to-end solution, from finding the right experts to guiding and supporting our clients throughout their AI journey. Our approach is holistic; we don’t just look at what a company needs now but also at what’s necessary to succeed in the long term."
Philip Gast: "And then there’s ‘The Foundry’, as mentioned earlier, which is truly unique. It’s where we forge AI talent, offer training and work closely with our clients on innovative projects. It’s a place where talent can continuously develop and learn by working on real, impactful projects."
Yes, The Foundry sounds fascinating! Tell me more about it.
Philip Gast: "'That's realizing my dream!!! The Foundry' is our melting pot for AI talent. It’s a physical place and much more; it’s an ecosystem where professionals—both beginners and experienced—collaborate on challenging projects. We offer a mix of hands-on experience, training sessions, and clear personal development plans to help everyone get the best out of themselves."
Albert Oegema (CLO): "We want to be an incubator for AI talent."
How do you see the future of ADAMI? What are your plans moving forward?
Steven van Randwijck: "Our focus now is on expanding our team and ‘The Foundry.’ We want to attract top-tier talent while providing them with an environment conducive to growth and impactful innovation."
Philip Gast: "We will continue investing in developing our people further. ‘The Foundry’ will keep evolving with new training programs, cutting-edge technologies, and ambitious projects. We aim to play a leading role in shaping the future of AI through both individual talents we nurture here at ADAMI as well as through collaborative achievements with our clients."
Niels van der Wal: "In short, ADAMI is where innovation meets expertise intertwined with human involvement. We're exploring new partnerships with companies eager to bring their AI ambitions into reality."
Albert Oegema: "With a history of building successful companies across the ICT spectrum, this venture into AI represents the next strategic evolution—embracing the cutting edge of technology, human resources and innovation. It is simply an opportunity with unprecedented possibilities that cannot be missed. Building Adami.ai into a relevant consulting firm, together with motivated and talented people is a privilege…”
Conclusion
Talking to Niels van der Wal, Philip Gast, Steven van Randwijck, and Albert Oegema was nothing short of inspiring—their passion for bridging gaps in AI expertise while fostering an ecosystem for growth shines through every word they say.
ADAMI's vision extends beyond mere providing consultants; it encapsulates nurturing human potential alongside technological advancement—a true testament that innovation thrives best when driven by passionate individuals committed towards shared goals.
As they continue forging ahead—with 'The Foundry' serving as ground zero—we can only anticipate monumental strides from this dynamic quartet set firmly against Amsterdam's vibrant backdrop.
Stay tuned!