About
Kevin Thiels
CTO · Aperta · Entrepreneur · Belgium
I build software teams, AI-native products, and the systems that make both work at scale.
What I do
I'm the CTO at Aperta — a software agency where I lead engineering, shape delivery processes, and make sure the gap between "what we promised" and "what we shipped" stays as small as possible.
I also founded Aperta Studio, where we're building ASUP — an AI-native platform that keeps software delivery aligned with intent. It connects spec, code, and tickets so teams stop guessing and start shipping with confidence.
Beyond software delivery, I'm an entrepreneur with a range of active ventures. Cotton Cuddle is a Portuguese hypoallergenic clothing brand I run independently. I also build autonomous AI initiatives — including LISA, a production-ready, enterprise-grade AI company of agents that manages operations, content, and business tasks without constant human intervention.
My work sits at the intersection of engineering leadership and AI-augmented delivery: how do you delegate well, build high-trust teams, and use automation without losing the humans in the loop?
What I write about
AI & Agentic Systems
What's actually changing in software delivery when agents can write, test, and ship code — and what isn't.
Software Delivery
Spec drift, estimation failure, the hidden costs of unclear requirements, and how to fix them systematically.
Engineering Leadership
Delegation that actually works, building trust without micromanagement, and the cultural patterns that make teams ship.
Entrepreneurship
Building products and businesses from scratch — AI-native tools, e-commerce, and autonomous operations.
Notable Projects
ASUP.io
AI-native software delivery platform. Keeps spec, code, and tickets aligned — so teams ship what they promised. Built at Aperta Studio.
LISA — Autonomous AI Company of Agents
A production-ready, enterprise-grade autonomous AI company that manages business operations, content pipelines, lead research, and nightly automation — replacing repetitive human coordination with intelligent, self-directed agents.
MOW Kennisplatform
Knowledge platform for the Flemish Department of Mobility and Public Works. Solution architecture at DXC Technology.
Opleidingskompas.be
Training compass platform for the Flemish government. Solution architecture.
Vlaamse Jobbonus
Job bonus platform for the Flemish government. Solution architecture at DXC Technology.
VLAIO Coronapremies
COVID-19 subsidy platform for Flemish businesses. Solution architecture at DXC Technology.
Agile Coach — Vlaamse overheid & DXC.technology
Agile coaching across government and enterprise teams, driving adoption of iterative delivery practices.
Aansluitingen.be
Platform for requesting and tracking utility connections (electricity, gas, water, telecom) for new builds and renovations.
Colruyt Group — Boni Selection, Spar Retail, Collibri Foundation
Back-end development and technical lead for multiple Colruyt Group web properties. Also contributed to the open-source Drupal 8 Facets module with the community.
Vier.be & Vijf.be (SBS Belgium)
Maintenance and project management for two of Belgium's major TV network websites.
Certifications
AI & Cloud (2024)
- Trustworthy Generative AI — Vanderbilt University
- ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis — Vanderbilt University
- Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT — Vanderbilt University
- Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure — Google Cloud
- Foundations of Cybersecurity — Google
Agile & Leadership (2015–2017)
- Certified Agile Coach — This Agile Life (2015)
- Acquia Certified Developer — Drupal 8 (2017)
- International Scrum Master Foundation
- International Product Owner Foundation
- International Agile Test Foundation
- Entrepreneurship: How To Launch A Lean Startup — Udemy (2017)
Background
I've been building and leading software teams for over a decade, across the Belgian and Dutch tech ecosystem. I started as a developer, moved through architecture and technical leadership, and eventually into the CTO role — managing teams, clients, and product strategy simultaneously.
Along the way I've worked with companies like Colruyt Group, DXC Technology, Capgemini, bpost, AMP, Farys, De Watergroep, and various Flemish government agencies, while running my own ventures on the side. The common thread: I care about making software delivery reliable, not just fast.
I'm based in Belgium and work with clients primarily across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Get in touch
The best way to reach me is via LinkedIn. If you're building something interesting in software delivery or AI, I'm always open to a conversation.