Our Team

Our team includes experienced software language specialists and business professionals. We know that we need one another to deliver outstanding work. We value each other’s opinion and strong involvement in the company. Due to our flat organization, everyone can have a say in how they do their work. This creates a high level of job satisfaction and a strong commitment.

Meet Us

Our team

Marianne Damstra
CEO

After approximately 10 years of experience at ACE and being responsible for SuperTest, the opportunity arose to acquire SuperTest and start my own company. This is a great adventure that I enjoy every day since I am glad to learn new things and meet new people. Understanding new markets and filling gaps by improving our products as a TEAM is what I stand for.

Besides running this company as one of its co-founders, I like to play competitive basketball and being active with my family in my spare time.

Marcel Beemster
CTO

I love the C programming language, right from the first day I picked up K&R’s book, because it provides a direct connection with the machine at high performance. That book was destroyed by a Chinese professor with a fondness for Prolog who sat on it for reference while writing a device driver. C is that flexible. It did not stop me. C has its issues, but so has <insert your favorite language here>. My long term goal is to make sure our C programs and implementations are of the highest quality possible.

Sjoerd van der Zwaan
CPO

I’m a technology leader specializing in AI, computer vision, and robotics. I am skilled in building and scaling engineering teams, delivering customer-focused solutions, and shaping product strategies. I believe in the power of teamwork, motivating high-performing experts and fostering creativity. As a product leader, I guide roadmaps, promote innovation and agility, and bridge technical challenges with customer needs. I’m passionate about the societal impact of technology, particularly in bridging deep technical expertise with effective communication. I’m committed to creating a safer world, in an era where autonomous systems play a central role. Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dog Dot, listening to diverse music, and exploring architecture.

José Luis March Cabrelles
Software Quality Engineer

I received a Computer Engineering Degree, and a Master’s on Networks and Operating Systems, at the Technical University of Valencia (UPV) in Spain. Afterward, I studied a PhD focused on Processor Microarchitecture, devising different techniques to dynamically reduce Power Consumption in Multicore Embedded Systems while they are executing tasks with Real-Time constraints. Finally, after a career break in Västerås (Sweden), I joined Solid Sands as Software Quality Engineer in the summer of 2016.

Remi van Veen
Qualification Lead Engineer

My interest in compilers was fueled by the compiler construction course at university, which is my favorite course of all time. For my Master’s thesis in Software Engineering, I joined Solid Sands to research the testing of compiler optimizations in 2018. After graduating, I productized my research into the SuperTest compiler optimization test suite. Today my main focus is on leading compiler and library qualification projects following various functional safety standards. I really enjoy advising our customers about the safe use of their compilers and libraries.

In my spare time, I like traveling, cycling, going to concerts and watching lots of football.

Vladislav Yaglamunov
Software Engineer

I was introduced to C++ in high school, I was participating in lots of algorithmic programming contests and C++ simply had the fastest execution times, so it was the obvious choice for many contestants. I was not aware of all the depth behind it until I had a course on it in university, where I was completely shocked and amazed by it. There, I also got interested in logic and formal methods, and so I moved to the Netherlands to study it and that is how I joined Solid Sands for my Master's thesis in formal verification of C library. In my free time, I enjoy movies and online games, occasionally, I like snowboarding and table tennis.

Ivaylo Ivanov
Software Engineer

Led by love for problem solving sparked by high school competitive mathematics and a passion for technology dating back to the time I first touched a keyboard, I moved to the Netherlands to expand my knowledge and skills in an academic environment. I joined Solid Sands for an internship as a part of my study and I really enjoy tackling the challenges I face on the job.

Endless curiosity and willingness to learn are the things that keep me going. When I'm not in the office you can find me either on the ski slopes or at the trampoline park.

Elisa Costantino
Operations Manager

I have always had a strong passion and curiosity to learn about different cultures and, as a result, have spent several years traveling as a way to expand my knowledge and continuously grow as an individual. I’m a people person, I’m empathetic and have strong listening skills.
I’m super rational and I can pride myself on my problem solving attitude. Challenging the “what if” in any given situation, gives me the opportunity to become the go-to person in times of need. I’m always excited to learn new things, I have random curiosities about unrelated topics.

In my spare time, when I’m not in the office, I usually cuddle my cats or teach a new trick to Tuna, my dog.

Ahmed Abdulbaki Ibrahim
Software Engineer

During my quest of becoming a Computer Engineer, I frequently became acquainted with and loved studying C++, compiler design, and software quality metrics. After I completed my BSc back in Egypt, I decided to specialize in Software Engineering and moved to Amsterdam to obtain my MSc from the UvA. I interned at Solid Sands to complete my thesis research regarding C++ code coverage tools, and truly loved the experience! Following the MSc’s completion, rejoining the office was a no-brainer.

I'm always excited to meet new people, try new experiences (except eating vegetables) and learn more and more every day in the neverending domain of software! When not on the office desk, I am most probably either in the gym or enjoying junk food, no in-between.

Askim Degerli
Worldwide Sales Representative

Originally from Istanbul, I moved to the Netherlands to pursue my studies, and since then, Amsterdam has become my second home. I bring extensive experience in international sales and account management, roles that have allowed me to connect with diverse clients and industries. With a long-standing interest in technology, joining Solid Sands was a natural next step in my career.

Outside work, I enjoy long walks in nature, outdoor sports, traveling, and discovering international cuisine.

Max Blankestijn
Software Engineer

At a certain point in middle school, maths clicked for me. When looking for a way to apply it afterwards, I was immediately at home at my study of Computer Science in Leiden. With C++ the language of choice, I dove into theoretical informatics, computer systems, algorithms and software verification. After finishing and publishing my Master's thesis, Solid Sands turned out to be a perfect match.

Besides computer sciences, I also like to dive deeply into history, mythology and works of fantasy. Simply because it's interesting, or to adapt it into personal writings or tabletop RPGs. Otherwise, I like going on a nice walk to think and climbing.

Rebeka Rem
Office Assistant

I’m passionate about fostering a positive and welcoming atmosphere in the office. I believe that a happy, motivated team is the foundation for success, so I always strive to bring enthusiasm and a can-do attitude to everything I do. I enjoy helping others solve problems, whether it’s brainstorming creative solutions, tackling tough challenges, or just lending a supportive ear when someone needs it.

In my spare time, I enjoy painting and spending time outdoors.

Colin Rullkotter
Software Engineer

The time: 2015. The place: Glasgow. Young Colin is working as a Parliamentary Office Manager. Jaded with politics and tired of the wind, rain and questionable cuisine of Scotland, he decides to come to the Netherlands. He completes a one-year MSc in Game Studies at UvA, forgets to go home, and has worked in software development ever since.

Okay, I'll switch to first person before this gets weird. My engineering background is mainly in XR and graphics, and with the latter in particular involving a lot of performance-sensitive work in C++, I acquired an interest in optimization and low-level stuff. So here I am.

Ziang Wu
Master Thesis Intern

I’m Ziang—a passionate explorer of the low-level side of programming. My journey began at a robotics competition as an undergraduate, where I was tasked with juggling an on-board computer vision algorithm on a mini Intel PC and real-time systems on a microcontroller with FreeRTOS. The performance-hungry challenges of that experience fascinated me into the depths of C/C++, assembly, compilers, and performance optimization. Seeking to push these boundaries further, I pursued my Master's in Computer Science at VU and UvA in the Netherlands, where I discovered Solid Sands and embarked on my thesis project diving deep into compiler internals.

In my free time, you can catch me playing CTFs or exploring adventures in Japanese RPGs.