Top talent for companies: Interview with 10x Founder Angelique Schouten in BNR Podcast

The following is a conversation between 10x founder Angelique and the (Dutch) business podcast “Baanbrekende Businessmodellen” with John van Schagen and Patrick van der Pijl. You can listen to the full episode here.

BNR: Welcome, Angelique. Let’s dive right in. Can you tell us the origin of the name 10x?

Angelique Schouten: The name 10x comes from the developer community, where engineers who were significantly better and faster than others were referred to as “10x developers.” This means they delivered results ten times better. It’s a mindset that pushes us to think beyond just being 10% better; it’s about fundamentally changing the game.

“If you aim for a 10% improvement, you’re still competing within the same framework as everyone else. But if you aim to be 10 times better, you start thinking differently, leading to groundbreaking ideas.” — Patrick van der Pijl

BNR: Looking at your model, at first glance, it might seem like just another platform for freelancers. How is 10x different?

Angelique Schouten: That’s a common misconception. Most platforms don’t screen or select talent thoroughly. At 10x, we use artificial intelligence to screen individuals based on their competencies, and we’re brutally honest about what we find—the good, the bad, and the ugly. This way, entrepreneurs and directors can choose the best person for their specific needs. It’s not just about matching talent; we continually assess whether the individual is still adding the right value as the project evolves.

BNR: So, you focus on C-level talent and top-tier professionals. Isn’t that the kind of expertise companies usually want to have in-house?

Angelique Schouten: It depends on the situation. For example, if you’re a scale-up entering a new market segment, you might need a CTO who has scaled a platform before. Or maybe you need a CFO just for a funding round. We offer flexibility—whether you need someone for two hours a month or 20 hours, it’s about what your business needs right now.

“What do you need today for the transition or growth you want tomorrow? That’s where we come in with the right person at the right time.”

BNR: You mentioned a subscription model. How does that work?

Angelique Schouten: We have three tiers of subscriptions, starting from €2,500 per month up to €14,400 per month, each offering different levels of time and deliverables. You simply choose the tier that fits your needs, and you’re immediately connected with top talent.

“With a subscription, you get the right expertise on-demand, without the hassle of hiring and managing full-time staff.”

BNR: You offer a very tailored approach to talent acquisition. How do you determine the specific needs of a company?

Angelique Schouten: We consult with both the talent and the company to understand their needs. It’s not just about finding a CFO, for instance; it’s about understanding what kind of CFO—someone who can improve the roadmap output, or someone who can scale the platform for a new market. Each role requires different nuances, and we ensure that the match is perfect for the specific context.

“The right talent in the wrong context won’t deliver. We ensure you get what you need, when you need it.”

BNR: How does 10x differentiate from other platforms or traditional staffing agencies like Randstad?

Angelique Schouten: We operate internationally, and our platform connects talent with opportunities they wouldn’t typically have access to. For instance, we have talent from Israel with a company in Hong Kong, originally from Portugal, working for a Dutch client. This kind of setup is often not possible with traditional agencies.

“We are like the super-agent for top talent, offering opportunities that cross borders and industries.”

BNR: Building a platform like this requires filling both sides—talent and companies. Where do you face the most challenges?

Angelique Schouten: It’s a challenge on both sides. We currently have a waitlist of 700 talents, mostly from the Netherlands, and we’re scaling our processes to manage this. On the company side, it’s about educating them on the benefits of a skills-based hiring approach and fractional working.

“We offer companies a chance to rethink how they use talent—fractional work, skills-based hiring, it’s the future.”

BNR: You raised €1 million recently. How do you plan to use it?

Angelique Schouten: We’ll be investing in two main areas: expanding our team, so I’m not the one dealing with every detail anymore, and further developing our platform. Additionally, we’re ramping up our marketing efforts to support our growth.

BNR: Any final thoughts on the journey from scale-up to starting your own venture?

Angelique Schouten: Starting a new venture is never easy. It’s a mix of frustration and satisfaction. There are times when you’re overwhelmed by the amount of work, from opening bank accounts to filling out endless forms. But when you see the positive impact your work has on companies and talent, it’s all worth it.

“Entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous, but the moments of success make all the challenges worthwhile.”

BNR: Thank you, Angelique, for sharing your insights. Best of luck with 10x!

Angelique Schouten: Thank you! It was a pleasure.