Following five successful editions in Prague, COPS, in partnership with JetBrains, is launching this format in the Netherlands.

We are shifting the focus to professional service providers seeking to transition from traditional billable hours to scalable, recurring revenue models.

As we move through 2026, the traditional service growth model is facing two primary challenges:

• A chronic shortage of senior talent in the Dutch market, creating a hard ceiling for headcount-driven growth
• Rapid commoditization of manual work, putting increasing pressure on billable-hour margins

This session focuses on how boutique firms are addressing both by converting internal know-how into digital assets that scale independently of people.

Key Discussion Points

Decoupling Revenue from Headcount

How firms are breaking the 1:1 link between staffing and growth to increase margins without additional senior hires

Institutionalizing IP

Turning “people-based” expertise into proprietary digital tools that remain a long-term asset of the firm

From Internal Tool to Market Offering

How to transition from internal automation to client-facing products — without turning your firm into a software agency

Event Agenda

17:30 – 18:15 | Registration, welcome drinks & informal networking.

18:15 – 18:30 | Opening remarks by COPS & JetBrains. Introduction to venture building and the emerging opportunities in the consultancy sector.

18:30 – 19:00 | Keynote by Gidion + fireside chat. From building a consultancy to navigating the startup world.

19:00 – 19:30 | Interactive workshop & moderated discussion. Practical perspectives on scaling expertise into digital assets.

19:30 onwards | Open networking & peer exchange.

Join the 2026 Scaling Exchange

Be part of a curated group of 30 boutique leaders discussing the shift from service delivery to asset ownership.

Attendance confirmation will follow a short review of your firm’s profile.