VAA

What VAA does

VAA Data Works (legal name: VAA Data Works; formerly Van Aaken Automatisering) is a Netherlands-based IT services and data solutions firm focused exclusively on the agri-food sector. Founded around 1988 and headquartered in Rosmalen (North Brabant), the company employs 51–100 people and combines 35+ years of sector expertise with technical capabilities on Microsoft Azure, the OutSystems low-code platform, .NET, and open agri-food data standards (ePigs, eDairy, Common Greenhouse Ontology, iSHARE). It serves clients across the Dutch agricultural value chain — including farmers, livestock producers, processors, sector associations, accountants, government bodies, retail, and energy suppliers — and holds ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications alongside Microsoft Gold Partner and IBM Silver Partner status.

The company's offerings are organized around the VAA Solutions Framework, a modular platform combining pre-built components — calculation engines (Rekenmotoren), dashboards and portals, federated authorization, digital twins, and quality management systems — with custom development on cloud infrastructure. Flagship implementations include Pigbase for Topigs Norsvin (an ePigs-based API platform managing data on 50 million pigs across 55 countries), the Brabantse Biodiversiteitsmonitor (13 KPIs across 400+ dairy farms with up to €5,000/year per-farmer biodiversity rewards), BeeSpot (satellite-data-driven beehive placement), eDairy (a connector replacing legacy EDI-Zuivel), Databank Meststoffen (a fertilizer database co-developed with NMI), Terrascoop (a raw forage planning tool for ForFarmers), and the digital Greenhouse Dossier (KIS) developed with TNO and Hortivation.

Revenue is generated through four streams: custom software development (project-based), managed services and hosting (recurring), business and IT consulting, and data & AI services. Distribution is exclusively B2B via direct enterprise sales and partner referrals through a network that includes Microsoft, IBM, OutSystems, Wageningen University & Research, TNO, GreenlinQdata (a JV with LTO Bedrijven in which VAA holds a stake), and AgroConnect (co-founded by VAA). The company is privately held with no disclosed external funding rounds.

Name

VAA

Legal name

VAA Data Works

Website

https://vaa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

VAA Data Works is a Netherlands-based IT services firm (51–100 employees) that builds custom data platforms, dashboards, and analytics solutions exclusively for the agri-food sector, serving farmers, processors, advisors, government, trade bodies, and energy firms across the Dutch agricultural value chain.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agri-Food Data Software & Integration

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Software Publishers (513210)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAEAFAL

Database/Application Data Layer Modernization (DB migration, ORM, caching)

Business & Public Services/IT & Digital Services (Managed Services, Systems Integration)/Application Development & Modernization

SECONDARYHDAEACAH

Data Virtualization & Federation

Hardware, Technology & Telecom/Enterprise Platforms & Databases/Data Integration, ETL/ELT & Middleware

SECONDARYHDAEABAL

Data Warehouse/Lakehouse Performance Optimization & Cost Management

Hardware, Technology & Telecom/Enterprise Platforms & Databases/Data Warehousing, Lakehouse & Data Platforms

SECONDARYAFAAAHAG

CEA Monitoring, Sensors & Automation Software (SCADA, IoT, Climate/Recipe Control)

Agriculture & Food Production/Agricultural Equipment & Technology/Controlled Environment Agriculture (Greenhouses, Hydroponics/Aeroponics Systems)

Keywords

• Agri-food data solutions
• Custom software development
• Data integration services
• Sustainability benchmarking
• Managed cloud services

Headquarters

HQ city

Rosmalen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Custom Software Development: Design, build, and implement custom data solutions tailored to specific client needs in the agri-food sector. Projects include API platforms, digital dashboards, data integration systems, and sector-specific applications. Revenue is generated through project-based engagements.
2. Managed Services & Support: Ongoing hosting, maintenance, monitoring, and support services for deployed applications. Includes continuous monitoring of data streams, incident response, and regular security audits. Provides recurring revenue from existing client base.
3. Business & IT Consulting: Advisory and consulting engagements covering digital strategy, process optimization, sustainability data management, and sector-specific expertise. Provided alongside or independent of software engagements.
4. Data & AI Services: Data science, analytics, and AI-driven solutions including BeeSpot (optimal beehive placement), sustainability benchmarking, and carbon footprint calculation. May be bundled with custom software or delivered as standalone consulting.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

VAA Data Works builds custom data software, dashboards, and integration platforms for the Dutch agri-food sector. Its VAA Solutions Framework combines modular components (digital twins, calculation engines, benchmarking, federated authorization, quality management) with bespoke development on Microsoft Azure, enabling farms, processors, advisors, and government bodies to unlock, standardize, and exchange supply chain data. The company also delivers managed services, data/AI consulting, and sector-specific applications such as eDairy, Pigbase, and the Brabantse Biodiversiteitsmonitor.

Product overview

VAA Data Works offers a hybrid platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the VAA Solutions Framework, which provides standard software components for rapid development of customized data solutions in the agri-food sector. The portfolio includes domain-specific solutions for agriculture, dairy, horticulture, and government clients. Core solution modules include: Digital Twins for greenhouse environments; GRIP sustainability benchmarking on BizView; Portalen & Dashboards for real-time KPI visualization; Rekenmotoren calculation engines for reliable metrics; Kwaliteitsmanagementsysteem (KMS) for ISO/CSRD compliance; Federatief Machtigingenstelsel for chain authorization; End-to-end Data-integratie for automated data exchange; and the Brabantse Biodiversiteitsmonitor for biodiversity tracking. Specialized applications include BeeSpot (beehive optimization), eDairy Connector (dairy data exchange), Databank Meststoffen (fertilizer database), RasWeb/VAA I&R/Rundview (livestock management), GreenlinQdata platform (chain tracking), and Digitale Graslandgebruikskalender (grassland management). Services include Design Sprint sessions for validation and VAA Data Services for managed data operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VAA Solutions Framework A modular, standards-based software platform combining standard building blocks with custom development on Microsoft Azure, using OutSystems low-code, .NET, and JavaScript front-ends, designed to accelerate delivery of agri-food data solutions.
• Digital Twins (Kas Informatie Systeem) Digital greenhouse dossier application built with Microsoft .NET on Azure, using Common Greenhouse Ontology (CGO) to capture and exchange kas (greenhouse) data across the Dutch horticulture sector.
• GRIP Benchmarking Platform Sustainability benchmarking solution for dairy and arable farms built on the BizView platform, providing insight into financial situations and sustainability metrics including CO2 footprint.
• Portalen & Dashboards Digital environments for insight and interaction providing real-time KPI dashboards and secure stakeholder portals with role-based access, modular in design and connected to existing systems.
• Rekenmotoren (Calculation Engines) Modular calculation engines that aggregate data from multiple sources to generate reliable KPIs, sustainability metrics, benchmarking scores, and compliance indicators.
• Kwaliteitsmanagementsysteem (KMS) Quality management system bringing structure, insight and coherence to quality processes, supporting ISO and CSRD compliance, audits, and certification.
• Federatief Machtigingenstelsel Federative authorization system for digital access control in chain collaboration, based on iSHARE open standards, enabling organizations to maintain control over data and permissions.
• Brabantse Biodiversiteitsmonitor (BBM) Digital biodiversity dashboard for dairy farmers showing 13 KPIs combining data from KringloopWijzer and BoerenNatuur with benchmark comparisons and financial reward calculations.
• eDairy Connector Data connector for the Dutch dairy sector that replaces EDI-Zuivel, providing four data streams (Deliveries, Invoices, Quality, Sustainability KPIs) with continuous monitoring and support, queryable by KvK or UBN number.
• Databank Meststoffen (Fertilizer Database) Online fertilizer database providing information on composition, function, and application of numerous fertilizers, co-developed with NMI Agro for advisors and agricultural entrepreneurs.
• BeeSpot Web application for optimal beehive placement using open and satellite data to calculate nectar and pollen values and assess suitability of locations for beehives.
• GreenlinQdata Platform (GQ-data) Central chain database and mobile application for the horticultural and arable sectors enabling tracking from cultivation through trade to consumer, including environmental compliance and GlobalGAP registration.
• VAA I&R, Rundview, and RasWeb Three integrated livestock administration applications: VAA I&R (basic identification and registration from RVO), Rundview (herd overview with KPIs), and RasWeb (extended livestock valuation and mineral accounting).
• Digitale Graslandgebruikskalender (DGGK) Digital grassland usage calendar for optimizing roughage harvesting with fertilization planning and parcel-level activity registration, built for Stichting Boer&Data with FarmHackNL.
• VAA Data Services Managed data services including continuous monitoring of data streams, incident response, and support facilities for recovering missing messages across deployed integrations.
• Custom Software Development Design, build, and implementation of custom data solutions tailored to specific client needs in the agri-food sector, including API platforms, digital dashboards, and data integration systems.
• Managed Services & Support Ongoing hosting, maintenance, monitoring, and support services for deployed applications, including continuous monitoring of data streams, incident response, and security audits.
• Business & IT Consulting Advisory and consulting engagements covering digital strategy, process optimization, sustainability data management, and sector-specific agri-food expertise.
• Data & AI Services Data science, analytics, and AI-driven solutions including predictive analytics, optimization models, and benchmarking, delivered alongside or independent of software engagements.
• Digital Strategy Services Digital strategy advisory engagements supporting agri-food clients in defining digital transformation roadmaps and validating solutions through Design Sprint sessions before full development.

Quantifiable outcome

• €1,500/month savings in energy costs for greenhouse farms using BiedOptimaal
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability4 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• OutSystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationVAA uses OutSystems low-code platform for rapid application development. Many customers operate development, test, and production environments on the VAA OutSystems Cloud.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationMicrosoft Solutions Partner (Gold). VAA maintains up-to-date expertise in the latest Microsoft tools and techniques, applying them while meeting the highest standards required for Gold Partnership. Solutions are built on Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure.
• JoinDatacoreTechnology or IntegrationJoinData facilitates data exchange and collaboration between different parties in the agricultural sector. VAA leverages JoinData for standardized agricultural data exchange.
• Hortivation HubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHortivation Hub connects the horticultural sector with technology and knowledge to stimulate innovation and promote sustainable practices. VAA co-developed the Kas Informatie Systeem (KIS) with Hortivation and TNO.
• iSHAREcoreTechnology or IntegrationiSHARE provides a standardized framework for federated authorization in the Dutch agrifood sector. VAA's Federatief Machtigingenstelsel is based on iSHARE open standards.
• GreenlinQdatacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreenlinQdata is a VAA shareholder (along with LTO Bedrijven) and strategic partner for horticultural data exchange. VAA developed GreenlinQdata's new platform, GQ-data app, and chain database.
• FoodInsightscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoodInsights provides food trend and consumption analytics. VAA collaborates with FoodInsights on blockchain solutions for supply chain transparency and the SmartShortChain initiative for short food chains.
• AgroConnectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgroConnect promotes digital collaboration and data exchange in the agricultural sector. VAA is a co-founder of AgroConnect. Together with AgroConnect, VAA developed the ePigs API standard for Topigs Norsvin's Pigbase.
• FMEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFME is the entrepreneurs' organization for the technological industry in the Netherlands, serving as a sector representation and networking body.
• NMI (Nutri-Facts Management Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNMI is an independent research institute for soil and crop research. VAA co-developed the Databank Meststoffen (Fertilizer Database) with NMI.
• VAB (Vereniging van Agrarische Bedrijfsadviseurs)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerVAB is the professional association for agricultural business advisors. Serves as a channel for reaching advisor clients and a platform for knowledge sharing.
• VLBminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVLB represents the interests of accounting and tax advisory firms in the Netherlands.
• Federatie Vruchtgroente Organisaties (FVO)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFVO represents and supports the interests of Dutch fruit vegetable growers, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and market development.
• ILVO (Instituut voor Landbouw-, Visserij- en Voedingsonderzoek)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerILVO is a Flemish research center focused on innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
• TNO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTNO conducts independent research contributing to innovation and sustainable development. VAA collaborates with TNO on the Kas Informatie Systeem (KIS) for Hortivation, specifically on the Common Greenhouse Ontology (CGO).
• Louis Bolk InstituutminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLouis Bolk Institute conducts research into sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and health.
• JADS (Jheronimus Academy of Data Science)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJADS offers education and research in data science to stimulate innovation.
• Wageningen University & ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWageningen University & Research focuses on healthy food and living environment, with research and education in agricultural and environmental sciences. VAA maintains close involvement with WUR as a key research partner.
• HAS HogeschoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHAS Hogeschool is a specialized university of applied sciences for agribusiness, food, and living environment, offering practice-oriented education and research.
• TNOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed the digital greenhouse dossier (Kas Informatie Systeem) for Hortivation with VAA, contributing ontology expertise (Common Greenhouse Ontology).
• FarmHackNLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarmHackNL supports Stichting Boer&Data in the development of the Digital Grassland Use Calendar (DGGK).

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• 365FarmNet: BASF-owned, Germany-based farm management platform serving European farmers with field planning, documentation, and partner integration. Closest European counterpart to VAA's full-suite farm data platform ambitions, including multi-vendor data integration and sector-specific modules.
• Granular (Corteva): Farm management software business within Corteva that combines financial, agronomic, and operational data for mid-to-large farming operations. Comparable to VAA in delivering integrated farm-management dashboards across crop and financial dimensions, though distributed by Corteva's commercial channel.
• Conservis: US-based farm management software focused on operational, financial, and agronomic data integration for larger farms and their advisors. Compares to VAA Solutions Framework's integration of operational data with financial benchmarking (GRIP/OptiCow analogues).
• xFarm Technologies: Switzerland-headquartered European ag-tech platform providing farm management, IoT integration, sustainability reporting, and supply chain traceability for European farmers. Directly comparable in offering multi-vertical farm data integration and sustainability modules across European markets.
• Taranis: AI-powered precision agriculture platform providing leaf-level crop intelligence, satellite imagery, and AI analytics to ag-retailers and growers. Comparable to VAA's BeeSpot (satellite + analytics for beehive placement) and digital-twin offerings in using satellite + data-science to drive on-farm decisions.
• Agriplace: Dutch agritech platform providing sustainability, compliance and supply-chain data workflows for cooperatives, packers, and retailers in fresh produce. Closely matches VAA's sustainability/KMS and chain-database offerings (e.g., GreenlinQdata, BO Akkerbouw Cool Farm Tool) within the same Dutch ecosystem.
• Bushel: US ag-tech platform providing data infrastructure, grain trading apps, and sustainability/carbon programs connecting growers, elevators, and processors. Comparable to VAA's eDairy / ePigs / greenlinqdata chain data-exchange offerings in providing standardized APIs between producers and downstream supply chain.

Broad incumbents

• Trimble Agriculture: Trimble's precision agriculture software portfolio covering farm data, water management, and connectivity across global agriculture. A broad incumbent providing similar farm-level data integration and analytics but as part of a much larger diversified hardware-and-software portfolio.
• Climate FieldView (Bayer): Bayer's flagship digital agriculture platform operating globally with imagery, satellite analytics, agronomic decision tools, and sustainability reporting. A broad incumbent offering overlapping with VAA's calculation-engine and sustainability-reporting modules but at vastly greater scale and as part of a much broader input seed-and-chemistry franchise.

Emerging players

• Connecterra: Amsterdam-based dairy AI company applying sensor data and machine learning to dairy herd management. A Dutch-headquartered emerging player with meaningful overlap to VAA's dairy-focused offerings (Rundview, OPTIcow), but specialized specifically in sensor-and-AI dairy cow monitoring.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vaa_development

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about VAA