Appel.io

What Appel.io does

Appeel.io is a Belgian frontend development consultancy and digital agency founded in 2018 and headquartered in Kontich, Belgium, operating as a subsidiary of Xplore Group. The firm serves Belgian SMEs (KMO's), corporates, and government organizations with five core service lines: Craft CMS web development (delivered under Official Craft CMS Partner status in headless/decoupled configurations), custom software and dashboard development, WCAG accessibility / European Accessibility Act compliance services, motion and animation design, and a "Team as a Service" frontend consultancy. The underlying technology stack centers on Craft CMS, Vue.js/Nuxt, React/Next.js, TypeScript, PWA, Tailwind CSS, GSAP, and D3.js, with integrations into Storyblok, Bullhorn, Mollie, Shopify, HubSpot, Supabase, and AWS.

The company operates four offices across Belgium (Kontich, Aalst, Merelbeke, Hasselt) and a stated team of approximately 14, distinguishing it from typical single-city boutique agencies. Beyond professional services, Appeel.io owns and operates Grafeio, a self-developed workplace SaaS platform for desk booking, parking booking, lunch registration, and workplace analytics, currently serving 850+ users through a self-serve PWA model at grafeio.app. Revenue is generated via four streams: project-based custom development, Team-as-a-Service consultancy, a 2-week AI Proof of Concept service, and SaaS subscription licensing for Grafeio. Distribution is primarily direct B2B sales in Belgium, complemented by PLG self-serve for Grafeio and intra-group referrals via the Xplore Group ecosystem (12 offices across 5 countries). Notable client engagements include Airties, Arvesta (Aveve), Dynatos (Routty), Xplore Group, Induxx, and Kayak, spanning telecom, retail, fintech, IT consulting, PIM/DAM, and HR sectors. Recognition includes 3rd place in the 2026 Antwerpse Gazellen ranking and an Awwwards Honorable Mention for the Kayak project.

Name

Appel.io

Legal name

Appeel.io nv

Website

https://appeel.io

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Appeel.io is a Belgian frontend development consultancy, founded in 2018 and part of Xplore Group, serving Belgian SMEs, corporates, and government with Craft CMS web development, custom software, WCAG accessibility, and consultancy services. It also operates Grafeio, an in-house workplace SaaS platform with 850+ users.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Frontend Development and Custom Software Services

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Management Consulting Services (54161)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

iBPMS (Intelligent BPM Suites) & Process Automation Suites (HDAEAHAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workplace Technology & Smart Office Support (Room Booking Systems, IT/AV Liaison) (IMAIALAK), Managed Application Platforms (App PaaS & Runtime Services) (HDABAAAD)

Keywords

• Frontend development services
• Headless CMS development
• Custom software development
• Web accessibility consulting
• Workplace management software

Headquarters

HQ city

Kontich

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Web Development & Craft CMS Projects: Project-based custom development services building websites, web applications, and digital platforms using Craft CMS and modern frontend frameworks. Includes migration from WordPress to Craft CMS, headless implementations, and e-commerce solutions.
2. Custom Software Development: Bespoke software development for organizations, ranging from targeted applications for SMEs to complex enterprise software, automating processes, connecting systems, and improving team efficiency.
3. Grafeio SaaS Platform (Self-developed Product): Appeel's own workplace SaaS product for desk booking and workplace analytics, used by over 850 users. Revenue likely generated through subscription/saas licensing.
4. Team as a Service / Frontend Consultancy: Embedding frontend consultants into existing client teams for temporary project support or long-term team strengthening. Consultants work alongside internal teams, share knowledge, and guide best practices in architecture, accessibility, performance and development workflows.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Appeel.io is a Belgium-based frontend development and custom software consultancy that builds performant, scalable digital platforms for SMEs, corporates, and government organizations. Its core services include Craft CMS web development, custom application development, WCAG accessibility consulting, motion/animation design, AI proof-of-concept development, and Team-as-a-Service consultancy, all delivered using modern JavaScript frameworks and headless CMS architectures. The company also owns and operates Grafeio, its own workplace SaaS platform for desk booking and hybrid workforce management used by over 850 users.

Product overview

Appeel.io is a frontend development consultancy and digital agency based in Belgium, operating since 2018 and part of the Xplore Group. The company offers a portfolio of services centered on frontend development, custom software, and digital accessibility. The primary named product is Grafeio, a workplace SaaS platform for desk booking and workplace analytics. Services include Craft CMS web development (as an official Craft CMS Partner), custom software/applications development, WCAG accessibility consulting, motion/animation design, Proof of Concept development, and Team-as-a-Service consultancy. The offering functions as a service-led agency model rather than a packaged software product line, with the company specializing in modern JavaScript frameworks (Vue/Nuxt, React, Angular), headless CMS architectures, and accessibility compliance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Grafeio Grafeio is Appeel.io's own workplace SaaS platform (built as a PWA) that enables organizations to manage office occupancy, desk reservations, parking booking, lunch registration, and workplace analytics for hybrid workforces. Used by more than 850 users across client organizations.
• Craft CMS Web Development Official Craft CMS web development service including headless CMS setup, content migration, performance optimization, and ongoing support, delivered by an authorized Craft CMS partner to Belgian SMEs, corporates, and government organizations.
• Custom Software Development Custom-built software applications, dashboards, and business platforms tailored to organizational workflows, integrating with CRM, ERP, and existing tools via API connections to eliminate manual work and fragmented data.
• WCAG Accessibility Services Digital accessibility consulting and WCAG compliance auditing services that help organizations meet European Accessibility Act and WCAG 2.1/2.2 guidelines, covering keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and color contrast optimization.
• Motion and Animation Design Motion design and animation services for websites and digital platforms, including micro-animations, scroll-triggered effects, and interactive animations with reduced motion support for accessibility.
• Fast-Track AI Proof of Concept Rapid validation of AI and technology concepts through functional software prototypes delivered within two weeks, designed to test technical feasibility and commercial viability before full-scale development.
• Team as a Service (Frontend Consultancy) Embedded frontend consultancy where Appeel.io consultants are placed within client teams to provide expertise in modern JavaScript frameworks (Angular, Nuxt, Vue), platform modernization, and complex migration projects, with knowledge sharing as a core principle.

Quantifiable outcome

• 850+ users on Grafeio platform managing hybrid work and office organization
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Craft CMScoreTechnology or IntegrationAppeel.io is an Official Craft CMS Partner. They specialize in building websites and digital platforms using Craft CMS as a headless/decoupled CMS. They advocate for Craft CMS over alternatives (WordPress, Storyblok) and have published detailed comparisons. The partnership involves building custom solutions on the Craft CMS platform.
• Xplore GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAppeel.io is part of Xplore Group. Xplore Group is described as an ecosystem of specialized companies with 12 offices in 5 countries. Appeel works with Xplore Group's design partners for web design projects and collaborates on digital transformation projects.
• Design Partners (Xplore Group ecosystem)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAppeel.io works with specialized design partners within the Xplore Group ecosystem for web design projects. After an initial introduction, the right partner is selected based on brand, target audience and budget.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Intracto: Belgian digital agency offering web development, e-commerce, and digital marketing services across the Benelux region. Direct peer sharing Belgian market focus, agency service model, and mid-market-to-enterprise client mix.
• Momkai: Amsterdam-based design and digital agency referenced as design partner in Appeel.io's Kayak case study. Comparable Dutch-market digital agency with similar creative and frontend development positioning.
• Envoy: US-based workplace SaaS platform offering desk booking, visitor management, and hybrid work tools. Direct competitor to Appeel.io's Grafeio product in the same workplace management category.
• Robin: Workplace experience platform providing desk booking, room scheduling, and office analytics for hybrid workplaces. Direct competitor to Grafeio with overlapping features and target buyer.
• OfficeRnD: Workplace management software for coworking, hybrid offices, and corporate workplaces including desk booking and space analytics. Competes with Grafeio in the European hybrid-work SaaS market.

Broad incumbents

• Trifork: European software consultancy delivering custom development, digital platforms, and enterprise software across multiple verticals. Comparable professional services firm with similar custom software delivery model.
• Deloitte Digital Belgium: Global consulting firm's Belgian digital practice offering enterprise web development, custom software, and digital transformation at much larger scale. Competes for the same Belgian corporate and government mandates.

Regional players

• Iquality: Dutch digital agency specializing in Drupal, custom web development, and digital platforms with Benelux market presence. Comparable frontend and CMS-focused agency serving similar mid-market and enterprise clients across the region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Appel.io