Maurice, your entrepreneurial story begins in a bar. How did that lead to starting your first company?

Maurice: It’s true, Cloud86 wasn’t my first venture. Back in 2003, I co-founded a web hosting company. The decision to start it was, in hindsight, a little reckless. A friend of mine and I had a weekly tradition of meeting for drinks. One night we asked ourselves, “How can we cover these bar tabs?” Around the same time, I noticed something interesting in the web hosting market. Despite being fiercely competitive, a few players stood out with unique offerings. That piqued my curiosity, and I dug deeper to understand their strategies. Before long, I realized there was room to create something of my own in this space.

What lessons from your first company shaped your approach to Cloud86?

Maurice: The biggest takeaway was the importance of a growth mindset. When we launched Cloud86, we set an ambitious goal – a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). We wanted 100,000 customers in five years. Working backward from that target gave us clarity. We asked ourselves: “What milestones must we hit in years four, three, two? What resources do we need – revenue, funding, team size, marketing spend?” This reverse-engineered strategy helped us stay focused. 

Scaling brings challenges – not only business-wise but especially in preserving company culture. How are you tackling this as you grow?

Maurice: I think I’m still learning a lot here. We’re now 35 people, and the challenge is becoming real. I’ve learned that while skills are critical, cultural fit is just as important. During hiring, I prioritize understanding a candidate’s personality. What they value, how they spend their free time, and whether they align with our team dynamics. I believe that skills can be taught but cultural alignment cannot. 

Let’s talk about scaling from a business perspective. What did you do?

Maurice: In SaaS, it’s all about product and marketing. Initially, we focused heavily on achieving product-market fit. We needed to align our offering with market needs. For instance, we tackled performance issues common in web hosting by investing in customer support and reliable infrastructure. 

What was the next step?

Maurice: Once that foundation was solid, we shifted focus to marketing. You need to understand your brand, USP, and market deeply and then tailor campaigns toward them. It’s a continuous process of refining the product and communicating its value effectively.

You’ve grown by 1787% since 2019. Many fast-growing companies turn to venture capital for funding. Why did you choose debt instead?

Maurice: For us, it came down to control and focus. With VC funding, you often give up 20-25% of your company – and along with it, a say in how you operate. VCs can be quite hands-on, scrutinizing your spending and strategy. Debt funding allows us to retain equity and decision-making autonomy. No one’s sitting in our board meetings dictating priorities. It’s simpler and, frankly, liberating. 

How has debt funding influenced your growth strategy?

Maurice: Debt funding instills discipline. It’s not about chasing growth at all costs but achieving it efficiently. You’re compelled to think strategically. You should scale in a way that keeps cash flow positive, ensuring you can repay your debt while still prioritizing expansion. In the early stages of a company, profitability isn’t the sole focus. Businesses don’t fail because of losses on a balance sheet. They fail when they run out of money. Debt keeps you grounded – analyzing your numbers, refining your product, and understanding your market to make every euro work harder.

What’s your advice for putting funding to work efficiently?

Maurice: Know your numbers by heart. Metrics like CAC and CLTV are your compass. Review them weekly to stay on track. Efficient growth starts with understanding your financial levers and optimizing them relentlessly.  

If you could advise a new founder, what would it be?

Maurice: First – focus is everything. Set a clear long-term goal, your BHAG, and work backward to create a roadmap. Without that vision, you’ll get lost in the day-to-day grind.

And second?

Maurice: Learn to let go of mistakes. Early on, we wasted €500,000 on hardware that ended up in our basement. It was a painful lesson, but clinging to a sunk cost only holds you back. Instead, cut your losses, reevaluate, and move forward. New things often come from recognizing failure and pivoting quickly.

Thanks for the interview, Maurice!