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Raf Peeters
CEO & Founder at Qcify, Forbes Next 1000 Honoree
Raf Peeters is the CEO and Founder of Qcify, Inc., a company specializing in automated quality control solutions, particularly in the food processing sector. He has a background in electrical and electronics engineering, having graduated from Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg. Peeters began his career in the food industry as a service engineer and later transitioned into sales management, where he built strong partnerships within the industry.
Career Development and Qcify's Foundation
Peeters started developing the concept for Qcify in 2015, drawing on his experience from a previous role at a sorting technology company, Best. He recognized the potential of using vision technology not just for sorting but also for quality control. By 2016, he had developed the first prototype of Qcify's technology, which aimed to automate quality control processes that were traditionally labor-intensive and prone to human error.123
Under Peeters' leadership, Qcify has grown significantly and is now recognized as a leader in the automated quality control of nuts and dried fruits. The company has expanded its operations from the U.S. to include European markets and aims for further global reach.13 Peeters emphasizes a non-hierarchical management style, promoting autonomy among employees and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning.12
Contributions and Recognition
In addition to his role at Qcify, Peeters is an active angel investor in various innovative ventures, including those focused on AI, mixed reality, and health technologies.24 He is also a member of the Forbes Technology Council, which comprises senior-level technology executives.25
Peeters has received several accolades for his work, including being named in the Forbes Next 1000 list, which highlights entrepreneurs who are redefining business amid challenging circumstances.45 His vision for Qcify includes not only enhancing automation in quality control but also contributing positively to society by ensuring that companies can operate effectively while minimizing human error.
Personal Insights
Raf Peeters relocated to Silicon Valley from Belgium over ten years ago, where he continues to lead Qcify while maintaining a connection with his roots in Belgium. He believes that successful business practices revolve around understanding customer needs and developing solutions that are tailored to those needs.3 His leadership philosophy centers on collaboration and innovation, aiming to create a sustainable business model that prioritizes both employee satisfaction and customer success.12