Hi, I’m Roy Derks.

About me

I’m a software developer from the Netherlands, an author, and an international speaker. My career has taken me from founding startups and writing software to leading engineering teams and improving how developers use new technology.

Today, I focus on AI and developer experience. I also write books, including React Projects and Fullstack GraphQL, publish technical articles, and contribute to developer communities.

Where I’ve worked

1. IBM

   Developer Experience & Developer Relations

   I work on developer-focused AI products, connecting engineering, product, and developer communities. My focus includes AI agents, tools, and standards such as the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

2. StepZen

   Developer Relations & Experience

   I led Developer Relations and Experience, helping developers build with APIs through technical content, demos, and community work. I joined IBM following its acquisition of StepZen in 2023.

3. Vandebron

   Engineering Manager

   I led engineering teams at the Dutch energy company, bringing together software development and technical leadership.

4. City of Amsterdam

   Senior Software Developer

   I worked on software for the city, applying my development experience in a public-sector setting.

5. Startups

   Co-founder & CTO

   Earlier in my career, I founded and worked at startups. I co-founded SwitchBay, a marketplace for used consumer electronics, and combined hands-on engineering with building products and teams.