From newcomer to networker: Max Kapshtyk's Maastricht story
For entrepreneur Max Kapshtyk, moving to Lanaken (BE) and conducting business in the Maastricht Region was about much more than changing location. It was about finding the right place to build businesses, create connections and become part of a community.
Originally from Ukraine, Max Kapshtyk came to the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant before taking the leap and becoming a Dutch citizen. Today, together with his fiancé Edwin, he runs several businesses, including software company 4Bis Innovations, business platform CI Cloud Pro and Dutch lifestyle webshop De Huisjes. He is also an Open Coffee Maastricht Heuvelland (in Dutch) partner, helping entrepreneurs connect across the region.
People often ask why I have multiple companies,’ Kapshtyk says. ‘The answer is simple: because this is who I am. I love it.
Why support makes all the difference
Starting a new life in another country was not always easy. Kapshtyk remembers that navigating immigration procedures and settling into life in the Netherlands required patience and support. ‘I recommend every international to find the right specialist and visit an expat centre. They really do help,’ he says. ‘The advice I received at the beginning made a big difference.’
One piece of advice stood out. Although many Dutch people speak English, learning Dutch is still important. ‘I did an intensive course and learned Dutch within 6 months. It helped me make friends and understand the culture much better.’
Life in the heart of Western Europe
After many years in Haarlem, Max and Edwin wanted a different lifestyle. They were looking for more space, a slower pace and a region with international opportunities. ‘The Maastricht Region is geographically ideal,’ Kapshtyk explains. ‘You're living in the centre of Western Europe. In a short drive you're in Germany, Belgium or Luxembourg. It offers freedom, but it is also an important crossroads for business.’
Although they now live just across the Belgian border, their businesses remain closely connected to the Maastricht Region. For Max Kapshtyk, the border is hardly noticeable in everyday life. ‘I don't really see a difference between Belgian Limburg and Dutch Limburg. People work together naturally. Only when it comes to administration do notice that you actually are a cross-border worker, or cross-border entrepreneur in my case.’
Getting involved and giving back
Today, Max Kapshtyk encourages internationals and recent graduates who are thinking about moving to the Maastricht Region to become involved as soon as possible.‘Take up a sport and do volunteer work,’ he says. ‘It helps you understand the culture, meet people and avoid feeling lonely. You make friends naturally, and your Dutch improves very quickly.’
Over the years, Kapshtyk has volunteered with organisations ranging from supporting people with disabilities to environmental projects. These experiences, he says, helped him build meaningful friendships while giving something back to society. Networking has also played a major role in his entrepreneurial journey.
When he started his first business, he discovered Open Coffee Haarlem, where he learned how to pitch, network and understand Dutch business culture. ‘I got my first clients there. I learned how to network and how to present my business.’ After moving south, joining Open Coffee Maastricht Heuvelland felt like a natural next step. Today, 4Bis Innovations is a technical partner, supporting the organisation while helping strengthen the local entrepreneurial community. ‘I really believe that the Open Coffee sessions help businesses. It's also about helping people, and that's something I stand behind.’
Growing a business and building their lives
Max Kapshtyk believes there are real opportunities for entrepreneurs in the Maastricht Region, especially for internationals and recent graduates looking to start a business. He has noticed that business relationships here develop differently from those in the Randstad.
‘People want to get to know you first in the Maastricht Region. Trust comes before business. It takes longer, but relationships are stronger and last much longer.’ That focus on lasting relationships is exactly what he hopes to continue building. ‘We want to integrate more into our neighbourhood, make more friends and do more business in the Maastricht Region.’
For internationals arriving in the Maastricht Region, his message is clear: get involved, be curious and start building your network from the moment you arrive. Whether through Expat Centre Maastricht Region, volunteering, joining a sports club or attending events such as Open Coffee Maastricht Heuvelland, every connection brings you a step closer to feeling at home.
Passport
Name: Max Kapshtuyk
Nationality: Ukraine (now Dutch citizen)
Living in Lanaken, BE
Working in Beek, Maastricht Aachen Airport
Favourite spot: Lumière
Photos: Nigel Noma @nomastudio.nl
