Masters in booktech and pubtech
Since 1993, we build the software that powers the book industry. From ebook watermarking to bespoke publishing tools, we help publishers, libraries, and booksellers thrive in the digital age.
Icontact was founded in 1993 by Huub van de Pol in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and became a private company in 2006 when Alexander van Meerten joined as CTO. What started as a pioneer in CD-ROM publishing quickly evolved into a web-focused technology company serving the book industry.
Over three decades we've grown into a tight, dedicated team — most of us have been here for well over a decade. We combine deep domain knowledge with modern engineering to create tools that make the book industry work better.
From Haarlem, we serve clients across the Netherlands and around the world — from major publishers and national libraries to innovative startups in the book industry. Whether it's building metadata pipelines, designing distribution platforms, or contributing to industry standards like the NSTC, we're always close to the heart of the trade.
Huub van de Pol
Founder & Director
Alexander van Meerten
CTO, since 2006
Kevin de Harde
Lead Developer
Vincent Jansen
Developer
1993
Founded in Haarlem
Launched LiteROM, the first Dutch CD-ROM with book data
1996
Moved to the web
Transitioned from CD-ROM to web-based applications
2006
Luisterrijk founded
Launched the first Dutch webshop for audiobooks
2010
Luisterhuis created
The Netherlands' audiobook distribution platform, growing out of Luisterrijk as a standalone service
2011
BooXtream launched
Introduced social DRM watermarking for ebooks
2015
Publishers Weekly Award
BooXtream recognised as a leading publishing technology
2018
Audiyence launched
White-label audiobook and podcast platform for publishers and retailers
2020
Luisterhuis acquired by CB
Luisterhuis joined Centraal Boekhuis, scaling audiobook distribution nationwide
2026
Hebban
Rebuilding the Netherlands' largest book community platform
Technology that serves the people who bring books to readers.
Ebook Watermarking & Personalisation
BooXtream is our social DRM watermarking service for ebooks. Instead of restrictive DRM that locks readers out, BooXtream personalises each ebook with an invisible watermark — deterring piracy while keeping the reading experience frictionless.
Custom Publishing Technology
We design and build custom software solutions for the book industry. Whether you need a metadata pipeline, a distribution platform, or a complete e-commerce system, we bring three decades of domain expertise to every project.
We're proud to work with publishers, libraries, booksellers, and industry organisations across the Netherlands and beyond.
Have a question or a project in mind? We'd love to hear from you.
Icontact BV
Crown Business Center
A. Hofmanweg 5a
2031 BH Haarlem
The Netherlands
Whether you're looking to integrate ebook watermarking, need a custom publishing platform, or just want to explore how technology can improve your workflow — we're here to help.
Drop us a line and we'll get back to you promptly.
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