WARSAW, Poland – April 10, 2025 – FOTC and Laurens Coster today announced a strategic merger, establishing a leading position in digital transformation across Central and Eastern Europe. Paweł Rybak has been named CEO.
FOTC, a leader in cloud solutions and digital services, and Laurens Coster, a renowned expert in data management and artificial intelligence, today announced their merger. This strategic combination aims to redefine the digital landscape of Central and Eastern Europe.
The combination of FOTC’s extensive experience in cloud adoption and digital security with Laurens Coster’s deep knowledge of data analytics and AI will result in a holistic approach to digital evolution. Customers will gain access to comprehensive digital transformation support, covering everything from cloud migration and management to advanced AI and data analytics solutions.
Key benefits for new and existing clients:
- Expanded service portfolio: Customers will now benefit from integrated, comprehensive digital transformation support, encompassing everything from cloud migration and management to advanced AI solutions and data analytics. This integrated approach will streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation.
- Enhanced expertise and scale: The combined entity boasts a powerful team of over 160 experts, with more than 14 years of experience and capabilities serving over 6,500 clients in 50+ countries. This scale provides clients with unparalleled support and expertise tailored to their specific needs.
- Data-driven AI solutions: Utilizing Laurens Coster’s “Transform Data into Knowledge” philosophy, the merged company will empower clients to harness the power of AI to gain actionable insights, automate processes, and make smarter data-driven decisions.
- Smooth cloud integration: By integrating FOTC’s cloud computing expertise, including deep knowledge of Google Cloud, with Laurens Coster’s data analytics and AI solution-building capabilities, customers will experience a fluid and more efficient transition to cloud-based solutions optimized for AI deployment.
- Strengthened regional leadership: This merger solidifies FOTC’s position as a leading digital transformation solutions provider in the CEE region, offering support in 5 languages and a deep understanding of regional market dynamics.
Paweł Rybak steps into the CEO position
Alongside the merger announcement, the company proudly announces the appointment of Paweł Rybak as CEO of the new entity.
Paweł Rybak, an experienced leader, has market knowledge of new technologies, e-commerce, and online advertising, an area he has been involved with since its inception in Poland. He began his career at one of Europe’s largest digital marketing agencies, where he developed the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) sector in the Polish market for 17 years, progressing from trainee to CEO. Thanks to his strategic approach and knowledge, the company was successfully sold to Bauer Media Group, where Rybak, in close strategic cooperation with Google, successfully led a business unit comprising several of Poland’s largest SEO/SEM agencies for another 7 years.
In 2021, Paweł Rybak joined the management board of Shoper, a leading Polish e-commerce platform operating on a SaaS model, as a member of the management board and Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing and co-creating the strategy for all of the company’s commercial activities, including marketing, sales, partnerships, customer growth, customer support, customer experience, and advertising services, managing a team of over 300 people. He also introduced new business segments such as digital advertising, ML and AI-based work automation tools, and co-created and scaled payment, logistics, and multi-channel sales segments on a massive scale. During his 4 years at Shoper, the company increased revenues from 47 million to 193 million PLN, and EBITDA rose from 21 million to 66 million PLN.
Paweł Rybak holds an Executive MBA from Aalto University, a degree in economics from the Poznań University of Economics, and a degree in computer science from Adam Mickiewicz University. He has also completed numerous postgraduate studies and courses, including at Stanford, MIT, and Harvard.
“This merger is a game-changer for all companies seeking support on their journey through the complex world of digital transformation.
Paweł Rybak, CEO FOTC
“By combining the strengths of both companies, we are creating a one-stop-shop for cloud, data, and AI solutions, enabling our clients to unlock unprecedented opportunities and drive sustainable growth. We are proud that, as a Polish company with Polish capital, we can collaborate with a global technology leader like Google. We believe this synergy will bring immense benefits both to Polish businesses and to us as a company that wants to actively participate in building a strong and innovative digital economy in Poland. Our cooperation proves that Polish companies can successfully compete in the global market while building their own competencies and technological independence. I am convinced that together we will build a future where data becomes a real asset for our clients, and innovation is the engine of their success.”
Paweł Rybak, CEO FOTC
“We are excited to combine our expertise in data and AI with FOTC’s long-standing experience in cloud solutions,” added Jan Biłyk, former CEO of Laurens Coster. “Many of our existing clients already work with FOTC to ensure the best cloud environment for their projects. From today, as one company, we will be able to deliver a full spectrum of solutions – from secure infrastructure to the value derived from understanding and analyzing data and AI deployments. This synergy will enable us to deliver truly transformative solutions that will empower companies to achieve their business ambitions.”
Jan Biłyk, FOTC Board Member, ex-Laurens Coster CEO
In addition to Paweł Rybak, Marek Kurzyk, who previously served as a Member of the Management Board and CFO of FOTC, will also sit on the FOTC board following the merger.
About FOTC:
FOTC is a leading cloud solutions provider, specializing in technology consulting, IT services, data and artificial intelligence, and managed services, delivering comprehensive solutions for seamless implementation, integration, and support. With a team of over 160 experts and unique experience serving more than 6,500 clients in 50+ countries, the company empowers clients to modernize their infrastructure, implement best-in-class modern technology solutions, and enhance security. In 2025, the company plans to achieve PLN 150 million in revenue.