Steven Bakker

As a serial entrepreneur, (co-)founder & CEO of New Black, I'm committed to transforming the retail industry by bridging the gap between innovation and operational excellence. My career has been defined by a strong drive to help global brands and retailers break free from the constraints of legacy systems, reduce complexity, and unlock their full potential in today’s fast-paced digital economy.

At New Black, we have built a team of forward-thinking innovators and exceptional Nerds who developed EVA, our cutting-edge SaaS-based Unified Commerce platform. EVA empowers enterprise retailers to thrive in the modern marketplace by delivering real-time, seamless omnichannel experiences to consumers and frontline employees. Integrating advanced (m)POS, inventory management, order management (OMS), headless commerce, customer insights, loyalty programs, and global compliance into a unified system designed to defy legacy. EVA enables businesses to adapt swiftly to changing consumer behaviors and market demands. Our technology-agnostic approach ensures that brands can remain future-proof in an ever-evolving landscape.

Key Achievements

• Founded, owned, and successfully scaled six retail brands into billion-dollar companies.
• Built New Black into a trusted partner for global enterprises operating in over 50 countries.
• Assembled a world-class team that created EVA, now recognized as one of the most advanced Unified Commerce platforms for enterprise retailers.
• Pioneered innovation in retail technology by combining direct-to-consumer (D2C) expertise with real-time contextual capabilities that enhance customer experiences and operational agility.

My Vision

I believe the future of retail lies in defying legacy—embracing adaptability, speed, and simplicity to meet the ever-evolving needs of digitally savvy consumers. By leveraging real-time data and reducing operational complexity, I aim to empower brands to deliver exceptional customer experiences while fostering loyalty and long-term growth.

Leadership Philosophy

As a leader, I prioritize mutual trust, respect, and collaboration. At New Black, we embrace the Holocracy framework, which fosters self-steering teams and empowers individuals to take ownership of their roles. This culture of autonomy and innovation enables us to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

Let’s Connect

If you share my passion for retail transformation, D2C business models, or the future of unified commerce technology, let’s connect. Together, we can redefine what’s possible for global brands in this exciting era of change.