The business networking industry in Benelux thrives on fostering professional connections among individuals and companies. From coworking spaces to digital platforms, businesses create environments where collaboration can flourish. Companies range from virtual event platforms like Airmeet to networking-focused SaaS solutions such as Unily, offering innovative ways for professionals to meet, share ideas, and build partnerships. The continued rise in remote work and online interactions is reshaping networking norms, pushing organizations to leverage technology to bridge gaps and create meaningful connections. With a focus on growth and adaptability, the industry is poised for expansion in the digital age.


In the dynamic landscape of Benelux, an array of investors is actively shaping the business networking industry. This listing includes a mix of corporate giants like Randstad and venture capital firms such as Peak Capital. These investors vary in size, from smaller entities to major players, and most are headquartered in key cities like Amsterdam and Luxembourg. Established between the 1980s and 2020s, these firms made numerous significant investments in 2024, demonstrating their commitment to fostering growth in businesses that enhance connectivity and collaboration within professional networks.


Top 17 Business Networking Investors in Benelux


1. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, CVC acquired The Executive Centre, a Hong Kong-based serviced office provider, which is significant in the business networking context as it provides flexible workspaces that foster professional connections. Additionally, CVC's majority growth investment in Unily, a SaaS platform aimed at enhancing employee experience, further illustrates their commitment to improving workplace collaboration and networking opportunities. These investments highlight CVC's strategic interest in sectors that facilitate business networking and connectivity.


2. Randstad

  • Website: randstad.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Diemen, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1960
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: randstad

Randstad NV is a leading staffing agency based in Diemen, North Holland, specializing in human resource consulting and workforce management. Founded in 1960, Randstad offers a comprehensive range of services, including temporary and permanent staffing, HR support, and advisory consulting, primarily targeting businesses across various industries. Notably, Randstad has made significant investments through its Randstad Innovation Fund, focusing on innovative companies in the HR and recruitment sectors. For instance, they led a $10.8 million Series A funding round for Goodwall, a professional network aimed at students and graduates, highlighting their interest in expanding professional networking opportunities. Additionally, their investment in CornerJob, a blue-collar recruitment app, further underscores their commitment to enhancing recruitment processes and workforce solutions. These transactions illustrate Randstad's strategic focus on integrating business networking into their broader investment portfolio.


3. ABN AMRO Clearing Bank

  • Website: abnamro.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: abn-amro-clearing-bank-n-v-

ABN AMRO Clearing Bank, founded in 1982 and based in Amsterdam, North Holland, is a banking institution that provides a wide range of financial services, including personal banking, business banking, and investment management. With a focus on helping individual consumers and businesses manage their financial needs, ABN AMRO has been involved in several significant transactions that highlight their role as an investor in the business networking sector. Notably, they participated in the debt financing of CityFibre, a U.K.-based network operator that aims to expand fiber connectivity to 8 million homes, showcasing their commitment to enhancing telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, their involvement in euNetworks Group and Glasfaser Nordwest, which focus on expanding fiber networks, further emphasizes their strategic interest in the business networking industry. In 2024 alone, ABN AMRO has made 19 investments, indicating their active engagement in various sectors, including those that support business networking.


4. Kpn

  • Website: kpn.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: kpn

KPN is a leading telecommunications provider based in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1989. With over 10,000 employees, KPN offers a comprehensive range of services including fixed and mobile telephony, internet, and television, catering to both consumers and businesses. KPN has been active in expanding its service offerings through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2007, KPN acquired Getronics for €766 million, enhancing its capabilities in the IT services sector, which is crucial for business networking. Additionally, KPN has acquired several other companies such as RoutIT, NN Solutions, and Solcon, all of which contribute to its ICT solutions and internet service capabilities. These acquisitions align with KPN's strategy to strengthen its position in the telecommunications and IT services market, making it a significant player in the business networking landscape.


5. Mangrove Capital Partners


Mangrove Capital Partners is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2000, that specializes in early-stage investments in innovative technology companies. With a focus on empowering startups in Europe and Israel, they provide both financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs. Notably, Mangrove has participated in key transactions such as Skype, which revolutionized communication, and Job Today, a mobile marketplace that connects job seekers with employers in the hospitality and retail sectors. Their involvement in Job Today highlights their commitment to fostering platforms that enhance business networking and job connectivity, making them a significant player in the tech ecosystem.


6. Peak

  • Website: peak.capital
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: peak-capital

Peak Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2008. They specialize in investing in early-stage companies within the SaaS, marketplace, and platform sectors, providing funding and support to help these businesses scale. Notably, they led a €1 million funding round for Mibo, a social meeting platform aimed at enhancing virtual interactions, which highlights their engagement in the business networking context. Additionally, they have invested in Open Social, which focuses on open-source online community software, further emphasizing their commitment to platforms that foster community and networking. With a total of 8 investments in 2024, Peak Capital is actively backing innovative founders across Europe, leveraging their entrepreneurial experience to support the growth of networking-oriented businesses.


7. Prosus Group

  • Website: prosus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: prosus-group

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, focused on enhancing everyday life through technology. Founded in 2019, the firm has a significant presence in various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology, serving over two billion customers worldwide. Prosus partners with local entrepreneurs to create valuable products and services, fostering community growth and sustainable business practices. Notably, Prosus has invested in Airmeet, a virtual events platform that raised $35 million in Series B financing, indicating their interest in business networking solutions. Additionally, their involvement in other sectors, such as education through Emeritus, showcases their diverse investment strategy while still aligning with technology-driven platforms that can enhance networking opportunities.


8. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurial companies seeking capital and expertise to navigate market challenges. Notably, Gimv has been involved in several transactions that may have relevance to the business networking context, such as their investment in DataContact, which raised over $4 million in a venture round in 2010. This investment suggests a focus on technology and services that could be integral to business networking. Additionally, their participation in Seedcamp, a well-known startup accelerator, further emphasizes their commitment to fostering innovative business models, including those that may pertain to networking.


9. s16vc - Founders for Founders Fund

  • Website: s16vc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: s16vc

s16vc - Founders for Founders Fund is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in providing advisory services to companies, emphasizing the importance of strategic guidance in management. They have been involved in several notable transactions, including NachoNacho, which raised $3M in Seed funding to help businesses manage and discover SaaS products, highlighting their interest in platforms that facilitate business networking. Other investments include Passionfroot, which raised $3.8M in Seed funding, and XOR.ai, which secured $900,000 in Series A funding. These transactions reflect s16vc's commitment to supporting innovative solutions that enhance business connectivity and operational efficiency.


10. HOWZAT Partners

  • Website: howzatpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: howzat-media

HOWZAT Partners is a Luxembourg-based venture capital firm founded in 2006, specializing in investments in digital businesses. The firm provides funding and strategic advisory services to early-stage companies, helping them grow and succeed in the digital sector. Notable transactions include their participation in Gronda, an Austrian startup that raised €1.5 million to expand internationally, and Currency Alliance, which raised funds in multiple seed rounds. These investments reflect HOWZAT Partners' commitment to supporting innovative digital platforms that can enhance business networking and connectivity among entrepreneurs and startups.


11. Dutch Crypto Investors


Dutch Crypto Investors (DCI Capital) is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, founded in 2017. Specializing in digital assets and blockchain technology, DCI Capital provides funding, strategic networking, and community building services to crypto startups. They have been involved in several notable transactions, including Keepface's $3 million Initial Coin Offering and multiple seed rounds for companies like FanAnywhere, AdLunam, and Enjinstarter, which raised $5 million. Their investment in OneTo11, a blockchain gaming startup, highlights their focus on innovative sectors such as DeFi and GameFi, positioning them as a key player in the evolving investment landscape. DCI Capital's commitment to helping startups navigate the complexities of the digital asset landscape further emphasizes their role in fostering business connections and collaborations.


12. LeanSquare

  • Website: leansquare.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Belgium
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: leansquare

LeanSquare is a venture capital firm based in Belgium, founded in 2014, that specializes in supporting innovative projects primarily in the Cultural and Creative Industries, Enterprise Software, and Life Sciences. The firm provides financial investment, expertise, and networking opportunities to startups that are at a mature stage and seeking growth. LeanSquare emphasizes building trust and long-term relationships with entrepreneurs. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Zapfloor, a workspace management solution platform that raised €2.1 million in a Series A funding round, and previously €1 million in a seed round. This investment in Zapfloor highlights LeanSquare's commitment to supporting businesses that enhance networking and collaboration in professional environments. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for other innovative companies, showcasing their diverse investment strategy while maintaining a focus on growth-oriented startups.


13. Rockstart

  • Website: rockstart.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: rockstart

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, founded in 2011. With a team size of 11-50, they focus on empowering early-stage founders in sectors such as AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology. Rockstart provides investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. Notable transactions include TalkJS, which raised funds in 2015 and is a communication platform that facilitates networking, and Authic Labs, which raised $1.7 million in 2023, potentially indicating a focus on innovative networking solutions. Their business model emphasizes supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs to drive positive change, making them a valuable player in the startup ecosystem.


14. Cipio Partners

  • Website: cipiopartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: cipio-partners

Cipio Partners is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in European growth capital and minority buyouts for technology companies, providing financial support and strategic guidance to help businesses scale and prepare for liquidity events. Their investment focus is primarily on technology firms with proven business models and significant revenue, particularly in the software and B2B sectors. Notable transactions include their investment in Wire, which raised over $24 million in a Series C round, indicating their interest in companies that facilitate communication and networking. Additionally, they have invested in Conceptboard, a collaborative online whiteboard platform, which is relevant to business networking as it enhances team collaboration. These transactions highlight Cipio Partners' engagement in sectors that are integral to business networking, making them a suitable investor in this category.


15. Sgh

  • Website: sghcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sghcapital

SGH Capital is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in early and mid-stage disruptive companies across various sectors, including fintech and blockchain. They provide capital and strategic support to innovative businesses primarily in the US and western Europe, helping them to grow and succeed in competitive markets. Notably, SGH has been involved in several transactions that align with business networking. For example, they invested in WealthEngine, a provider of marketing intelligence and prospecting solutions, which is crucial for businesses looking to enhance their networking capabilities. Additionally, their investment in Crowdcube, a crowdfunding platform, reflects their engagement with platforms that facilitate business connections and networking opportunities. Overall, SGH Capital's investment strategy and portfolio demonstrate a commitment to supporting companies that can enhance business networking.


16. BCD Travel

  • Website: bcdtravel.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: bcd-travel

BCD Travel is a corporate travel management company founded in 2006, headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands, with over 10,000 employees. The company specializes in corporate travel solutions, offering services such as travel management, meeting and event planning, and travel consulting. BCD Travel has been actively expanding its global presence through strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Ventura Spa in Italy, which formed BCD Travel Italy, and Ticket Biz, enhancing its Nordic presence. Other notable acquisitions include Air Club Travel in Poland and Rennies Travel, which further solidify its position in the corporate travel market. These transactions reflect BCD Travel's strategy to strengthen its network and capabilities in providing comprehensive travel solutions for businesses, making it a key player in the business networking industry.


17. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. In addition to financial support, the EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to stimulate innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in transactions such as the funding rounds for Karos, a home-to-work carpooling specialist, which received 7 million euros in a Series B round, and also secured grants in previous years. These activities highlight the EIC's commitment to fostering connections and collaboration within the business community, making it a relevant player in the business networking landscape.



Business Networking Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
RandstadDiemen, North Holland, Netherlands10001+19601
ABN AMRO Clearing BankAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands501-1000198219
KpnRotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands10001+19892
Mangrove Capital PartnersLuxembourg11-5020005
PeakAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020088
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
s16vc - Founders for Founders FundAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020207
HOWZAT PartnersLuxembourg1-1020062
Dutch Crypto InvestorsAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands1-10201713
LeanSquareBelgium1-1020143
RockstartAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50201116
Cipio PartnersLuxembourg11-5020032
SghLuxembourg1-1020153
BCD TravelUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands10001+20060
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857


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