The digital printing industry in Benelux is thriving, driven by innovation and demand for high-quality printed materials. Companies range from startups specializing in bespoke printing solutions to established firms producing mass-market products. These businesses offer services such as personalized packaging, on-demand printing, and digital textile printing, catering to various sectors, including retail, advertising, and publishing. As digital technologies advance, the industry increasingly focuses on sustainability and automation, exploring eco-friendly materials and streamlined production processes. Trends show a growing inclination towards customization, making digital printing a preferred choice for businesses looking to stand out in a competitive market.


The list features a mix of investors, including private equity firms, venture capital groups, and corporate investors, primarily based in Benelux cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, and Luxembourg. Ranging from small teams to large organizations, these investors deploy varying approaches to capital investment in the digital printing market. Notably, most of the firms were established in the last few decades, with previous investments showing a robust interest in innovative ventures, as evident in their 2024 activity, where hundreds of deals were executed in this dynamic sector.


Top 18 Digital Printing Investors in Benelux


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across 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 2022, the EIC was involved in several notable transactions, including grants to companies like Scrona and inPhocal, which are engaged in innovative technologies. Additionally, the EIC invested €4 million in DyeMansion, a startup specializing in 3D printing, highlighting its commitment to the digital printing sector. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors, making it a significant player in the landscape of technology investment.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions in the digital printing context, EIB co-led a €32 million Series C financing round for Bizay, a company that operates in the digital printing space. Additionally, EIB invested €11 million in DyeMansion, a 3D printing startup, as part of a funding round that raised a total of €15 million. These transactions highlight EIB's active role in supporting companies that are directly involved in digital printing technologies, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation in this sector.


3. 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 private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has a diverse investment portfolio, with notable transactions in various sectors. Among these, their investment in Hung Hing Printing Group in 2008 highlights their engagement in the digital printing industry. Additionally, CVC's acquisition of Lecta, a company involved in paper and printing solutions, further emphasizes their relevance in the printing sector. Their strategic investments aim to deliver sustainable value and growth, making them a significant player in the investment landscape.


4. 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 primarily within the SaaS, marketplace, and platform sectors, providing funding and support to help these businesses scale. In the context of digital printing, Peak Capital has been involved in several relevant transactions. They led a €570K funding round for Peecho, a Netherlands-based service that converts digital content into physical products, which is directly related to digital printing. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Creative Fabrica, a design startup that offers tools and resources for creators, which may include applications in digital printing. Their focus on innovative founders and technology-driven companies positions them as a relevant investor in the digital printing industry.


5. Gilde Buy Out Partners


Gilde Buy Out Partners is a private equity firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in investment management and business transformation services, focusing on providing growth solutions to mid-market businesses across Europe. Gilde Buy Out Partners has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Albumprinter on July 27, 2017, which is a significant player in the digital printing industry. This acquisition highlights their commitment to investing in companies that enhance their operations and market presence in the digital printing sector. Additionally, they acquired The Spandex Group in 2011, which, while not directly a digital printing company, operates in the broader field of printing and graphics solutions. Their investment strategy aims to support companies in achieving growth and operational excellence, making them a relevant player in the digital printing landscape.


6. Pmv

  • Website: pmv.eu
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: pmv-eu

Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) is a public entity that acts as an investment company for the Flemish government, founded in 2001. PMV provides a range of financing solutions, including loans and co-financing, to startups, scale-ups, and established businesses across various sectors such as real estate, clean tech, and life sciences. Notably, PMV has invested in CHILI publish, a Belgian graphic creation software company that raised €3 million in funding to enhance product development and expand into the US market. Additionally, PMV participated in funding rounds for Oqton, a software company specializing in AI-powered solutions for manufacturing, which may intersect with digital printing technologies. These transactions highlight PMV's engagement in sectors that are relevant to digital printing, showcasing their role in supporting innovation and growth in this field.


7. Bencis


Bencis is a private equity investment company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in providing capital and strategic support to business owners and management teams across various sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare. Notably, Bencis has made significant investments in the digital printing industry, acquiring Xeikon in 2013, where they became the largest shareholder and facilitated the company's product development in digital printing technology. Additionally, their acquisition of SPGPrints in 2007 further highlights their engagement in the printing sector. Bencis focuses on growth and aims to enhance the market presence of the businesses they invest in, making them a key player in the digital printing landscape.


8. Agfa

  • Website: agfa.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mortsel, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1867
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: agfa

Agfa-Gevaert N.V. is a corporate investor based in Mortsel, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in imaging technology and healthcare IT solutions. Founded in 1867, the company has a long history of developing and manufacturing a range of analogue and digital imaging products, software, and systems. Agfa serves various sectors, including healthcare, where it provides advanced tools to enhance diagnostic capabilities. Notably, Agfa has made strategic acquisitions in the digital printing domain, such as Agfa Graphics s.r.l in 2004 and Litho Supplies in 2011, which bolster its capabilities in this area. More recently, Agfa has invested in Penny Black, a London-based personalized packaging startup, participating in multiple seed funding rounds from 2021 to 2023, further demonstrating its engagement in the digital printing market.


9. dsm-firmenich

  • Website: dsm-firmenich.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: dsmfirmenich

dsm-firmenich is a for-profit company based in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands, operating primarily in the nutrition, health, and beauty sectors. The company offers a diverse range of products, including fragrances, nutritional supplements, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, serving various industries with innovative solutions. As an investor, dsm-firmenich has shown a keen interest in the digital printing space, particularly through its venture arm, DSM Venturing. They have participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Inkbit, which focuses on 3D printing technology, and Additive Manufacturing Technologies, which is developing post-processing solutions for 3D printed materials. Their investments in these companies highlight their commitment to advancing digital manufacturing technologies and addressing sustainability challenges in production processes.


10. Endeit Capital


Endeit Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in growth capital investments for European tech scale-ups, focusing on sectors such as AI, fintech, and climate tech. Endeit Capital provides strategic support and portfolio management to entrepreneurs, facilitating their growth through expertise and resources. Notably, Endeit Capital has invested in Albumprinter, a company that operates in the digital printing sector, raising funds in 2007. They also led a $18 million Series C funding round for Hubs, a company that enhances automation capabilities in 3D printing, showcasing their interest in innovative printing technologies. Additionally, they invested in Picturae, which, while not directly a digital printing company, operates in a related field. These transactions highlight Endeit Capital's engagement with the digital printing industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.


11. NPM Capital

  • Website: npm-capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1948
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: npm-capital

NPM Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1948. The firm specializes in supporting medium-sized and large family-owned enterprises in the Benelux region, providing capital and strategic advisory services to foster growth and sustainability. NPM Capital operates across various sectors, including technology and education. Notably, they have invested in Ultimaker, a leader in 3D printing technology, providing significant funding to enhance product development and expand market presence. This investment highlights their engagement in the digital printing industry. Additionally, NPM Capital has made acquisitions in other sectors, such as Infinitas Learning and Iddink Group, showcasing their diverse investment strategy while maintaining a focus on long-term value creation with their portfolio companies.


12. 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 acquired Summa on August 2, 2016, a company known for its digital cutting solutions, which aligns with the digital printing industry. This acquisition highlights Gimv's engagement in the digital printing space, showcasing their interest in companies that contribute to this sector. Additionally, their recent acquisition of A1 Electronics further demonstrates their active investment strategy, although it is less directly related to digital printing. Overall, Gimv's diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a potential player in the digital printing market.


13. Volta Ventures

  • Website: volta.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: volta-ventures

Volta Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily targeting technology-driven startups within the Benelux region. Volta Ventures provides capital and strategic support to help startups grow in competitive markets. Notably, they have invested in CHILI publish, a Belgian graphic creation software company, participating in multiple funding rounds to support its product development and expansion into the US market. This involvement highlights their interest in the digital printing sector, as CHILI publish offers solutions that enhance graphic design and editing, integral to digital printing processes. Additionally, Volta Ventures has invested in other sectors, such as proptech, but their engagement with CHILI publish positions them as a relevant player in the digital printing investment landscape.


14. Barco

  • Website: barco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Kortrijk, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1934
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: barco

Barco NV is a technology company based in Kortrijk, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in digital projection and imaging solutions. Founded in 1934, Barco serves various sectors, including healthcare, entertainment, and enterprise, providing products such as medical displays, projection systems, and collaboration technology. In recent years, Barco has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, including the acquisition of Cinionic's premium cinema products business, which strengthens its position in the global cinema industry. Additionally, Barco acquired Element Labs, an LED video-systems company, and projectiondesign, focusing on mid-venue projectors. These transactions reflect Barco's commitment to innovation in visualization technologies, which are relevant to the digital printing industry.


15. Materialise

  • Website: materialise.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: materialise

Materialise NV is a corporate investor and a leading 3D printing service provider based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium. Founded in 1990, the company specializes in additive manufacturing and offers innovative software solutions tailored for various industries, including healthcare and aerospace. Materialise has been actively involved in the digital printing sector, exemplified by its investment in Essentium, a 3D printing firm that raised $22 million in a Series A round, where Materialise collaborated with other industry leaders to enhance 3D printing technologies. Additionally, Materialise's acquisition of OrthoView Holdings Limited for up to $12.3 million further solidifies its commitment to advancing pre-operative planning tools for orthopedic surgeons, showcasing its strategic focus on integrating 3D printing solutions in healthcare applications.


16. Gilde Participaties


Gilde Participaties is a private equity firm based in the Netherlands, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in investment management, focusing on providing capital and strategic support to businesses primarily in the Benelux region and the healthcare sector. Gilde operates through independent partnerships, including Gilde Equity Management and Gilde Healthcare. One of their notable transactions includes the acquisition of Albumprinter from Cimpress for $92 million in July 2017. Albumprinter is a company that specializes in digital printing services for photo albums, which highlights Gilde's engagement in the digital printing industry. This acquisition reflects Gilde's strategy to invest in businesses that can achieve growth and navigate transitions, including those in the digital printing space.


17. Newion


Newion Partners is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2000. They specialize in investing in early-stage technology companies, particularly in the business software sector. Newion provides capital, expertise, and support to help these companies scale and achieve market leadership, focusing on businesses located in North/West Europe. Notably, Newion has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Foleon, a company that raised $10.5 million in Series C in August 2021, $5.4 million in Series B in July 2018, and earlier seed rounds in 2016 and 2015. Foleon's focus on digital content creation positions it within the digital printing context, showcasing Newion's engagement with companies that operate in or adjacent to the digital printing industry. Additionally, Newion invested $10 million in Service2Media in June 2011, further demonstrating their commitment to technology-driven businesses.


18. Syensqo Ventures

  • Website: solvay-ventures.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn:

Syensqo Ventures is a corporate investor based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in advanced materials and solutions across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. With a strong emphasis on research and development, Syensqo Ventures aims to meet the evolving demands of its diverse market. Notably, they have participated in significant transactions such as the Series A funding for Kumovis, a German medical 3D printing startup, which raised €3.6 million to enhance its high-performance polymer 3D printing technology. Additionally, they invested in Plyable, a company focused on composite tooling solutions, which, while not directly in digital printing, indicates their interest in innovative manufacturing processes. These transactions highlight Syensqo Ventures' engagement with technologies that are relevant to the digital printing industry.



Digital Printing Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
PeakAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020088
Gilde Buy Out PartnersUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands11-5019820
PmvBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-200200111
BencisAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019990
AgfaMortsel, Flanders, Belgium5001-1000018670
dsm-firmenichMaastricht, Limburg, Netherlands10001+3
Endeit CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020061
NPM CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019481
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
Volta VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020144
BarcoKortrijk, Flanders, Belgium1001-500019341
MaterialiseLeuven, Flanders, Belgium1001-500019901
Gilde ParticipatiesNetherlands11-5019820
NewionAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5020006
Syensqo VenturesBrussels, Brussels, Belgium1-1020164


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