VP Capital

We are excited to team up with ToolBox to strengthen social impact across Belgium! This partnership brings strategic support to not-for-profits working on biodiversity, climate and social equality. Together, we aim to empower these organisations, enhance needs-based advisory services, and drive meaningful difference together. Looking forward to seeing the impact grow! #socialimpact #sustainablegrowth #nonprofitsupport #drivenbyimpact

𝑪𝑶𝑷𝟏𝟔 𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔: 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔? As COP16—the world’s largest biodiversity summit—wrapped up this weekend in Cali, Colombia, we face a mix of optimism and urgency. One of the summit's key achievements was the establishment of the Cali Fund, which dedicates half of its resources to developing nations and Indigenous communities. By giving Indigenous groups a voice in nature conservation decisions, we recognize their vital role in protecting ecosystems and combating climate change. Yet, there are challenges ahead. Important discussions on creating a larger biodiversity fund were postponed, and many developed countries are lagging in their commitments to provide US$20 billion annually for international biodiversity financing by 2025. The clock is ticking, and we must act decisively.   At VP Capital, biodiversity is a central focus of our 2024–2028 strategy. We are addressing the main drivers of biodiversity loss—land-use changes, pollution, and climate change—as identified by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). In 2023, we strengthened our commitment by joining the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation and signing its pledge to dedicate our financial activities to biodiversity protection. We’re currently assessing our own impact with a comprehensive biodiversity footprint analysis of our portfolio, and we’ve developed a biodiversity maturity framework to enhance our annual engagement with investees.   With critical decisions delayed and funding gaps widening, the question looms: Can we act swiftly enough to close these gaps and prevent an ecological crisis? Let’s harness the momentum from COP16 Colombia and turn it into real, impactful action. Together, we can make a difference!   #biodiversity #sustainability #actionnow #cop16 #vpcapital

𝑨 𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑼𝒓𝒃𝒂𝒏 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏 Our impact team have been busy exploring the possibilities of regenerative urban design this week at the Embassy of Circular & Biobased Building exhibition during Dutch Design Week 2024. One of our valued network and donation partners, Biobased Creations, presented the first results of their ‘Building as a Landscape’ programme. This initiative brings together startups, ecological experts, and construction companies to focus on integrating the built environment with nature. The goal is to develop regenerative urban landscapes that enhance liveability for people, animals, and nature. As Lucas De Man, Creative Director of Biobased Creations, emphasizes in a recent press release, “The need is now evident, but in terms of implemented solutions, we as a society are still at the beginning.”   By focusing on biobased solutions within the built environment, Biobased Creations aligns seamlessly with our impact-first strategy, driving positive change for climate and biodiversity. We were inspired by their innovative insights, connected with like-minded professionals, and discovered new sustainable building systems that can contribute to a more resilient future. #biobasedcreations #DDW24 #vpcapital #sustainablebuilding #regenerativedesign

𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒔. As a family office, we have committed ourselves to some bold and challenging goals as part of our impact-first strategy. We can only achieve our ambition if we perform and collaborate at our best. Individually as professionals, and collectively as a team.   Last week, on 17 October, our team took another great step forward on this path! During our annual Team Offsite, we deepened our collective understanding of our core values Connection, Responsibility, Autonomy, and Decisiveness to guide us in all we do. Under the expert guidance of Jeroen Veldboer and Ellen van Gestel, we had engaging discussions and valuable conversations. And we explored how to clarify roles and responsibilities to create impactful teams.   We immediately put our learnings into practice at the beautiful Team Heiner Yacht Racing Centre, where we jumped aboard and worked on reflection and collaboration as a team. We divided into three teams and participated in an exciting sailboat race, led by expert sailors, including VP Textile's very own Lisa Vos, international top sailor. This experience gave us the chance to test our teamwork, communication and strategic thinking, while adapting to different roles on the water.   All in all, we covered a lot of ground. We worked together, learned a lot, and had plenty of fun! One team member summed it up perfectly: "What an awesome group we have!" We're already achieving so much together, and the results speak for themselves. We're excited to continue learning and maximize impact, side by side!   #vpcapital #teamheiner #drivenbyimpact #teamwork

We are delighted to share that VP Capital recently has achieved 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱-𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻-𝗻𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, signifying that we have offset 100% of our direct and indirect emissions. This step brings us closer to our ultimate objective of full carbon neutrality. Each year, we calculate our carbon footprint, including that of our investments. We have set ambitious reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. Our aim is to halve our emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero before 2050. In 2023, we fully offset our remaining emissions by purchasing certified carbon credits through our partner CO2logic, a South Pole company, with Vinçotte as the auditor. The acquired carbon credits supported reforestation of degraded land and the use of water filters to eliminate the need to burn biomass to boil water. As part of our commitment, we also support our direct participations in their sustainability efforts. While they are all committed to reducing their emissions (and several have already had their SBTi targets validated), six of them are also making progress toward carbon neutrality and achieving their own carbon-neutral certifications: ✔ HAVEP Workwear/Protective wear, Hydrowear, and VH - Work and protective wear (Silver, jointly as VP Textile) ✔ Q-lite (Silver) ✔ VP Landbouw (Bronze) ✔ Batenburg Techniek N.V. (Bronze) We are proud of this achievement and the dedication of our team and portfolio to contribute to a sustainable future. Together with our partners, we will continue on our path towards full net-zero, driving positive impact on both people and the planet in the years ahead. Read more about this milestone in the full article: https://lnkd.in/eVEAsBAJ #carbonneutral #netzero #sustainability #impactinvesting #drivenbyimpact

𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒓? This week, we took part in the networking event 'Cross-Border Networking & Sustainable Innovation' at our direct participation, Q-lite. During this event, our Director of Strategic & Family Matters, Guus van Puijenbroek, engaged in an insightful discussion with Geert Verachtert from Groep Van Roey focusing on sustainability from both a strategic and practical perspective. Together, they explored topics such as what ‘sustainable business’ means to them and how to communicate about this subject in a positive way. Guus also elaborated on strategies on how to bring others along on this journey. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Voka-Vlaams netwerk van ondernemingen, Stichting Ondernemend Baarle (StOB) and Q-lite for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful dialogue on the future of entrepreneurship. Special thanks to Marleen Geens for moderating the discussion and to Dirk Geenen (CEO Q-lite), Dennis Steegman (StOB), and Ronny Van Doninck (Voka Lokaal Kempen Noord) for their warm welcome. #vpcapital #drivenbyimpact #sustainablebusiness #networkingforchange

Last week, we hosted the fifth edition of our annual 𝗩𝗣 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆, where this year 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 took centre stage 🌍🐝. Together with the executive leadership and sustainability managers from our direct participations, we were hosted at the innovative Phood Farm and Phood Kitchen. This innovative scale-up aims to set a new food standard by producing food in a hyper-local and community-based manner, utilizing advanced technologies and an ecologically sustainable system. After a warm welcome from our colleagues Bart Van Eyk and Marije Rhebergen, we started the day with a review of the outcomes of VP Capital’s previous five-year strategy and unveiled our plans for the future. Next, keynote speakers Kees Klomp, researcher and advocate of the purpose economy and meaningful entrepreneurship, and Jaap de Jong, Programme Manager for the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development at Wereld Natuur Fonds (WWF-NL), shared powerful insights on how to align economic activities with ecological principles. They emphasized the intricate and urgent connection between climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution, illustrating how these factors are increasingly disrupting the planet, our daily lives, and ultimately, our economy. As we absorbed this compelling message, it stirred us to reflect and illuminated the fact that we are facing a critical challenge. It became abundantly clear that businesses must play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge. But how can we transform the current ecologically destructive economic system? And even more importantly: How deeply are we willing to scrutinize our values and behaviours to change the harmful patterns that define our economic practices?   A tour by Robin Meulen gave us a taste of what’s possible – showing that we can align our products and services with the good of our planet. And after a bite of their sustainable products, we concluded with a presentation from colleague Jobien Laurijssen, and Gert-Jan van de Poll and Basil van Wijk from Holtara. They shared insights into how VP Capital is working to make our biodiversity footprint and actions measurable and outlined the next steps in our ongoing quest. We had an inspiring day filled with thought-provoking discussions, eye-opening insights and delicious food. A sincere thank you to everyone who shared their valuable insights and enthusiasm. #sustainabilityday #biodiversity #ecology #collaboration #vpcapital #drivenbyimpact

Fantastic news from our portfolio company Mediahuis Nederland! Their short-term and long-term CO2 reduction targets have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Additionally, their scientifically based goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 has been approved. In their recent press release, Gert Ysebaert, CEO of Mediahuis groep, emphasized that: “Defining science-based climate targets clarifies the efforts that we must make and enables us to communicate our progress transparently to our stakeholders. The validation of our sustainability goals by the SBTi underlines that we are on the right path towards a more climate-friendly future.”   At VP Capital, we applaud our direct participations and investments for their dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving measurable progress. 🌍💚 We are excited to continue collaborating with them and look forward to driving positive change together.   Read the full press release at: https://lnkd.in/e2F4g87c #mediahuis #SBTi #vpcapital #sciencebasedtargets #togetherfornetzero

𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝑰𝟑 𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒐! SI3 is the third fund launched by Shaping Impact Group (SIG), a fund manager with a strong track record of driving 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁. SI3 is on a mission to address social inequality by investing in start-ups and scale-ups whose products or services help create a society where everyone has equal opportunities. Recently, the fund announced that it will close with €20 million in capital in October. Other key investors with a sustainability mindset who have also provided fundings are: Piet Colruyt from the Colruyt supermarket chain, Karel Cardoen from the Cardoen car supermarket chain, Bernard Meeus from the sustainable energy company Alco Group, and PMV. By prioritizing social impact over financial returns, this partnership aligns perfectly with our impact-first strategy, where investing in promoting social equality is one of our key challenges, and inclusivity is one of our primary focus areas. Want to know more about this investment and how it supports our mission to foster 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 and drive 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲? Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/e4yFFG_g #shapingimpactgroup #SI3 #newinvestment #impactinvesting #vpcapital #drivenbyimpact #socialequality

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕! 🎉 Last night, we received the exciting news that our Director of Impact & Communications, Marije Rhebergen, has been included in the WIFS (the Netherlands) 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟱𝟬 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰! 👏 This annual event recognizes and celebrates female leaders in the Netherlands who are dedicated to advancing sustainability within the financial sector. It serves as a platform to showcase their achievements and bring visibility to their significant contributions.   It is Marije’s commitment and passion for sustainable change, with a strong focus on impact and inclusivity, that have earned her this well-deserved recognition. Her career reflects not only her expertise in impact investing but also her profound dedication to bringing about positive change. As Marije herself puts it: “There is one common thread in my career, and that is the pursuit of sustainable impact.”   We are proud that one of our team members is being honored with this inspiring acknowledgment. We look forward to the continued progress we’ll make together to accelerate positive impact for our planet and society. Read more about her nomination and impact here: https://lnkd.in/ecVckDiP #WIFS #top50womeninsustainablefinance #sustainability #drivenbyimpact #sustainablefinance #changemakers