Verlinvest

A trend we’re seeing across every vertical at Verlinvest: every consumer experience is becoming more social, more entertainment-driven, and more experiential.   Whether it’s a K-beauty pop-up (shoutout to Yepoda!) or an Insomnia Cookies store—where the late-night, warm-cookie ritual has become a shared cultural moment—today’s consumers show up for experiences, not just products. The brands that will win consumers over are the ones that create social moments that grab attention and spark real interaction.

Jean-Eric VERGNE exemplifies what it means to perform at the highest level.🏁  A two-time FIA – Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile Formula E World Champion, he has built a remarkable career defined by precision, teamwork, and innovation — values that also guide his growing involvement as an entrepreneur and investor in technology, sustainability, and data infrastructure. At Futurekind, Verlinvest’s 30th anniversary, Jean-Eric VERGNE shared lessons from elite motorsport — from agility to purpose-led performance —translate beyond the track, drawing compelling parallels with the world of business and private equity. A powerful example of how excellence and teamwork can go hand in hand, on and off the track. #Futurekind30 #ConsumerRevolutions #HeritageInMotion #Leadership

Want to understand the energy in Europe’s tech ecosystem? Spend a week in Helsinki during Slush. Last week, Therese Angel, Advisor & Venture Partner – Nordics, met with founders, investors, and operators to get a clear read on what’s shaping the next wave of European innovation. From AI-native startups to the evolving founder–VC dynamic, conversations were focused, pragmatic, and optimistic — with themes of sustainable growth, practical AI adoption, and shifting macro conditions coming up again and again. Here are the key insights we brought home from Slush: what’s accelerating, what’s changing, and where the ecosystem is heading next.

How do you build a billion-dollar purpose driven brand? When coconut water first started showing up in yoga studios and corner delis, it felt like a niche trend. Two decades later, Vita Coco has helped turn it into a global category – while quietly investing in schools, farmers, and millions of new trees. When I reconnected with cofounder and executive chairman Michael Kirban, what struck me was how little he talks about “purpose” as a slogan – and how much it shows up in the way the business actually runs. Build a real, profitable company first; then use that engine to support the communities and ecosystems that make it possible. From a supply chain rooted in thousands of small family farmers, to the Seedlings for Sustainability program to plant 10 million trees, Vita Coco is a powerful example of growth and impact reinforcing each other – not competing. If you’re a founder or leader wondering what it looks like to align cool and caring, this story is worth a read. https://lnkd.in/gKd-2i-C #GoodIsTheNewCool #BCorp #BrandLeadership

So 2025 was extra sweet: Tony's Chocolonely celebrated its 20th anniversary, and Verlinvest marked 30 years in the same month! At our anniversary, CEO Douglas Lamont reflected on how Tony’s focus on direct, long-term relationships with cocoa farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast, coupled with transparent and fair sourcing practices, fuels both growth and purpose. It’s proof that business can be a powerful force for change bar by bar. Verlinvest partnered with Tony’s Chocolonely in 2020 to support its mission to make the chocolate industry fairer for everyone and grow from a local Dutch movement into a global impact brand. #Futurekind30 #ConsumerRevolutions #BrandsForGood #PrivateEquity #F&B #HeritageInMotion

Congratulations to Insomnia Cookies on reaching 350 locations — a testament to exceptional execution, a beloved brand, and a passionate team. Excited for what’s ahead!🍪🚀 "Over the past 22 years, we've built an incredible community of Insomniacs who share our love of warm, delicious cookies," said Seth Berkowitz, CEO and Founder, Insomnia Cookies. "As we continue expanding globally, our focus remains on delivering memorable experiences, deepening connections with our Insomniacs, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the late-night indulgence category to reach Insomniacs in an unparalleled way."

With a career spanning Nike, The Earthshot Prize, and global sustainability leadership, Hannah Jones has long championed the power of business as a force for good and her work has consistently bridged purpose and impact🌍 At Futurekind, Verlinvest’s 30th anniversary, Hannah joined the panel “Ethics in Business Under Fire – The Case for Optimism”, sharing why she believes that optimism, and accountability remain essential to  shaping  more  sustainable and responsible business practices. Hannah’s perspective underscores the responsibility — and opportunity — for investors and CEOs alike to shape a more responsible, forward-thinking future.   #Futurekind30 #ConsumerRevolutions #HeritageInMotion #F&B #BrandsForGood  #PrivateEquity 

Late-stage funding dip is mostly supply-side driven: Verlinvest CEO 👉👉 Verlinvest, the Belgium-based investment company backed by the family that owns beer giant AB InBev, is sharpening its India focus, chief executive Roberto Italia said. 📌 The company is targeting startups that are between the early and growth stages with investments of $5–20 million, Italia told ET in an interview. Its V3 Ventures arm invests in early-stage companies while Verlinvest supports startups in the growth stage. 📌 Amid the rush of new-age IPOs, Italia said the public-market window is a 'mega plus' for risk investors and one of the main exit avenues in a complex market like India. By Apoorva Mittal

At Futurekind, our 30th anniversary, Saurabh Munjal, CEO and Co-Founder of #LahoriZeera, shared how the brand from Northern India is redefining what a mass-market beverage can be: authentic, accessible, and rooted in the country’s most beloved flavors. Lahori Zeera proves that India’s next FMCG champions won’t just imitate global players — they’ll build categories grounded in local preference, deep cultural insight, and world-class execution. Verlinvest’s partnership with Lahori Zeera, supports the brand’s mission to bring world-class production standards to a category long dominated by multinational . It’s a compelling example of a homegrown brand with the potential to redefine an entire segment — and a model we’re proud to back! #Futurekind30 #ConsumerRevolutions #HeritageInMotion #PrivateEquity #F&B