About us

About us

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Powered by entrepreneurs

Our investors aren’t just financiers, they’re seasoned entrepreneurs & operators. 
Their capital, insights, and networks help founders and management teams thrive

Backed by 30+ Entrepreneurs, operators, and captains of industry.

In contrast to most conventional funds, the investors of Smile Sail are all entrepreneurs and operators themselves. They are committed to contributing not only part of their capital but also knowledge, experience and network for the benefit of our partners. 

The entrepreneurial DNA ingrained in Smile Sail makes us a unique investment firm. We know what it means to take calculated risks, be flexible and identify opportunities to accelerate growth. 

€1bn+
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AUM across the Smile group

€260 million
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Total capital raised by the Smile Sail team and dedicated to scaling Software & AI leaders 

100%
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backed by entrepreneurs, founders, operators and captains of industry

10+
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dedicated investment team members operating out of the BeNeLux and the US

A proven track record

Entrepreneurial capital for innovative growth companies

Smile Sail is part of the Smile Group focused on Smart Money for Innovation Leaders. The first evergreen private equity fund, Smile Invest, was founded in 2017 by Urbain Vandeurzen and has already made more than 20 platform investments. 

Find out more about Smile Invest

A true partner for ambitious entrepreneurs and management teams

At Smile Sail, we all share a passion for building market-leading companies in Software and AI and have extensive experience in scaling software companies internationally. Our investment team operates across Europe from our offices in Leuven (BE), and Amsterdam (NL), combined with presence in the US. 

Meet the team
Our team
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Backing market leading companies in software and AI

We provide Growth & Buy Out Capital at the intersection of sector expertise, B2B Software & IT solutions, boosted by Data & AI technologies.

We are impactful and respectful in our approach and focus on sustainable value creation, and tailoring our investments to meet the specific needs of each company.

Our approach

Our values

For us, people come first.

We have empathy and understand both the business and personal agenda of entrepreneurs.

Mutual respect & integrity.

We never compromise our ethical standards, and build our relationships on the basis of trust.

Best-in-class professionalism.

We motivate businesses professionally. We are enthusiastic about viable and ambitious business plans, backed up by facts and figures.

Flexibility & support.

We are always broad-minded and pragmatic.

ESG

ESG - Sustainability strategy in motion

Smile Sail is managed by Smile Invest Management Company NV (SIMC), a fully licensed AIFM. In accordance with the SFDR, SIMC’s sustainability risk integration policy, remuneration disclosures and related sustainability information apply to Smile Sail. These disclosures are available on the Smile Invest website

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