Private Equity Firms in Brussels

Aquasourça is a family-owned investment firm with permanent capital, actively engaged in both private equity and real estate. The firm employs two distinct private equity strategies: a generalist approach for growth investments across various industries and services, and a sector-specific focus, particularly in the agri-food sector. In real estate, Aquasourça pursues complementary strategies, including value-add for development activities and core/core+ for real estate asset management, primarily in France and Europe, with co-investments globally. The firm emphasizes a highly entrepreneurial approach, providing financial expertise and tailored support to foster the growth of its portfolio companies.The company was founded in 1996 by Sophie Defforey, stemming from a unique entrepreneurial opportunity in the water sector, which also inspired its name. Building on this initial success, Sophie Defforey structured Aquasourça with the vision of supporting business leaders in their development projects. The firm operates with its own funds, allowing for patient capital, long-term partnerships, and a streamlined decision-making process.Aquasourça has a diverse portfolio, having made over 60 investments and 26 exits. Notable investments span industries such as logistics (LSO (Merville)), industrials (Vestal Groupe), and various companies in the business, food, consumer products, and services sectors. The firm typically commits between €3 million and €15 million per operation, taking active minority or majority positions in profitable companies with strong organic and external growth potential.The Aquasourça team is composed of experienced professionals, including Sophie Defforey as President, and a multidisciplinary group with expertise in investments, asset management, finance, and business development. The firm's approach is rooted in trust, respect, and shared values, aiming to build strategies that serve the company's project while respecting the experience and decisions of the leaders. They also integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into their investment process, assisting entrepreneurs in implementing sustainable strategies.

EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization founded in 1994 in Stockholm, Sweden. With a Nordic heritage and a global mindset, EQT focuses on active ownership strategies, responsibly investing in, owning, and developing companies and real assets. EQT invests across multiple geographies, sectors, and strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. The firm aims to future-proof companies and make a positive impact for all stakeholders. As of 2025, EQT manages approximately €273 billion in assets under management (AUM), with a team of over 1,500 employees operating from offices across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.

Ivesta Family Office is a multi-family office firm established in 2017, dedicated to providing comprehensive wealth management and advisory services to entrepreneurs. The firm distinguishes itself through a model built on independence, transparency, and a strong alignment of interests with its clients. Ivesta fosters a community of entrepreneurs, leveraging collective strength to serve individual needs and accelerate knowledge sharing and synergies.The firm was co-founded in 2017 by Olivier Duha, Pierre-Marie De Forville, and Remi Douchet, with Ariane Darmon also identified as a co-founder. Their vision was to create a family office that resonates with the entrepreneurial spirit, enabling clients to manage their assets with the same strategic acumen they apply to their businesses. Ivesta has grown to advise over 100 entrepreneurs, managing approximately €6 billion in assets.Ivesta Family Office invests across various asset classes, including Private Equity, Venture Capital, Real Estate, Private Debt, and Infrastructure. Their investment focus spans several key sectors such as Financial Services & Fintech, Technology, Software & Gaming, Agriculture, Agribusiness & Agtech, and Blockchain. Within these sectors, they target subsectors like SaaS, Marketplaces, Blockchain, Web3, FoodTech, and Fintech. The firm engages in venture capital investments across Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, and Growth stages. Ivesta is also a mission-driven company since 2021 and a Certified B Corporation since 2023, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices and positive societal impact.The team at Ivesta Family Office comprises dedicated professionals, including Family Partners, Family Officers, and Family Data Keepers, who work in trios to ensure long-term, trusting relationships with clients. The firm also offers concierge services to handle administrative and real estate matters. Investment analysts are responsible for selecting, analyzing, and monitoring investments across financial markets and private markets, benefiting from the firm's independent model. The team's diverse backgrounds and collaborative spirit are central to Ivesta's approach to client service.

Lombard Odier is an independent Swiss banking group with a rich history dating back to 1796. The firm operates as a global wealth and asset manager, serving both private and institutional clients. Their core offerings encompass private banking, comprehensive wealth management, and sophisticated asset management solutions. A distinctive aspect of Lombard Odier's approach is its strong emphasis on sustainable investing, aiming to align client objectives with positive environmental and social outcomes.Founded in Geneva, Switzerland, Lombard Odier has maintained its independence through a unique partnership model, where the firm is wholly owned and managed by its Senior Managing Partners. This structure fosters a long-term perspective and a client-centric approach, allowing for stability and continuity across generations. The firm has consistently evolved, integrating cutting-edge banking technology not only for its own operations but also offering these solutions to other financial institutions.While Lombard Odier focuses on a broad range of traditional and alternative investments, specific notable investments or portfolio companies are not publicly highlighted in the provided information, as their primary business revolves around managing client wealth and assets rather than direct venture capital investments in specific startups. Their investment strategies span various asset classes, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources, often with a sustainable lens.The team at Lombard Odier comprises experienced professionals across wealth management, asset management, and technology. The firm emphasizes a culture of excellence, innovation, respect, integrity, and teamwork. With a global presence across more than 25 offices in 19 jurisdictions, their experts provide local expertise combined with an international outlook, ensuring tailored solutions and a deep understanding of diverse market dynamics for their discerning clientele.

Natixis Investment Managers is one of the world’s largest asset management firms, known for its multi-affiliate model that provides access to over 15 independent investment managers. This decentralized structure enables a broad array of active investment strategies, including equities, fixed income, multi-asset, private assets, and ESG solutions tailored to client-specific needs. Headquartered in Paris with offices in more than 25 countries, Natixis Investment Managers oversees approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024. It serves a diverse clientele including institutional investors, fund managers, corporations, and private individuals. The firm is part of Groupe BPCE, the second-largest banking group in France, offering it a strong financial foundation and global reach. Dedicated to responsible investing, Natixis promotes sustainability through its affiliates such as Mirova and Ostrum Asset Management, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into their investment processes. This commitment supports long-term value creation and contributes positively to global economic and social development.

Sofina is a Belgian investment company with a history dating back to 1898, originally founded as an engineering conglomerate. Today, it operates as a family-run and controlled investment firm listed on Euronext Brussels. Sofina invests patient capital in growing companies managed by like-minded entrepreneurs and families, aiming to create enduring value through long-term partnerships.The company employs three complementary investment styles: Sofina Direct (long-term minority investments), Sofina Growth (investments in fast-growing businesses), and Sofina Private Funds (venture and growth capital funds). Its portfolio spans multiple sectors including consumer and retail, digital transformation, education, healthcare and life sciences, and sustainable supply chains, with a focus on backing companies in Europe, Asia, and the United States.With approximately 85 employees across offices in Brussels, Luxembourg, London, and Singapore, Sofina manages a diversified portfolio with a market capitalization of around EUR 9.59 billion (approx. USD 10.3 billion). The firm typically holds minority stakes, seeks board representation, and maintains investments for 10 to 12 years, supporting growth, acquisitions, and shareholder liquidity.

Temasek Holdings is a global investment company wholly owned by the Government of Singapore, operating with a long-term investment horizon. The firm strategically invests across a diverse portfolio, guided by four key structural trends: Digitisation, Sustainable Living, Future of Consumption, and Longer Lifespans. Its investment focus spans a broad range of sectors including technology, life sciences, agri-food, consumer, financial services, telecommunications, transportation, industrials, real estate, and energy, aiming to deliver sustainable returns over time.Incorporated on June 25, 1974, Temasek was initially established by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to commercially manage a portfolio of government-owned companies. This strategic move allowed the Singapore Government to concentrate on its core roles of policymaking and regulation. Over five decades, Temasek has evolved from managing a local portfolio valued at S$354 million at inception to becoming a prominent global institutional investor with a significant international presence.Temasek holds significant stakes in various companies globally, reflecting its active and disciplined investment approach. Its portfolio includes major investments in publicly listed entities such as BlackRock, Visa, NVIDIA, Mastercard, and Alphabet. The firm has also made notable private investments in companies like Element Materials Technology, Impossible Foods, Flywire Corporation, DoorDash, Zomato, Pine Labs, and Lenskart. Additionally, Temasek co-created Decarbonization Partners with BlackRock, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable investments.The firm operates with a multinational staff of approximately 960 people, encompassing 32 nationalities, across 13 offices in 9 countries. Temasek's culture emphasizes personal accountability and continuous capability building, guided by its MERITT values: Meritocracy, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Trust. Its leadership team, including Executive Director & CEO Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, brings extensive experience in investment, portfolio management, and corporate law, ensuring a disciplined and forward-looking investment strategy.