Accelerating impact
At VP Capital, we aim for positive impact. We don’t hope for a better future, we invest in it. By investing in the necessary solutions, we aim for sustainable progress. For generations to come.
Purpose-driven investments
When it comes to sustainability, we don’t take no for an answer.
We acknowledge the challenges our world is facing and the need for transformative shifts within the building blocks of our society.
But we also believe in the opportunities that these challenges offer. That is why we take a step forward to contribute to much-needed solutions.
We assess and select our investments based on their potential to contribute to 6 transformative solutions and helping them to improve. That is how we hope to address 3 key challenges that our planet and society are facing.
Our 3 challenges
Impact is imperative.
Our planet and society face many challenges. If we want to make a positive impact, action is essential. That is why we have selected three focus challenges: preserving biodiversity, supporting our climate and promoting social equality.
These challenges and the corresponding solutions will guide our actions over the next few years.
We take on challenges
Impact is imperative.
Our planet and society face many challenges. If we want to make a positive impact, action is essential. That is why we have selected three focus challenges: preserving biodiversity, supporting our climate and promoting social equality.
These challenges and the corresponding solutions will guide our actions over the next few years.
Biodiversity
Climate
Social Equality
Biodiversity
Climate
Social Equality
Biodiversity
Driving change, by investing in solutions that support biodiversity
Our bonus? Birds and bees. Because biodiversity is imperative for our well-being and that of our planet.
When our ecosystems thrive, we gain directly from advantages such as water purification, pollination and disease control.
Balanced biodiversity helps neutralise excess greenhouse gases, playing a pivotal role in mitigating climate change.
Biodiversity serves as a fundamental pillar for agriculture, fisheries, and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, maintaining biodiversity means weaponing ourselves for economic setbacks.
Climate
Driving change, by investing in solutions that support our climate
We don’t predict the future of sustainability; we help to create it. By investing in our climate, we hope to make a meaningful impact for generations to come.
Global warming, caused by human activities, has profound implications for the environment. It directly influences our natural habitat and ecosystems.
A stable climate enhances the overall quality of life in a region by reducing food insecurity and averting extreme weather events and natural disasters.
If we invest in sustainable solutions for our climate, we contribute to an economy of the future.
Social Equality
Driving change, by investing in solutions that support social equality
Conviction is our capital. We want to invest in equal opportunities, ultimately paving the way for a more equitable society.
We commit our resources to creating access to equal opportunities for everyone, such as affordable housing, clean water, financial services and healthy diets.
Investing in communities and livelihoods plays a crucial role in addressing social disparities.
By stimulating social equality, we aim to foster an inclusive society where everyone enjoys the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their background.
Our 6 solutions
We enable progress.
That is why we focus our investments on six types of solutions. Each one is selected based on its potential to improve biodiversity, the climate or social equality.
How do we know our actions are impactful? By making sure they are measurable. Using specific metrics, we keep close tabs on our progress towards a better planet.
We contribute to solutions
We enable progress.
That is why we focus our investments on six types of solutions. Each one is selected based on its potential to improve biodiversity, the climate or social equality.
How do we know our actions are impactful? By making sure they are measurable. Using specific metrics, we keep close tabs on our progress towards a better planet.
Bio-based
Regenerative
Toxicity-free
Circular
Net zero
Inclusive
Bio-based
Regenerative
Toxicity-free
Circular
Net zero
Inclusive
Bio-based
Stimulating the search for renewable resources
Investing in a bio-based economy means reducing our dependence on non-renewable resources. Even more, it means we help create value from alternative resources, such as biomass and waste streams.
We measure our progress in:
Non-renewable resources replaced (kg)
The number of finite and non-renewable resources used in production or consumption of goods and materials that is replaced with alternative materials derived from renewable biological sources, such as plants or micro-organisms, with the primary aim of reducing dependency on fossil-based materials and, by extension, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion.
% of companies contributing to biobased solutions
The number of companies in our portfolio contributing to these solutions, divided by the total number of portfolio companies.
Regenerative
Valorisation over depletion
We support systems and practices that sustain, improve and restore the resources they rely on, instead of depleting them. Regenerative solutions resonate with us because they create new opportunities, rather than just minimising negative impact.
We measure our progress in:
Land or water regenerated (ha)
The area of agricultural land, ecosystems or bodies of water that have been restored or revitalised through investments in sustainable and holistic practices that promote biodiversity, soil and water health, and overall ecosystem resilience.
Freshwater saved (m3)
The number of freshwater resources that have been conserved and responsibly managed through investments in sustainable practices and technologies such as efficient irrigation methods, reducing water pollution, and promoting water recycling and reuse.
Sustainable (sea)food produced (kg)
The amount of (sea)food that has been cultivated, harvested, processed and distributed responsibly and environmentally, in a manner that prioritizes long-term environmental health, social equity, and economic viability.
% of companies contributing to regenerative solutions
The number of companies in our portfolio contributing to these solutions, divided by the total number of portfolio companies.
Toxicity-free
Towards a thriving society
Toxicity-free products and services are designed to minimize negative implications for our health, biodiversity and environment. By investing in them, we help create a thriving society with minimum exposure to harmful toxins or pollutants.
We measure our progress in:
Air pollution avoided (kg NOx and Sox)
The number of harmful pollutants that have been reduced or prevented from release into the atmosphere. The result of investments promoting cleaner energy sources, improved emissions control, or sustainable practices, leading to healthier air quality and public health benefits.
Water pollution avoided (kg chemicals or microplastics)
The number of contaminants and pollutants that have been mitigated or prevented from entering water bodies. The result of investments aimed at sustainable water management, pollution control measures, or eco-friendly practices, thereby safeguarding water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
Toxic materials replaced (kg)
The number of hazardous or harmful materials that have been replaced with alternative materials, often derived from renewable biological resources, that are safer and more environmentally friendly, through investments in solutions aimed at prioritizing human health and environmental well-being.
% of companies contributing to toxicity-free solutions
The number of companies in our portfolio contributing to these solutions, divided by the total number of portfolio companies.
Circular
Maximum value, minimum waste
We believe our society should use its resources for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them and even repurposing them. By stimulating a circular economy, we support the development of durable and reusable products, waste as a potential resource and closed loop systems.
We measure our progress in:
Virgin resource use avoided (kg)
The amount of consumed finite or non-renewable ‘virgin’ resources that have been reduced or eliminated through investments in technologies that promote sustainability, recycling, reuse, and efficient resource management.
% of companies contributing to circular solutions
The number of companies in our portfolio contributing to these solutions, divided by the total number of portfolio companies.
Net zero
Creating a carbon neutral future
'Net zero' refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. By investing in these solutions, we aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to as close as possible to zero and/ or remove greenhouse gas emissions through carbon removal, reforestation or other means.
We measure our progress in:
CO2 avoided (tCO2eq)
The amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced compared to a baseline scenario, typically achieved by using cleaner energy sources or implementing carbon-reduction measures.
CO2 removed (tCO2eq)
The amount of greenhouse gases extracted from the atmosphere or a specific source, effectively reducing the concentration of CO2 (or equivalent) in the environment.
% of companies contributing to net zero solutions
The number of companies in our portfolio contributing to these solutions, divided by the total number of portfolio companies.
Inclusive
Social equality as a standard
The path to a more equitable future is paved by the right investments. That is why we channel our capital towards social housing, clean water, financial services, healthy diets and others. We believe our investments should contribute to a society where people have access to essential needs and underrepresented communities and underserved markets are empowered.
We measure our progress in:
# lives improved
The number of people in underserved or marginalized target groups that have experienced positive social or humanitarian benefits resulting from investments that aim to enhance the well-being, quality of life, or livelihoods of individuals or communities.
% of companies contributing to inclusive solutions
The number of companies in our portfolio contributing to these solutions, divided by the total number of portfolio companies.
Our 5 investment domains
Focused on the future, rooted in the past.
In a world where the need for changemakers and frontrunners is bigger than ever, we want to invest in them and give them the right resources. That’s why, with our new venture investments, we will focus on 5 domains: agri-food, built environment, clean technology, energy transition and textile.
These domains were selected because we believe they have the potential, and we feel they can make a real contribution to sustainable progress for our planet and society.
Next to our 5 focus investment domains, we also have investments in other domains (such as media and healthcare). Biodiversity, climate and social equality will be the key topics of engagement through our entire portfolio.
We focus on 5 domains
Focused on the future, rooted in the past.
In a world where the need for changemakers and frontrunners is bigger than ever, we want to invest in them and give them the right resources. That’s why, with our new venture investments, we will focus on 5 domains: agri-food, built environment, clean technology, energy transition and textile.
These domains were selected because we believe they have the potential, and we feel they can make a real contribution to sustainable progress for our planet and society.
Next to our 5 focus investment domains, we also have investments in other domains (such as media and healthcare). Biodiversity, climate and social equality will be the key topics of engagement through our entire portfolio.
Agri-food
Built environment
Clean technology
Energy
Textile
Agri-food
Built environment
Clean technology
Energy
Textile
Agri-food
The entire chain of agricultural and food production offers many sustainable investment opportunities, from farming and cultivation to processing, distribution, and consumption.
Potential subdomains are sustainable farming and aquaculture, efficient irrigation, alternative crop protection, food loss reduction, alternative proteins, local food systems etc.
Our investments in agri-food
In the 1940s, we made our first investment in a farm in the Netherlands, currently known as VP Landbouw. Since then, we extended our direct and indirect investments to:
Sustainable food system solutions (waste reduction, etc)
Plant-based food solutions
Alternative protein sources (insects, lab-grown meat, etc)
Sustainable farming (pesticide- and chemical-reducing technology)
Regenerative solutions
Built environment
By built environment, we mean all human-made surroundings in which people live, work, and interact. It encompasses buildings, public spaces and other infrastructure.
Potential subdomains range from (but are not limited to) circular and sustainable construction and buildings to affordable housing.
Our investments in built environment
As a Belgian-Dutch company, we choose to invest in real estate and companies that provide sustainable solutions for the built environment in the Netherlands and Belgium, with a focus on sustainable building concepts and real estate with a socio-cultural function. Our portfolio includes:
Sustainable buildings
Healthcare real estate
Affordable housing
Sustainable building materials
Smart city solutions
Repurposing and sustainable renovation of existing property
Clean technology
Cleantech plays a crucial role in tackling environmental challenges and promoting economic and social well-being. We choose to invest in products, services, and processes that provide cleaner alternatives to conventional technology.
Potential subdomains within cleantech are water saving, treatment and WASH, biobased and circular materials, recycling, industry decarbonisation & detox, carbon capture etc.
Our investments in clean technology
Since 2007, we have been directly and indirectly investing in wide range of clean technology sectors and industries:
Intelligent sensors and connected systems
Circular and waste solutions
Sustainable automation
Water treatment
Energy
Promoting the shift from non-renewable energy sources towards sustainable energy sources is one of our priorities. This investment domain includes energy production, distribution and consumption as well as associated technologies and practices.
Potential subdomains within energy transition are renewable energy generation, low-carbon transportation, smart grids, battery and energy storage, efficient heating and cooling etc.
Our investments in energy transition
Over the years, we have been constructing our energy transition investment portfolio through (in)direct investments in:
Solar energy, energy storage and electric charging stations
Biomass energy production
Smart heating solutions
Smart energy systems (intelligent software & services, combined with hardware components)
Textile
The traditional textile industry puts pressure on our environment. We want to make a difference by investing in the sustainable production, processing, and distribution of yarns, fabrics, and finished textile products.
Potential subdomains range from (but are not limited to) textile recycling, wastewater saving and treatment, and biobased and circular yarns to toxic-free coatings and dyes.
Our investments in textile
At VP Capital, we have a 158-year-long history in the Dutch textile industry. Since then, we have extended our investment portfolio to:
Development of workwear and protective wear
Software platform development for second hand markets
Development of 3D virtual product models
Sustainable yarns and fabrics
Other
domains
Health
Investments in healthcare have a direct impact on the well-being of individuals and communities. However, our focus for new investments is no longer in this domain. We only invest in this domain through funds, provided that these investments contribute to one (or more) of our 6 solutions. Our investment portfolio in this domain includes direct and indirect investments in:
Supply of medical equipment
Development of medical devices
Treatment development
Distribution of medication
Media
In the 1950’s we became a major shareholder in the Telegraaf Media Groep. In 2017 TMG merged with the Belgian group Mediahuis. Due to our significant stake in the media domain already, our focus for new investments is no longer within this domain. We only invest in this domain through funds that directly contribute to at least one of our 6 solutions. Our current portfolio in this domain includes:
Newspapers & Radio stations
Media technology
Media literacy
Technical service for media facilities
Digital media
We want to achieve impact on 3 levels
Organisational impact
We have an important example to set. This is why we choose to use our business as a force for good.
Impact embedded (B Corp)
Since 2022, we have been a certified B Corp, which means that we meet rigorous social and environmental criteria and follow responsible business practices. As a B Corporation, we are dedicated to bringing positive change to both the communities we operate in and to the planet, beyond financial results.
Paris-aligned (SBT)
Being Paris-aligned means that we achieve Science-Based Targets (SBTs): concrete goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming. By adopting these SBTs, we contribute to a more sustainable future.
Capacity building on impact
We continue to build sustainability knowledge in-house and share this expertise with our portfolio companies and network, for example through knowledge-sharing events.
Capital impact
Maximising the impact of our capital involves making impactful new investments. We direct our capital to the transitioning of our heritage companies. We also invest in impact companies and donate to charities to ensure that these investments complement each other.
Transition of heritage companies
We allocate a portion of our capital to the sustainable development of companies we established generations ago, such as HAVEP (part of VP Textile) and VP Landbouw. Something we have been doing for some time and want to continue to do.
Impact investments
We believe and invest in frontrunners, daredevils and doers, because they can contribute to the same solutions in which we want to play a part.
Philanthropy
Lastly, we support charities. We direct a share of our donations towards initiatives that work on tackling our 3 main challenges: biodiversity, climate and social equality. Discover the recipients of our donations in our Progress Report.
Investor impact
Ignorance is our competition. Rather than observing from the sidelines, we actively engage with our portfolio companies and network. It is our way of encouraging them to raise the sustainability bar.
Active ownership
In the majority of our investments, a team member collaborates on developing ESG-criteria, impact roadmaps and monitors KPIs. In some of our investments, we participate on boards of directors, supervisory boards, impact boards and investment committees.
Engage with our network
In order to increase our leverage, we engage with other investors, such as family offices, that want to commit their capital in a sustainable way. We offer them hands-on practices to drive sustainable impact with a financial return and advise them on impact investing and sustainability strategies.
Transparency
We believe it is important to be transparent about our own sustainable progress and that of the companies, assets and funds we invest in. If we want everyone to embrace change, our own actions must adhere to the highest standards.
3 different instruments to accelerate impact
Organisational impact
B Corp Score
SBT on track
Capital impact*
Non-heritage: total capital invested in solutions
Heritage: roadmap improvements
*We also track the % of number of companies and donations in solutions across our entire portfolio
Investor impact
Engagement portfolio
Dialogues with peers
B Corp Score
Achieving the B Corp certification in May 2022 marked a significant milestone. Our emphasis on impact investing and transparent impact reporting and measurement played a pivotal role in securing this certification.
Moreover, the triennial B Corp audits serve as a catalyst to refine our impact strategy. Currently, we are working on enhancements for the 2028 B Corp Impact Assessment, with an intermediate score in the 2025 recertification process. This approach allows us to stay on course, adapt to evolving standards, and amplify our efforts to contribute to sustainability and societal well-being.
SBT on track
By adopting science-based targets (SBTs) aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement since 2019, we have accelerated our carbon reduction measures. The annual monitoring of our progress ensures that we stay on track* with our carbon reduction measures. This continuous assessment not only holds us accountable, but also enables us to make timely adjustments and innovations in our practices.
For 2030, we have set 3 concrete goals, which we aim to be on track with by 2028:
a 46% reduction in VP Capital's scope 1 and scope 2 emissions.
53% of our direct and listed portfolio companies will have self-validated SBTs (Science-Based Targets).
a 73% reduction in scope 1 and scope 2 emissions from our real estate investments, both directly and through funds.
*To determine if we are on track, we assume an annual linear progression.
Non-heritage: total capital invested in solutions
We want to invest in companies and funds that align with our impact vision. That is why we established a quantitative measure of our commitment to sustainability. We define this KPI as the share of our invested capital contributing to at least one of the 6 solutions that we identified as key for reducing climate change, biodiversity loss or social inequality. This approach ensures that a significant portion of our financial resources is directed toward businesses and initiatives that actively contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes.
Heritage: roadmap improvements
Guiding our heritage companies— HAVEP, VP Landbouw, Mediahuis, Batenburg Techniek, and Q-lite—towards sustainability is a pivotal strategy to accelerate impact. Despite their long history, prioritizing sustainability ensures that these companies evolve in line with our strategy.
Through annual roadmaps and short-term goals, we help to steer these companies towards sustainable progress on climate change, biodiversity and social equality. We evaluate and adjust these goals every year, considering performance and sector developments.
At year-end, we assess the completion of short-term goals, aiming for an average percentage achieved across all heritage companies. In doing so, we hope to drive positive and sustainable innovation for each of these companies.
Engagement portfolio
We actively engage with our investments, by sharing assessments and insights, especially with young start-ups, to play a role in driving their sustainable progress. We measure this KPI as the percentage (measured in invested capital) of portfolio companies that participate in the yearly cycle of data questionnaires and dialogue.
Dialogues with peers
We believe dialogue is key in promoting positive impact. That is why we proactively exchange knowledge and expertise with our peers, such as other family offices and co-investors. This KPI measures the number of peers we have active dialogues with on impact investing and sustainability topics.
Social Equality