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The educational toy industry in Benelux thrives by creating products that make learning engaging and fun for children. Companies operate across various segments, including board games, building kits, and educational software. Many are adopting technology to enhance user experiences, such as incorporating mobile apps with physical toys. The sector is poised for growth, driven by a shift towards experiential learning and parents' increasing focus on educational value. Moreover, sustainability is becoming a key consideration, with brands exploring eco-friendly materials. As awareness of developmental benefits rises, so does demand for innovative educational toys that foster essential skills.

This list features a mix of venture capital and private equity firms primarily headquartered in Belgium and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands. Founded between 1898 and 2020, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors range from small teams to large entities, with some managing significant funds and engaging in multiple investments throughout 2024. Notable players include Sofina, with a rich history in various sectors, and NPM Capital, focusing on long-term partnerships in education and tech. Each has a distinctive approach to supporting educational initiatives, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing innovative solutions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy space.

Top 13 Educational Toy Investors in Benelux

1. Brighteye Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Brighteye Ventures is a Luxembourg-based venture capital fund founded in 2017, specializing in Edtech investments. The firm supports early-stage Edtech startups by providing funding, strategic guidance, and access to a network of industry experts. With a focus on helping companies refine Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir products and scale effectively in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational technology sector, Brighteye Ventures has made several notable investments. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a Series C funding round for Epic!, an on-demand digital library for kids that serves millions of children and is widely used in U.S. schools. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Memby, a Lithuania-based EdTech startup that raised a pre-seed investment, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to innovative educational solutions. Their recent investment in Sdui, which raised a significant Series B round, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Edtech space.

2. Sofina

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1898
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Sofina is a Brussels-based venture capital investment company founded in 1898, specializing in providing patient capital to growing businesses across various sectors, including telecommunications, consumer goods, and energy. The firm partners with entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, offering strategic advice and long-term investment solutions to foster sustainable growth. Notably, Sofina has invested in Skillmatics, which raised over $15 million in Series B funding in April 2022, focusing on educational games for children. They also invested in Labster, which raised $47 million in Series C funding in April 2022, providing virtual lab simulations for educational purposes. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Sofina has been involved with Knewton, a company that has raised significant funding to develop adaptive learning technologies, enhancing personalized learning experiences for students. These investments highlight Sofina's active role in supporting educational initiatives, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ context of toys and learning tools for children.

3. European Innovation Council (EIC)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC offers various funding programs, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in diverse sectors. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has been involved in funding educational toy companies, such as Robo Wunderkind, which raised funds through both venture rounds and grants. This company specializes in creating programmable robotic kits for children, promoting STEM education through play. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC has supported oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r innovative projects, although not all are directly related to educational toys. Overall, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIC's commitment to fostering innovation in educational technology makes it a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational toy investment landscape.

4. Cvc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made significant investments across various sectors, including a notable acquisition of Hamleys, a leading toy retailer, in 1989, which positions Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired a 30% stake in GEMS Education, a major player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in educational services. However, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus appears to be broader than just educational toys, as evidenced by Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments like Douglas Holding. Overall, CVC's involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ toy sector through Hamleys suggests a connection to educational toys, but Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment strategy encompasses a wider range of industries.

5. MPA Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

MPA Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2019. The firm supports mission-driven entrepreneurs and companies that address Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ human talent shortage, providing both investment and consultancy services. MPA Capital has a particular focus on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EdTech sector, which includes companies that enhance learning experiences and educational outcomes. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Kide Science, which raised $1,127,550 in a seed round in March 2019, and Watobe, which raised $500,000 in a pre-seed round in April 2020. Additionally, MPA Capital participated in funding rounds for Blackbullion, a financial edtech platform, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in supporting educational initiatives. These investments reflect MPA Capital's commitment to fostering innovation in education, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational landscape.

6. Gimv

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 1980
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurial companies seeking capital and expertise to navigate market challenges. Notably, Gimv has made investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational sector, including a majority equity investment in Studiekring, a tutoring provider in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, which aims to expand its services and reach. This investment reflects Gimv's commitment to supporting educational initiatives, which could extend to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational toy industry as well.

7. Rockstart

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and investment firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2011. They empower early-stage founders across various sectors, including AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Technology, by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help startups scale and succeed. Notably, Rockstart has invested in educational-focused startups such as Bomberbot, which raised funds to develop a platform for teaching coding to children, and hackU, which also has educational elements. Their business model emphasizes supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs, which aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ mission of enhancing education through innovative products and services.

8. Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM)

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Tilburg, North Brabant, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn:

The Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) is a venture capital firm based in Tilburg, North Brabant, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1983. BOM acts as a development agency that supports startups and scale-ups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Brabant region, providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to enhance business growth. They have been involved in various sectors, including sustainable food and energy, but also have a notable presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational sector. BOM has made investments in companies such as Serious Toys B.V. and Gynzy, both of which focus on educational products. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y led a funding round for Knowingo, a Dutch Edtech startup that utilizes AI and gamification to make online learning more engaging. These transactions highlight BOM's commitment to fostering innovation in education, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ realm of educational toys and learning tools.

9. NPM Capital

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 1948
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

NPM Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 1948. The firm focuses on supporting medium-sized and large companies, particularly family-owned enterprises in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Benelux region. NPM Capital provides capital and strategic advisory services to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses achieve growth and sustainability. They operate across various sectors, including technology and education, emphasizing long-term partnerships with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio companies. Notably, NPM Capital has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational sector, acquiring Futurewhiz, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ parent company of online learning platforms Squla and WRTS, in December 2020. This acquisition highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to educational technology. In June 2021, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Infinitas Learning, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education market. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Iddink Group in 2014 showcases Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir ongoing interest in educational solutions. These transactions reflect NPM Capital's strategic focus on enhancing educational offerings, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational toy industry.

10. Rubio Impact Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn:

Rubio Impact Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in impact investing, providing growth capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs addressing significant social and environmental challenges. Their investment areas include clean energy, mental health, and education, emphasizing collaboration with portfolio companies. Notably, Rubio has invested in several educational technology startups, such as Bomberbot, which focuses on coding education for children, and Cleverly, which offers 1-to-1 online coaching for kids. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y led a funding round for Lingvist, a language learning app, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to enhancing educational tools and resources for children. These transactions highlight Rubio's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational sector, particularly in areas that can be associated with educational toys and learning tools.

11. Prosus Group

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on enhancing everyday life through technology across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and notably, education technology. Prosus serves over two billion customers worldwide and partners with local entrepreneurs to foster community growth and sustainable business practices. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector, Prosus has invested in BYJU'S, a leading edtech company that raised $540 million in December 2018, and Brainly, a Polish edtech startup that has received multiple rounds of funding totaling over $140 million. These investments highlight Prosus's commitment to supporting innovative educational solutions, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a significant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational technology landscape.

12. Peak

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Peak Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies primarily within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SaaS, marketplace, and platform sectors. They have a strong focus on supporting innovative founders and helping businesses scale. Notably, Peak Capital has made investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational technology space, including a â‚�350k investment in LessonUp, a Dutch edtech startup aimed at enhancing educational experiences. This investment reflects Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational sector, which is relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational toy industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have participated in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r funding rounds for educational startups, indicating a broader interest in educational tools and resources.

13. Noshaq

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Belgium
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

Noshaq is a venture capital investment fund based in Belgium, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in providing financial solutions and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ province of Liege. Noshaq focuses on funding, project structuring, and business development, particularly in sectors such as biotech and sustainable development. Notably, Noshaq has invested in Soundbops, which raised $61,679 in a seed round in 2018, a company that creates educational music products aimed at children. This investment highlights Noshaq's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational sector, particularly in innovative products that enhance learning through play. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in YouScribe, a digital reading platform, which, while not directly an educational toy, supports educational content delivery. This indicates a broader interest in educational initiatives.

Educational Toy Insights: Key Investors in Benelux

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Luxembourg	1-10	2017	7
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	51-200	1898	4
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	201-500	1958	57
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Brussels, Brussels, Belgium	1-10	2019	0
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	51-200	1980	8
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2011	16
	Tilburg, North Brabant, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	51-200	1983	10
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	1948	1
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	1-10	2014	13
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	10001+	2019	21
	Amsterdam, North Holland, NeÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rlands	11-50	2008	8
	Belgium	11-50	1985	11

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