ESG | Smile Invest

Smile Invest is a European investment firm with a focus on supporting innovative growth companies in the Benelux region. We're passionate about using our entrepreneurial capital to make a positive impact on society and the economy.

At Smile Invest, we believe that our partner companies are more than just market leaders - they're innovators who are tackling some of society's most pressing challenges. From healthcare and environment to digitalization and industrial production, our partners are driving positive change in their industries.

As a responsible investment firm, we're committed to creating financial returns that go hand in hand with generating economic value, job opportunities, and returns for the local community - all while prioritizing the environment.

Smile Invest Management Company NV/SA ("the Company"), as Alternative Investment Fund Manager ("AIFM"), makes the appropriate disclosures under Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 of the European Parliamentand of the Council of 27 November 2019 on sustainability‐related disclosures in the financial services sector (the “SFDR”). You can access the Company's SFDR disclosures here.

Smile Invest supports its portfolio companies in three core areas

Talent is the driving force behind every successful company. That’s why we support our partner companies with personal guidance to empower their leaders, allowing them to coach their teams toward sustainable growth. In this way, we help build stronger, future-proof teams together. Additionally, we assist our partner companies in attracting, training and retaining top talent. We foster a company culture where people want to stay and thrive.

Developing talent

Smile Invest encourages companies to use sustainable energy resources more efficiently. Together, we explore how they can optimize their energy consumption, reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy costs. We help identify opportunities in resource use, recycling strategies and designing products with long(er) lifespans. Additionally, we support them in sustainable waste management. By applying circular economy principles, our companies reduce their ecological impact, save costs while increasing their market share.

Energy and circular economy

Smile Invest is an Article 8 investment fund committed to a sustainable approach. ESG topics (environmental, social and governance) are an integral part of our business model. As a partner of innovative growth companies, we focus on strong corporate governance, ethical principles, innovation and talent development. We share our expertise in corporate governance and support our portfolio companies in transparent reporting and communication. For us, an ethical corporate culture is not an afterthought but a fundamental building block for a sustainable business model. That’s why we implement efficient and transparent oversight processes across a large portion of our portfolio companies.

Guidance and governance

In 2024, Smile Invest signed the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). These principles are designed to provide a framework for integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into investment decision-making and ownership practices.

We are delighted to be a Sponsor of Level 20, the not-for-profit organization established to inspire women to join and succeed in the private equity industry. Our firm supports Level 20’s mission to encourage greater female representation across the private equity industry, with the goal of having 20% of senior positions held by women and a particular focus on increasing the number of women in investment roles.