Amsterdam-based Aquablu, the pioneer in smart hydration solutions, has successfully closed a €7 million Seed funding round aimed at accelerating its international growth, expanding research and development, and enhancing automation across its smart water dispenser platform. This milestone funding round was notably led by Frans van Houten, former CEO of Philips, who made a memorable live on-air commitment of €750,000 during the popular Dutch Dragons podcast — a commitment that increased to €1.1 million following the broadcast.
Co-founder of Aquablu, Marnix Stokvis, remarked, “What Nespresso did for coffee, we’re doing for water. But sustainably and exclusively for businesses.” Established in 2018 by Stokvis and Marc van Zuylen, the company is redefining hydration in office and hospitality environments with its flagship system, REFILL+ — a smart dispenser providing chilled, sparkling, or still water enriched with natural flavors, electrolytes, and B vitamins. Designed to replace bottled beverages, it enhances employee wellness while eliminating single-use plastics.
The live investment was met with enthusiasm from the Dutch Dragons’ panel of investors — Bas Witvoet, Pieter Schoen, and Michel Perridon — who together committed €1.1 million, reflecting their confidence in the startup’s growth trajectory. Schoen, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, highlighted the founders’ impressive journey, “Marc and Marnix launched Aquablu while still at university. I recognize the ambition and opportunity ahead and look forward to collaborating closely with them.”
Unlike traditional venture capital rounds, Aquablu opted for a Friends of Aquablu approach, assembling a select group of aligned operators and investors, emphasizing speed and execution over bureaucracy. “We weren’t looking for monthly board meetings or heavy reporting duties,” Stokvis emphasized. “We need partners who believe in speed and execution.”
Having achieved over 300% year-on-year growth for three consecutive years, Aquablu marked a significant milestone in 2025 — reaching profitability, with April serving as the turning point. Co-founder Marc van Zuylen stated, “Companies are beginning to view hydration not merely as a cost but as an integral part of their brand and sustainability strategies.”
The newly secured capital will fuel Aquablu’s ambitions to scale globally, advance product innovation, and enhance automation capabilities. The company targets €100 million in revenue by 2028, operating efficiently with fewer than 100 employees.
Editorial Perspective
Aquablu stands at the intersection of sustainability, health, and technology — an increasingly vital confluence as organizations rethink workplace wellness and environmental impact. The company’s early traction and rapid growth signal a strong product-market fit, particularly as businesses seek practical, eco-conscious alternatives to bottled water.
The leadership’s decision to engage investors who prioritize agility over traditional oversight aligns with the startup’s rapid growth model, reducing friction that can stifle innovation. This approach bodes well for maintaining momentum in a competitive market where smart hydration remains a nascent yet promising sector.
Moreover, the strategic endorsement by a high-profile industry veteran like Frans van Houten lends credibility that could open doors for further global partnerships. Aquablu’s focus on blending technology, sustainability, and user experience places it on a path to becoming a key player in the future of workplace wellness.
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