Based in Brussels, Belgium, with offices in Luxembourg and Singapore, Sofina is a family-run investment company with equity holdings in Europe, the U.S. and Asia. Founded in 1898 as an engineering company, today’s Sofina provides late-stage equity capital. Its unique differentiator is that it only takes minority ownership positions, and its mission is to provide long-term patient capital, expertise and advice to growing companies led by entrepreneurs and their families. The firm calls out a special focus on centering the human relationships in its investments.

In addition, Sofina believes sector knowledge is paramount in order to contribute to industry development and innovation. As such, Sofina focuses on helping firms to compete in four global sectors: consumer and retail, digital transformation, education and health care. The firm invests in three main styles. First, long-term minority investments take place at 39 percent of shareholder equity and include brands such as Salto, Nuxe and Drylock Technologies.

Salto keyless building entry, credit: Salto Systems

Private funds invest at 42% of shareholder equity in venture capital funds such as Ribbit, Spark and Thoma Bravo. Sofina Growth style invests 15% of shareholder equity in fast-growing businesses, including Dott, Lenskart and Verse. The firm adheres to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investments.

Nuxe Paris multi-purpose vegan dry oil for face, body and hair, credit: Nuxe

As of 6/30/21, Sofina was held in the Knowledge Leaders Strategy.