Rotterdam-based Builders, a startup studio, announced on Thursday that it has raised €1.5M in the second closing of a larger investment round with a target to raise €6M to develop six companies and start international expansion. The Dutch startup studio aims to raise another €4.5M in the upcoming year.
Founded by experienced entrepreneurs Michael van Lier and Sharon Klaver in 2020, Builders (formerly We Are Builders) is a startup studio designed to build and grow technology companies from scratch by bringing together bold ideas, seasoned co-founders, operational support, and investment capital.
It has already developed two startups – Obeyo and Influentials.
“In addition to the successful launches of Obeyo and Influentials and bringing in a great team of experts, we are getting ready to launch six more SaaS companies in the next couple of years. And before you know it, you might find us in Spain,” says Sharon Klaver, co-founder of Builders.
How does Builders work?
Builders aim to develop two to three new software startups annually by working closely with entrepreneurs who become equal co-founders.
According to the company, the ideas for these SaaS companies come from its team’s research into what the market looks like for emerging trends.
After identifying the trend, they look for entrepreneurs with a vision that compliments the project and work with them and the Builder’s team to develop these trends into a successful software company.
This process is subjected to an extensive validation process, claims the company.
After the validation process, entrepreneurs are provided with operational support by the in-house Builders team consisting of experts in (growth) marketing, product development, HR, finance, design, and technology, combined with a capital injection of €500,000.
Throughout the development process, the startup studio works through a unique stage-gate model aimed at acceleration and efficiency, minimising risks, and allowing the software companies to enter the market within 12 to 18 months.
Meanwhile, full-time employees are hired to replace Builders’ core team, so they can operate independently and start scaling up.
Since its founding, Builders have developed two startups:
Influentials: An end-to-end marketing platform to simplify and automate their daily influencer marketing activities- from campaign management and recruitment to compensation.
Obeyo: The first all-in-one platform to facilitate the connection between owners, residents, and operators of shared living concepts and help facilitate strong communities.
“Entrepreneurship in the early phase is – in our opinion – the best thing there is and comes with its unique challenges. In the past years, we have created a studio model with the right balance between entrepreneurship, funding, and support. This means that, together with ambitious entrepreneurs, we can quickly realise innovative solutions that add value to work and living. Drive, experience, and the right people around you – these are the keys to success,” states Michael van Lier, co-founder of Builders.
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