Amsterdam’s Paerel and Icecat acquire INKEF’s stake in The Hague-based SME stock exchange NPEX

The Hague-based NPEX, a stock exchange platform for small and medium-sized businesses, announced that Paerel Investment and Icecat Capital have purchased about 20 per cent of INKEF Capital’s shares in the company.

Paerel Investment is an Amsterdam-based investment company with a personal approach, social commitment and focus on impact.

Toon van Dooijeweerd of Paerel Investment says, “The NPEX exchange will play an increasingly important role in SME financing. With Paerel’s extensive experience in capital markets, we see significant opportunities to add value.”

Icecat Capital, the investment fund of Icecat, aims to support innovation and growth in various industries. It invests in tech-based ventures with global potential.

Martijn Hoogeveen of Icecat Capital adds, “We have strong confidence in NPEX’s strategy and its role as a leading SME financing platform in the Benelux.”

The announcement comes over two years after securing €2M in a fresh round of funding.

NPEX will continue its traditional listing activities while focusing on growth in three main areas.

First, the Dutch company will develop NPEX Connect, a digital platform that links small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high-net-worth individuals, professional investors, and advisors.

Secondly, NPEX will enhance its securities administration services to better manage existing securities.

Lastly, the Dutch firm aims to simplify access for SMEs through direct listings, making the process easier and avoiding complicated procedures.

“Our consolidated shareholder base reflects the confidence of Paerel Investment and Icecat Capital in our new strategic direction,” says Mark van der Plas, CEO of NPEX.

“This enables us to accelerate investments in digital solutions and in building the new infrastructure of NPEX. With NPEX Connect, we make it easier for companies to raise financing from professional investors – a gateway to a stock exchange listing. By tightening requirements and criteria for placements, we have also raised the overall quality of the offered securities,” adds van der Plas.

NPEX: SME stock exchange platform

Led by Mark van der Plas, NPEX is an SME stock exchange platform that connects entrepreneurs and investors.

The company’s stock exchange brings entrepreneurs and investors together for financing, impact and financial returns.

This offers SMEs the opportunity to raise capital by issuing bonds and depositary receipts of shares.

These securities are then tradable on the NPEX stock exchange.

With its focus on digitisation, streamlined administration, and accessible listings, NPEX aims to become the go-to platform where entrepreneurship and capital meet efficiently.