Sister and brother Stephanie and Adriaan ran the family business together for many years, originally founded by their grandfather in 1937. After selling the company, they each chose separately to invest part of their wealth in impact.

How did you get involved in the world of impact investing?

Stephanie: We first took over our father's company and ran it together for a long time. At a certain point, it felt right to sell: the company had grown significantly, we were in agreement as a family, and we found a good buyer. Then the question arose: what now? Initially, I actually didn’t want to invest at all. But I was interested in doing something good with the money. Through our multifamily office, I was introduced to Goodwell, and that’s how the ball started rolling.

Adriaan: We had already been in talks with Maarten van Dam from PYMWYMIC, but at that time we were still fully involved in the company. There simply wasn’t enough room to really focus on sustainability. As investors, we now have the opportunity to make more conscious choices in that regard.

Do you invest as a family?

S: Sometimes we invest in the same things, but not as a family. We worked together for years in the family business, but then consciously chose to follow our own paths. Funnily enough, at first we went in completely different directions, but now, alongside our other activities, we both mainly invest in impact funds.

What are your goals or focus areas?

A: For me, the focus is on sustainable food production, medtech, and the energy transition. I first tried direct investing, but that didn’t really suit me. I am now a founding investor in Big Circle Ventures, a fund that develops deeptech innovations around climate and circularity. In addition, I invest in Aqua-Spark and Next Gen Ventures, among others.

S: My focus is also on food, but more on agriculture and especially in Africa. For example, I invest in the Goodwell fund and the Grounded Investment Company (GIC). I also invest in funds that offer sustainable solutions for SMEs in Europe. My goal is at least 50% impact in my portfolio.

A: We also both invest in Altor Act.

Do you also invest in funds of funds?

A: Impact funds are often more transparent than traditional private equity. Whether a fund-of-funds is interesting mainly depends on the size of your investment. With larger amounts, it adds less value, because you can create enough diversification yourself. For smaller amounts, it can actually be interesting, as it gives you access to a broader portfolio. I have noticed that there is often overlap, because the same funds are being invested in. If possible, I therefore prefer to invest directly in funds rather than through another fund.

Has impact investing changed your daily life or habits?

S: For me, it was actually the other way around: impact investing aligns with how I already viewed the world. It hasn’t changed my mindset, but it has greatly deepened my knowledge. We consciously think about what we do, but also enjoy the world and live well, without feeling guilty about it.

What does a network like PYM add?

A: Above all, it’s fun and inspiring to spar with others.

S: I have to say that the way PYM presents itself as a community really feels that way. You notice it immediately.

What advice would you give to young/starting impact investors or families who want to start together on this new path?

A: Join networks; that’s where you learn to form your own opinion. It’s good to find out what your personal interests and topics are. For example, I initially thought I only wanted to invest in start-ups, but that turned out not to be the case at all.

S: I think it’s good to realize that you don’t have to invest everything right away. Investing through funds usually means long-term, but you can still start small. It’s also okay to be a little selfish in your choices. Choose funds that invest in topics you personally care about. Every fund organizes events. Those are much more enjoyable if you’re genuinely interested in the subject.

Do you talk to others about impact investing?

A: I definitely talk about it!

S: Like PYM, I believe we can encourage a larger share of wealthy people to invest even a small part of their wealth in impact.

What do you hope for your generation? And for the next generation?

S: There are many more people in the world than before, and at the same time, the way we produce and consume has changed. Everything is available, but often of lower quality. The challenge is how to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality food and a good life, as we used to take for granted. I love nature and want to do my part to create a pleasant living environment for future generations.

A: I hope that together we can continue to live well on this planet and also take responsibility for it. In the words of Dr. Seuss: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not."