Aquablu, the Amsterdam-based firm rethinking office hydration by means of good, tech-enabled dispensers, has raised €7 million in Seed funding to assist worldwide growth, drive R&D, and scale automation throughout their hydration platform.
Frans van Houten, former CEO of Philips, led this spherical, which included a standout second: a stay, on-air dedication of €750k in the course of the Dutch Dragons podcast, which later elevated to €1.1 million after the episode aired.
“What Nespresso did for espresso, we’re doing for water,” stated Marnix Stokvis, Co-founder of Aquablu. “However sustainably and completely for companies.”
Based in 2018 by Marnix Stokvis and Marc van Zuylen, Aquablu is remodeling hydration with good, sustainable, and health-focused options.
Aquablu’s flagship system, REFILL+, delivers chilled, glowing, or nonetheless purposeful water infused with pure flavors, electrolytes, and B nutritional vitamins. Designed for workplaces, lodges, and public areas, it reportedly replaces bottled drinks with a more healthy, extra participating expertise, all whereas eliminating single-use plastic.
“What impressed me most is how a lot Aquablu already has discovered,” added Frans van Houten. “They’ve constructed a robust basis, good distribution, a terrific product, and a transparent go-to-market technique. It’s uncommon to see a workforce that mixes goal with execution so effectively. They’re not simply speaking about making wholesome hydration simple at work, they’re doing it, at scale.”
The Dutch Dragons podcast, the place upcoming and well-known entrepreneurs share their entrepreneurial journey, took a special twist this time. True to Dragon model, the entrepreneurs – Bas Witvoet, Pieter Schoen, and Michel Perridon – turned so enthusiastic about Aquablu’s story and momentum that they determined to speculate €1.1 million on the spot.
“The explanation I made a decision to put money into Aquablu is that I used to be genuinely impressed by the 2 younger entrepreneurs, Marc and Marnix, who began the corporate whereas nonetheless in college. I actually Co-founded a number of corporations throughout my pupil days along with my shut pal and enterprise associate Harald, so I do know firsthand what an thrilling and opportunity-rich time lies forward for them,” stated Schoen. “I’m actually wanting ahead to constructing one thing nice with the blokes at Aquablu and supporting them wherever I can. As I typically say, it’s the entrepreneur who makes the distinction – a terrific entrepreneur may even promote water! Which, in fact, suits completely with the Aquablu story.”
Reasonably than elevating by means of conventional enterprise capital, Aquablu structured the spherical as a Pals of Aquablu increase, a curated group of operators and buyers who share the corporate’s mindset.
“We weren’t on the lookout for month-to-month board conferences or heavy reporting duties,” Stokvis added. “We’d like companions who consider in pace and execution.”
Aquablu has allegedly achieved over 300% year-over-year progress for 3 consecutive years, fueled by surging demand throughout each company and hospitality sectors. In 2025, the corporate reached a serious milestone – attaining profitability for the primary time since its founding, with April marking the turning level.
“We’re originally of a elementary shift,” says Co-founder van Zuylen. “Firms are reimagining hydration – not as a price, however as a part of their model and sustainability technique.”
The funding will likely be used to assist worldwide growth, drive R&D, and scale automation throughout Aquablu’s hydration platform. The corporate goals to realize €100 million in income with a lean workforce of fewer than 100 workers by 2028.
