Belgian tech startup Kpler attracts over $200m strategic growth investment

Belgian tech startup Kpler attracts over $200m strategic growth investment

Published: 14-04-2022 12:34:00 | By: Pie Kamau | hits: 4481 | Tags:

Kpler, the of technology-led data, analytics, and market insight, announced it has agreed on a strategic growth investment led by Five Arrows and Insight Partners. The two firms will invest over $200 million in Kpler, representing a minority stake in the company.

The investment is the first external fundraising initiative for Kpler, which has been bootstrapped since its foundation in 2014. In doubling its Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) in the last 18 months and conducting two self-funded acquisitions (ClipperData & JBC Energy) since last September, the company has positioned itself as a leading firm in the next generation data & analytics space.

François Cazor, CEO, Kpler; “This partnership is an important step forward in Kpler’s history. With Five Arrows and Insight Partners, we are confident we have found the best sponsors to accelerate our development now and in the long run. Our respective visions and values are very well aligned.”

Kpler with its new partners has ambitions to further fulfil its mission to facilitate efficient and sustainable trade within physical commodities, the Energy Transition, and adjacent markets. To achieve its strategic objectives, the company will rely on organic and inorganic growth with more acquisitions being considered. It also intends to hire over 100 staff in the coming months.  

Jean-Daniel Bertoncini, Co-Head, Five Arrows Growth Capital: “Kpler is recognised as the standard for next generation data & analytics in the commodity and shipping markets by the most sophisticated players in the industry. Bootstrapped since inception, their success is a testament to the product obsession of its team and continuous investments in cutting-edge technology and quality of service. We are delighted to partner with François Cazor, Jean Maynier, and the talented Kpler team, together with Insight Partners, to facilitate further efficient and sustainable trade.” 

AJ Malhotra, Managing Director, Insight Partners: “Kpler is upending the global trade industry with technology that makes the shipping and commodity markets more sustainable and efficient. With their revolutionary solutions, thousands of customers can leverage data and analytics to make better-informed business and trading decisions. Insight Partners is thrilled to partner with Francois Cazor, Jean Maynier, and the entire Kpler team, as well as Five Arrows, on this exciting step forward in the company's growth journey."

Houlihan Lokey acted as financial advisor and Cooley acted as legal advisor to Kpler for this transaction.

www.kpler.com