Smile Software & AI (Smile Sail) has successfully closed its latest fundraising round, securing more than 260 million euros, surpassing its initial 250 million euros target in under nine months. The fund continues the momentum of Smile Invest, the firm’s first evergreen private equity fund, and is set to focus on profitable B2B software companies and IT service providers across Europe.
The majority of the capital – around 80 percent – came from existing investors in Smile Invest, including several well-known Benelux family offices and entrepreneurs.
Key investors include the Vandeurzen family (fund sponsor), alongside the Delbaere (Crop’s), De Pret (Adrien Invest), Guelen (Planon), Leysen (De Wilg), and Swerts (Soudal) families.
Smile Sail targets companies with a positive EBITDA and plans investments between 10 and 35 million euros, with the possibility of going up to 50 million euros for strategic buy-and-build projects. The fund’s focus lies in three critical sectors: Technology, Healthcare, and Business Services, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven innovation.
“The trust we've received from both existing and new investors is a clear validation of our approach”, says Urbain Vandeurzen, chairman and sponsor of Smile Software & AI. “With Smile Sail, we aim to support European growth champions driving digital and AI transformation.”
With its evergreen structure, Smile Sail offers long-term investment flexibility and a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach. The fund positions itself as "entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs," providing both capital and expertise to help companies scale.
“Smile Sail is uniquely positioned”, ads partner Ronald Kemmeren, “backed by entrepreneurial families and focused on delivering impact in Europe's software and AI landscape.”
Smile Software & AI now stands as a significant force in the region’s tech investment scene, combining smart capital with deep operational engagement to fuel the next wave of European software innovation.
