Reinoud de Klerk: Co-founder turned investment manager

While Reinoud de Klerk had barely been at Smile Invest for a full year before getting promoted, his experience as a co-founder is what is helping him excel at the firm. In 2016, he was part of the team that started Muima (a recycling factory in Kenya), in charge of optimising production, sales, and international exports. Three years later, Reinoud also co-founded Pantai Project, a beach cleaning movement inspired by his personal passion.

“Although Muima was a smaller company, it taught me the operational reality behind the numbers, as well as the grit and adaptability required to deliver on an ambitious business plan while continuously meeting customer and other stakeholders’ needs,” he explains.

This is what influences Reinoud’s investment approach today. When assessing a deal, he focuses on more than just the financials. “Business plans can indicate the company’s future trajectory,” he shares. “Equally important is its strategy when reality deviates from the planned spreadsheets.”

Reinoud also brings over four years of private equity experience from his time working at Glide Equity Management (in 2020) and Simon-Kucher (November 2020 to August 2024), as well as master’s degrees in civil engineering (2019) and business (2025 dean’s list).

As a partner at Smile Invest, he will be taking responsibility for deals from their very first analysis to well after closing. “It means building and standing behind the business, together, for the longer term,” Reinoud adds.

Ambition and an affinity for acquisitions
Smile Invest is a European investment firm, focusing on advanced technologies, healthcare, innovative B2B services, and the environment. “Our portfolio companies are often ambitious businesses looking to grow internationally,” notes Reinoud, who was once one of them. “I truly enjoy being part of that journey.”

But what has resonated with him most since joining Smile Invest in September 2025 is the entrepreneurial, no-nonsense culture, with open discussions, early ownership and strong management teams to work with. “All of this alongside talented colleagues who are always happy to help each other out,” Reinoud points out, adding that he really values the close collaboration between the company’s offices in Belgium and the Netherlands. “We operate as one team, often together with companies that are active in both regions – such as our recent investments BAP Medical and Alphatron Medical.”

Overall, he explains, it's an environment where ambition and enjoyment of the work go hand in hand.

“I would like to thank Reinoud for his contributions to making Smile Invest the success it is today,” adds managing partner Bart Cauberghe. “We strongly believe that bringing the right people together is the starting point for great achievements.”

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