AALTER, February 12, 2026 – Vectis Private Equity is firmly continuing its growth trajectory with the first closing of its fifth fund, Vectis 5. With current capital standing at €85 million, the fund is setting its sights on ambitious entrepreneurs ready for their next chapter. Vectis provides ‘local champions’ with the resources and expertise needed to scale and professionalize their businesses, while carefully preserving their unique identity and entrepreneurial spirit.
SMEs are the backbone of the Belgian economy; most are fundamentally healthy and, from that position of strength, face crucial crossroads—ranging from succession challenges to opportunities for international breakthroughs. In this landscape, Vectis positions itself as an engaged partner, pairing capital with deep-rooted practical experience to bolster local champions.
“Today’s entrepreneurs are looking for more than just financing; they want a partner who is willing to get into the trenches with them,” says Alain Grillaert, Managing Partner. “With Vectis 5, we are staying the course we’ve charted for over twenty years: supporting healthy companies with an EBITDA between €2 and €8 million as they take their next giant leap forward.”
Entrepreneurial capital: the power of the ecosystem
Vectis offers a unique combination of capital, know-how, and a deep-rooted ecosystem. “We aim to be the first professional partner to stand side-by-side with the entrepreneur,” says Lieven Coen, Managing Partner.
That role goes beyond mere advisory. The team monitors more than 4,000 SMEs within its investment range. By maintaining a strong presence in the market, Vectis seeks to identify opportunities quickly and helps create openings for its portfolio companies to grow faster and more effectively. “We don’t just provide capital; we also focus heavily on building strong management teams around the entrepreneur,” Lieven Coen explains.
Growth through diversification: a focus on ‘Buy & Build’ and expansion
A central pillar of the Vectis approach is the “buy & build” strategy. Through targeted acquisitions, Vectis helps companies gain market share more rapidly or diversify their offerings. International expansion is also a crucial part of this process. “We see an enormous amount of opportunity in cross-pollination with the Netherlands,” Grillaert explains. “Many Belgian companies view the Netherlands as their first step across the border, and vice versa. As an engaged partner, we guide entrepreneurs through that expansion.”
The wisdom of 40 case studies
The Vectis approach is built on a robust track record. Since 2004, the fund has invested in roughly 40 platform companies and completed over 50 add-on acquisitions. “We bring that collective experience—having seen what works and what doesn’t throughout the growth trajectories of 40 different companies—to every new partnership,” says Grillaert. “Experience pays off.” The success of this formula is evident in names such as ConXioN, Building Technology, SBE Engineering, Bakkerij Aernoudt, and Amadys.
Partnership over control
Vectis invests in both majority and minority stakes. In recent years, the fund has completed a series of transactions involving substantial minority interests. In some cases, entrepreneurs are not yet ready to relinquish majority control of their company, but they are looking for expertise in expansion or further professionalization to build the group sustainably.
“Our conversations often start at the kitchen table,” says Lieven Coen. “We build on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. We are the sounding board that doesn’t just think along, but acts along. The entrepreneur remains at the helm, while we provide the extra momentum with solutions that have proven their value in practice.”
Proven expertise (with over 100 years of cumulative experience) and new momentum
The launch of Vectis 5 also marks a new chapter for the organization itself. Founders Stefaan Vanquaethem and Walter Beyen remain closely involved as the architects of the Vectis philosophy. They will help safeguard continuity and share their experience through the investment committee, where their expertise will help shape strategic decisions.
Under the leadership of partners Alain Grillaert, Lieven Coen, and Maxime Maertens, the team is being further strengthened and revitalized. The partners themselves are investing substantially in the fund—a clear sign that they are entering this journey with the same entrepreneurial spirit as the founders. This confidence is widely shared by loyal institutional partners such as PMV, BNP Paribas Fortis, and vdk bank, all of whom have reaffirmed their commitment to this new chapter.
Future-focused growth
With an initial closing of €85 million, the foundation for Vectis 5 is firmly in place, and work is already well underway on the first new investments. To create additional room for new partnerships and to provide even stronger support for the growth ambitions of Belgian SMEs, the fund will remain open to a limited number of investors over the coming months as it works toward its €100 million target.
About Vectis Private Equity – With €200 million in assets under management, Vectis Private Equity is an independent private equity firm focused on investing in ambitious Belgian SMEs. Since its inception 21 years ago, Vectis has invested in approximately 40 Belgian companies and completed dozens of add-on acquisitions. This makes Vectis one of the most active private equity investors within this specific segment of the Belgian market.