NOBEARS Group Brings on a Partner for Its Next Growth Phase

Dustin Karelse - 22 June 2022

HEUSDEN, June 22, 2022 – NOBEARS Group, a leading digital full-service agency operating at the intersection of digitalization, technology, and online marketing, is preparing for its next phase of growth by bringing Synergia Capital Partners on board. Synergia will support management in executing its strategic plans to achieve growth both organically and through acquisitions. The current management team, led by Dustin Karelse (CEO), Rob Smulders (COO), and Rens van Geel (CMO), will remain in place.

NOBEARS is a rapidly growing digital agency that has twice been recognized as one of the 250 fastest-growing scale-ups in the Netherlands and has earned high rankings in the FD Gazelle Awards and Emerce Top 100. While the company has grown organically for years, it has also successfully completed two acquisitions within the agency sector. To take the next step in its growth ambitions, NOBEARS sought out the right partner.

Dustin Karelse explains:“About a year ago, we began exploring potential growth partners for our company. The many conversations we had gave us great insight into what we were—and weren’t—looking for. With Synergia, there was an immediate click, both personally and professionally. They are entrepreneurial and opportunity-driven, just like us. What also stood out is that Synergia is backed by leading top entrepreneurs. In addition to our organic growth, we are excited to expand our services and expertise further through acquisitions, enabling us to support our clients even more comprehensively as a full-service partner.”

The digitalization market has grown significantly in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. The demand for digital development and marketing keeps increasing due to the ever-evolving needs of businesses and consumers. NOBEARS has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner, working with brands such as Van Mossel Automotive Group, Jumpsquare Group, Bakker Bart, COOP, and De Mandemakers Group—companies that all share a common goal of delivering the best possible customer experience.

Rob Smulders adds:“As a partner to future-focused businesses, we continuously make an impact. NOBEARS is committed to building long-term client relationships, with an increasing focus on delivering the ultimate digital customer experience. This includes omnichannel solutions where systems seamlessly integrate to create a flawless customer journey.”

Paul van den Heuvel, Investment Director at Synergia Capital Partners, states:“We are thrilled to join NOBEARS Group as a shareholder. Over the years, the management team has demonstrated its ability to build a distinctive company through organic growth and acquisitions, all while maintaining its identity. We will support them in their next phase of growth. In the coming years, there will be numerous opportunities for NOBEARS to strengthen its position in the Benelux market, particularly through targeted acquisitions. Together with management, we will actively explore these opportunities.”

About Synergia

Synergia Capital Partners is an independent private equity firm that has been investing in mid-sized Dutch companies since 1999. Its focus spans industries such as agri & food, industrial manufacturing, ICT/software, and (healthcare) services.

Synergia is funded by leading Dutch entrepreneurs and operates on the belief that the combination of knowledge and capital creates greater value. This network of entrepreneurs is frequently involved in supporting the growth and value creation of portfolio companies. The investment in NOBEARS comes from Synergia’s fifth fund, following previous investments in For Ever Gladiolen, Viscon Group, Plant World, Pronk Groep, LOA, and AIC.