Stay up to date with the latest news from the Netherlands! Enjoy reading!
After reorganization, payment company Mollie dares to think about growth again (FD)
After experiencing turbulence and reorganization, payment company Mollie is back on track. CEO Koen Köppen reports a significant reduction in losses and a 36% increase in turnover in 2023, marking a new era of growth. Following a period of explosive expansion and high spending, the company has shifted focus to sustainable growth. Köppen emphasizes streamlining operations and focusing on value creation for customers, leading to a 50% decrease in losses and a 30% reduction in costs. With €99 million in net turnover and a €25 million loss in 2023, Mollie has regained financial stability. Despite investor expectations and market challenges, Köppen remains confident in Mollie’s growth prospects, targeting expansion into new markets and product offerings. With plans to enter Spain, possibly Italy, and Scandinavian markets, and initiatives like providing working capital to customers, Mollie aims to maintain its competitive edge in the payment services sector. Köppen believes that Mollie’s differentiation and customer-centric approach will fuel continued growth, distinguishing it from competitors in an evolving market landscape. Read more
Controversial options are also needed for climate-neutral Netherlands in 2050 (PBL)
The Netherlands aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, including in aviation and maritime shipping, with a range of technological and economic pathways outlined by the PBL. These pathways emphasize the importance of both electricity and alternative energy sources such as bio-raw materials and hydrogen. While electricity will play a key role in the transition, sectors like aviation and maritime shipping will still require carbon-based fuels, necessitating the use of biofuels and hydrogen as replacements. However, the availability of sustainable bio-raw materials and green hydrogen remains a bottleneck, requiring urgent scaling up of production and logistics. Additionally, achieving climate neutrality does not necessarily mean complete fossil fuel elimination, with some cost-optimal processes still relying on fossil fuels, offset by carbon capture and storage (CCS). Negative emissions, such as CCS from bio-based raw materials, will be necessary to compensate for difficult-to-avoid emissions, particularly in agriculture. An integrated approach to energy and raw materials systems is crucial, considering factors like sectoral goals and policy acceleration to meet ambitious emission reduction targets. Read more
‘Promising’ tech company Rodeo declared bankrupt, founder untraceable (NRC)
The Amsterdam-based tech company Rodeo Software, which previously raised substantial investments, has been declared bankrupt by the court. Founder Pieter Vos is under forensic investigation for potential financial misconduct at Rodeo, with his assets worth €67 million seized by investors. The company, providing accounting services to the creative industries, faced scrutiny for allegedly misrepresenting customer relationships and revenue growth to investors. Despite presenting significant growth projections, Rodeo’s commissioners dismissed Vos after an internal investigation, leading to a forensic probe into the company’s financial affairs. The declared bankruptcy raises questions about the ongoing investigation and the company’s future. Current CEO Erik-Jan Gelink is cooperating with the curator to handle the bankruptcy professionally. Read more
Revolut launches RevPoints in the Netherlands: its first pan-European loyalty program
Revolut has introduced RevPoints, a loyalty program available in the Netherlands and soon across the EEA and UK. Customers earn points through card transactions, financial challenges, and account upgrades, redeemable for Flying Blue Miles, Avios, accommodations, activities, and experiences. Revolut aims to enhance everyday banking experiences and reinforce its position as a global financial super app, emphasizing convenience and customer rewards.
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