Dutch Hydration Startup Aquablu Secures €7 Million In Seed Round

The funds will support the company’s international expansion, boost R&D, and enhance automation across its hydration platform.

The round was led by Frans van Houten, former CEO of Philips. A highlight of the round came during the Dutch Dragons’ Podcast, where van Houten committed €750K live on air, later increasing his investment to €1.1 million after the episode aired.

“What Nespresso did for coffee, we’re doing for water,” said Marnix Stokvis, Co-founder of Aquablu. “But sustainably and exclusively for businesses.”

Founded in 2018 by Marnix Stokvis and Marc van Zuylen, Aquablu is on a mission to transform hydration through smart, sustainable, and health-focused solutions.

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Its flagship product, REFILL+, offers chilled, sparkling, or still water infused with natural flavors, electrolytes, and B vitamins. Designed for offices, hotels, and public spaces, the system replaces bottled drinks with a healthier, more interactive experience—while helping eliminate single-use plastic.

“What impressed me most is how much Aquablu already has figured out,” added Frans van Houten. “They’ve built a strong foundation, smart distribution, a great product, and a clear go-to-market strategy. It’s rare to see a team that combines purpose with execution so well. They’re not just talking about making healthy hydration easy at work, they’re doing it, at scale.”

This time, the Dutch Dragons podcast took an unexpected turn. As entrepreneurs Bas Witvoet, Pieter Schoen, and Michel Perridon listened to Aquablu’s story and growth journey, they were so impressed that they decided to invest €1.1 million on the spot—true to classic Dragon style.

“The reason I decided to invest in Aquablu is that I was genuinely impressed by the two young entrepreneurs, Marc and Marnix, who started the company while still in university. I myself Co-founded several companies during my student days together with my close friend and business partner Harald, so I know firsthand what an exciting and opportunity-rich time lies ahead for them,” said Schoen. “I’m really looking forward to building something great with the guys at Aquablu and supporting them wherever I can. As I often say, it’s the entrepreneur who makes the difference – a great entrepreneur can even sell water! Which, of course, fits perfectly with the Aquablu story.”

Rather than raising through traditional venture capital, Aquablu structured the round as a Friends of Aquablu raise, a curated group of operators and investors who share the company’s mindset.

“We weren’t looking for monthly board meetings or heavy reporting duties,” Stokvis added. “We need partners who believe in speed and execution.”

Aquablu has reportedly grown over 300% year-over-year for three straight years, driven by rising demand in both the corporate and hospitality sectors. In 2025, the company hit a major milestone—becoming profitable for the first time, with April marking the breakthrough moment.

“We’re at the beginning of a fundamental shift,” says Co-founder van Zuylen. “Companies are reimagining hydration – not as a cost, but as part of their brand and sustainability strategy.”

The funding will help Aquablu expand globally, invest in R&D, and increase automation across its hydration platform. The company is targeting €100 million in revenue by 2028, all with a lean team of under 100 people.

About Aquablu

Aquablu is redefining hydration with REFILL+ — a smart water dispenser that delivers functional, flavored water enriched with vitamins and minerals. Choose still, sparkling, or chilled — all without single-use plastic.