Dutch hydration startup Aquablu closes €7 million round live on podcast to expand their smart water dispenser

Aquablu, the Amsterdam-based company rethinking workplace hydration through smart, tech-enabled dispensers, has raised €7 million in Seed funding to support international expansion, drive R&D, and scale automation across their hydration platform.

Frans van Houten, former CEO of Philips, led this round, which included a standout moment: a live, on-air commitment of €750k during the Dutch Dragons podcast, which later increased 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 transforming hydration with smart, sustainable, and health-focused solutions.

Aquablu’s flagship system, REFILL+, delivers chilled, sparkling, or still functional water infused with natural flavors, electrolytes, and B vitamins. Designed for offices, hotels, and public spaces, it reportedly replaces bottled drinks with a healthier, more engaging experience, all while eliminating 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.”

The Dutch Dragons podcast, where upcoming and well-known entrepreneurs share their entrepreneurial journey, took a different twist this time. True to Dragon style, the entrepreneurs – Bas Witvoet, Pieter Schoen, and Michel Perridon – became so excited about Aquablu’s story and momentum that they decided to invest €1.1 million on the spot.

“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 allegedly achieved over 300% year-over-year growth for three consecutive years, fueled by surging demand across both corporate and hospitality sectors. In 2025, the company reached a major milestone – achieving profitability for the first time since its founding, with April marking the turning point.

“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 be used to support international expansion, drive R&D, and scale automation across Aquablu’s hydration platform. The company aims to achieve €100 million in revenue with a lean team of fewer than 100 employees by 2028.

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