New name reflects positive and customer-centric approach to IT services for SMEs
Amsterdam, April 2, 2024 – Investment firm Riverdam has appointed Erik van Laar as CEO of Smizer, the buy-and-build platform for IT Managed Services Providers, formerly known as Hooverdam Holding. Van Laar, who was previously Chief Strategy Officer at The Digital Neighborhood, will continue to build a national platform of regional IT companies with Riverdam.
Growth of regionally operating IT Managed Service Providers
The IT sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Netherlands and plays a key role in digitizing other industries. Riverdam has recognized this potential and has actively invested in regional IT Managed Service Providers over the past three years. With the acquisition of Emma Solutions ICT (Den Bosch), Office IT (Sneek), and Xaris ICT (Wognum), among others, Riverdam has now established a solid foundation in three Dutch regions.
The cloud services provided by these IT Managed Services Providers enable SMB employees to work securely and flexibly, regardless of their location. “The Dutch IT sector serves as the third ‘Mainport’ of the Netherlands and we expect a further acceleration of growth in the coming years, driven by increasing digitalization,” said Derk van Wingerden, co-founder of Riverdam.
Fast-growing platform for regional IT Managed Service Providers
By responding to demand for specialized IT services, Smizer provides a platform that promotes organic growth among existing customers and drives further regional growth through add-on acquisitions. This platform combines local strength with centrally driven support services, allowing it to best serve both local and national clients.
Smizer’s strength lies in maintaining a regional structure in which the various hubs operate independently, with support from the platform. This allows us to be a trusted IT partner for SMEs both locally and nationally.
Derk van Wingerden, co-founder of Riverdam, says enthusiastically, “With Erik van Laar at the helm, we look forward to a future of further growth and success. His market knowledge and strategic experience are essential for the development of Smizer. Together we want to become the preferred ICT partner for SMEs in the Netherlands.”
Erik van Laar on his new role as CEO
“I am honored to lead the platform and look forward to working with Riverdam and the management of our regional companies for further growth. By contributing my experience, I want to help build a network of trusted regional IT partners that continue to support SMEs in a rapidly changing digital world,” said Erik van Laar.
About Erik van Laar
Prior to his appointment as CEO of Smizer, Erik van Laar served as chief strategy officer at The Digital Neighborhood and previously held executive positions at Multrix, OpenforSupport, and True Workspace (now part of Pink Elephant). His experience in strategic growth and mergers and acquisitions makes him ideally suited to lead the growing Smizer platform.
About Riverdam
Riverdam invests in profitable Dutch SMEs with sales of up to EUR 20 million. Through knowledge, financing and a large network, Riverdam offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their businesses sustainably. In the past three years, Riverdam has completed 11 acquisitions, including eight IT Managed Services companies. With Riverdam as a (majority) shareholder, these companies will have access to a solid foundation and new growth opportunities.
