Zug / Alkmaar, October 14, 2025 – SnelStart, a family-owned and managed company and market leader for financial management software to accounting/bookkeeping offices, small businesses and freelancers in the Netherlands, announces a new partnership with BU Bregal Unternehmerkapital (“BU”), a leading entrepreneurial capital provider to family businesses and mid-market firms.
With a diversified customer base of nearly 170,000 clients, including over 5,000 accounting offices, SnelStart has built its strong market position through a highly customer-centric go-to-market and continuous innovation, guided by its vision to help entrepreneurs to grow in an increasingly complex digital world.
The strategic partnership is built on a joint vision to further strengthen SnelStart’s market leadership, accelerate innovation, and deliver even more value to customers through technology, service and operational excellence. Together, SnelStart and BU aim to expand the company’s reach, advance its product platform, and continue setting high standards in user experience and customer satisfaction.
Herman Weessies, co-owner and CEO of SnelStart, commented: “Finding the right partner for SnelStart’s next growth phase was very important for us as a family business. I was not looking for only a capital provider, but for a partner who could help us stay independent and continue to build the platform we build for our entrepreneurs. A partner who truly understands entrepreneurs – one who shares our values, believes in long-term development, and puts customers at the center of everything. With BU, we found exactly that: a partner with deep software expertise, a strong track record with family-owned businesses, and a collaborative mindset focused on sustainable growth. Together, we are ready to take SnelStart to the next level.”
Norbert Heller, Partner at BU, added: “SnelStart is a remarkable company that has embarked on an impressive growth trajectory, driven by a highly entrepreneurial leadership with a clear vision and strong customer focus. We are convinced of the company’s potential and look forward to supporting its continued success. With our software expertise, hands-on partnership approach, and long-term perspective, we aim to help accelerate SnelStart’s development and strengthen its position as a market leader with a growing and satisfied customer base. We are inspired by the passion and dedication of Herman and his team and are proud to accompany them on this journey.”
Philipp Struth, Partner at BU, explains: “BU has been active in the Dutch market for over eight years, supporting our partner companies in their growth ambitions in the region. With SnelStart, we are now taking the next step with bringing our deep expertise in unlocking the potential of market leaders into a growth partnership that originates in the Netherlands. The country is home to many excellent hidden champions striving to reach their next level – and BU is well prepared to support them on that journey.”
The partnership remains subject to the completion of the advice procedure of SnelStart’s works council and satisfaction of the required regulatory filings and procedures.
About SnelStart
Founded in 1982 with several offices across the Netherlands, SnelStart is a strongly growing software solutions provider that develops intuitive financial management and bookkeeping software tailored to freelancers, small businesses, and accounting firms. With over four decades of experience, SnelStart helps nearly 170,000 entrepreneurs simplify their financial processes, improve efficiency, and gain clearer insights into their business performance.
About BU
BU Bregal Unternehmerkapital (“BU”) is a leading investment firm with offices in Zug, Munich, Milan and London. With more than €7bn in Assets under Management, BU is the largest mid-cap investor headquartered in the DACH region. With the mission to be the partner of choice for entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, BU seeks to partner with market leaders and “hidden champions” with strong management teams and breakout potential. Since its founding in 2015, the funds advised by BU have invested in more than 150 companies with more than 29,000 employees. Thereby, around 10,000 jobs have been created. BU supports entrepreneurs and families as a strategic partner to develop, internationalize, and digitize their businesses, while helping them generate sustainable value on a responsible basis with the next generation in mind.
