MML Capital invests in machine-learning provider MIcompany
MML Capital Partners has invested in Benelux machine-learning company MIcompany, as the company looks to become a European market leader in AI services. The investment was supported by M&A consultancy Arrowpoint Advisory, and deals advisory company Alantra.
MIcompany was founded in the Netherlands in 2006, as a machine learning service provider. The firm’s proprietary algorithms are supported by experienced data scientists, engineers and trainers, allowing them to provide integrated solutions across all areas of AI/ML technology.
As hype around artificial intelligence (AI) and its business applications grows, this has seen demand for MIcompany's services grow dramatically in recent years. With clients enjoying transformational results due to the company's innovative approach to AI/ML services, this has also helped it grow exponentially to become the leading AI and ML provider in the Benelux region.
Under the leadership of Marnix Bügel, Martin Heijnsbroek, Wouter Huygen and Folkert de Jong, the group is looking to capitalise on its early growth, to become a European market leader. This necessitated attracting a minority investment, to help fund planned expansion activities.
MML Capital Partners has been investing in companies since 1988, supporting their organic and acquisitive growth strategies both locally and internationally. Working with established and growing companies in North America and Europe, MML Capital Partners looks to partner with management teams, understanding their individual objectives, providing capital to help reach those goals.
Marnix Bügel, Founder at MIcompany, stated, “This is an important milestone in MIcompany’s journey. We have grown strongly as an independent AI services firm more than 16 years however this is the right time to accelerate our growth and widen our reach into other European countries. I am delighted to be partnering with Luke and the team and I am looking forward to working together over the coming years.”
MML has a strong track record of scaling technology service providers sustainably. It will now partner MIcompany in its mission to become a Western European category leader in data & AI services.
Deal advice
An Arrowpoint Advisory team including Director Will Evans and Managing Director Daniel Domberger worked with MIcompany to provide corporate finance advice throughout the process. Arrowpoint Advisory is a M&A consultancy that specialises in advising companies on M&A transactions, also providing debt and special situation advice.
MIcompany Managing Partner Martin Heijnsbroek noted, “I have met many corporate finance advisers, and have been impressed by the many skills they possess. But none had the same professional attitude or were at the same level as your team. I found working with the team like being back at McKinsey. We had fun, remained focused and manoeuvred this ship across many waves. It really felt like being part of one - very smart - team. Thanks for orchestrating that!”
Will Evans, Director at Arrowpoint Advisory, meanwhile added that the firm was "delighted to have advised" on the deal. He asserted that the important milestone should ensure MIcompany is well-positioned to succeed in the coming years.
Evans concluded, "MIcompany is a standout asset in an incredibly dynamic and high growth market, and its disruptive approach to implementing highly strategic, cutting-edge AI solutions is delivering transformational impact for clients. MML is an ideal partner to support the team going forward and we wish them all the best on their next phase of growth.”
Global investment banking firm Alantra meanwhile advised MML on its minority investment into MIcompany. Alantra delivered buy-side and debt advisory for MML, via its global technology team, including Simon Roberts, Oliver Norman and Ollie Hickley based in the UK and Lodewijk Sodderland based in the Netherlands, advised MML. This was alongside Guy Taylor and James Jewers from the debt advisory team.
Simon Roberts, Director at Alantra, commented, “We’re delighted to have worked with MML on its investment in MIcompany. MIcompany is at the forefront of AI transformation initiatives for a global blue chip client base. By leveraging a suite of proprietary products, its team of best-in-class specialists have a record of achieving sustainable client impact. AI adoption is fairly nascent and MIcompany’s capabilities mean it is perfectly positioned to be a global AI leader of this high growth market.”
