Castior actively invests in growth, guiding entrepreneurs through pivotal transitions and long-term value creation.
We step in as investor or advisor — depending on what helps you move forward.
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Investment criteria
Castior pursues selected investment opportunities, backed by hands-on experience and a network of like-minded partners
Geography
Benelux
Profitability
Between EUR 0,5m – 2,5m EBITDA
Investment size
Between EUR 1 – 5m
Transaction type
Castior believes that the financial structure should be adapted to the needs and stage of the company. This is why we invest both in buy-out transaction, whereby we look for more mature companies that are in a transition phase, or provide growth capital to promising scale-ups that have already demonstrated commercial traction.
We tailor our investment structure to fit buy-out schedules for transition and pre exit situations, and provide growth capital for scale-ups
Targetted funding
In order to add value and provide financial means, we can draw on a network of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial families who have a deep understanding of each sector and have affinity with each journey that we embark on
Deal-by-deal funding to add value through our network
Sustainability
Our mission is to support companies that do the right things, in doing the things right. We love to back entrepreneurs and management teams that have the clear intention to build their business in a way that also benefits society and the environment. And as perfection should never be the enemy of good, we look beyond any shortcomings when it comes to how the business currently scores on sustainability criteria but consider these as great opportunities to add value
We love to back entrepreneurs and management teams that have the intention to build their business in a way that also benefits society and the environment
Investment Advisory
We combine investment and advisory work – always with an entrepreneurial mindset and long-term focus.
Castior supports entrepreneurs & families facing key transitions: scaling, succession, or preparing for sale. We don’t offer traditional consulting. Instead, we act as a trusted advisor – with the perspective of an investor and the mindset of a co-owner.
Our services include:
- Strategy & capital planning
To clarify direction, funding logic and execution priorities - Pre-transaction readiness
For companies preparing to raise capital or seek a buyer - M&A support and sparring
Deal sounding board for entrepreneurs, MBI candidates or family offices - Post-deal engagement
Representing minority investors or guiding integration & value creation - Governance & ownership structuring
For families, teams or entrepreneurs in transition
We work best when there’s complexity — and the will to bring clarity. Always with an investor mindset.
About Castior
Thomas De Kempeneer
I am Thomas De Kempeneer. After more than 15 years in private equity, I founded Castior as an independent investment platform and strategic sparring partner for entrepreneurs and family businesses.
Castior is not a traditional fund. I work deal-by-deal, combining investment activities with strategic support. Sometimes Castior invests alongside management. Sometimes I simply help think through complex questions — always with the same mindset: trusted, committed, and with a long-term investor’s perspective.
The common thread? Companies in transition — whether it’s succession, growth, strategic redirection, or long-term anchoring.
My focus lies in sectors where capital should mean more than just returns: health, circularity, and resilient infrastructure.
Thematic approach
While we remain open to different sectors, we are most aligned with businesses operating in the following domains — areas that are central to both our investment activities and advisory work.
Values
Together in partnership
Independent and flexible
Engaged and with conviction
Positive and conscious
Bringing structure and clarity, tailored to each specific situation
Together in partnership
Castior seeks value through partnerships. A mutual trust and complementarity with our co-shareholders and management teams are paramount for us. In addition, by connecting likeminded investors, people and businesses we aim to contribute to a strong ecosystem.
Independent and flexible
We like to be “lean & mean”, much like the entrepreneurial companies that we back. Whilst we do promote good governance and organizational structure, we avoid any undue burden on the agility and flexibility of our portfolio companies when it comes to decision processes or freedom to operate. We are therefore set up as an independent investment vehicle with clear and short decision lines. Furthermore, we recognize that generating a true impact can take time, which Is why we do not have a fixed exit horizon.
Engaged and with conviction
We are a committed shareholder that aims to add value by being involved in strategic and mission defining decisions and projects. We believe that good communication with the right financial dashboarding, and clear objectives will lead to achieving our goals. And as management and organizational setup is paramount to translate strategy into action, Castior will take on an active role in recruitment processes. We love what we do, and hence are always on standby to assist our participations.
Positive and conscious
Our mindset is open and geared towards the future, whereby we consider a positive attitude as a key attribute to success. Furthermore, by being conscious of the impact of our actions and behavior on our surroundings, we strive to create a healthy environment in which our business partners can thrive
Testimonials
Excellent collaboration
At Myoptique, we had a splendid group of investors around the table who all contributed and worked together in helping management to build out a leading international e-commerce player offering great service to our customers.
Kevin Cornils
Positive way of working
As frontrunners in the plant-based industry, we have always attached great importance to our positive way of working, transparency and our DNA of sustainability. In that respect, it was my pleasure to work together with Thomas both on a human and professional level, who fitted well with the whole team.
Frank Giezen
Management transition
Transitioning from a family-led company to an external CEO is a significant and complex process. Working with Thomas during this transformative period was extremely helpful. He demonstrated deep understanding and patience, along with the discipline and resolve needed to guide our company to the next level of success.
Thomas Lienard
Being part of an ecosystem
I always enjoyed the collaboration and have total trust in Thomas’ ability to make good investments. After having been an entrepreneur for most of my professional life, I now look forward to investing and supporting companies by passing on my experience and insights into the market.
Anders Asarby
Going for growth
It’s been a pleasure working together on business development. Thomas has the entrepreneurial spirit needed to capture growth when a market is developing, while at the same time bringing structure and know-how when engaging in buy-and-build opporutnities.
Mike Vandenhooft
Scaling
Scaling a company requires putting in place the right strategy, organisation and people at the right time. Having a sounding board by your side who brings a lot of experience and can help with all of the challenges that an entrepreneur faces when growing, has proven to be invaluable.
