About

Learn about our roots

In 1994, a group of pioneers united around a bold idea: to invest in groundbreaking solutions that could change the world, and bring others along for the journey. These visionaries – including founder Frank van Beuningen (Gaastra), Jan Willem Nieuwenhuys (Fair Capital Partners), Corinne Heijn (UnitedSuccess), Lisette Schuitemaker (Media Visie), Jan Oosterwijk (The Body Shop), and Eckart Wintzen (Origin) – wove impact into our DNA and laid the foundation for Pymwymic.

Twenty years – and dozens of impact investments – later, the movement gained momentum under the inspiring leadership of Margaret McGovern. When Jenny Elissen came with the idea to form the Pymwymic Coöperatief, Frank and Margaret van Beuningen released their company into the Stichting Pymwymic Foundation. Over 100 individuals came together to form the first impact investing co-operative, establishing a co-owned impact fund that became a gateway for impact investing. Through shared experiences, investment opportunities, resources, and networks, they built the proof points for a new industry, demonstrating how private capital could take on more risk, fund the future, and pave the way for institutional capital to follow once it was considered safe enough to enter. What began as a bold idea became a catalyst for a domino effect, mobilising more private and institutional capital toward impact.

Building on this legacy, we transformed in 2017 into the Pymwymic we are today – an impact venture capital investor with the Pymwymic Coöperatief as our cornerstone investor. Many of the original pioneers remain deeply involved, and we’re proud to have members of our cooperative play key roles across our advisory committees and board. Our foundational belief that businesses should serve a greater purpose is also reflected in our own structure; having a foundation as our ultimate owner to protect our mission for the long term and ensure profits serve our purpose.

We firmly believe that embracing our past is key to shaping our future. By using our original name, we are reminded of our roots day-in, day-out – Put Your Money Where Your Meaning Is Community – a principle we are determined to uphold and champion for years to come.