Marc van Zuylen (Aquablu)
Overview
Marc van Zuylen is a Dutch entrepreneur renowned for his role as a co-founder of Aquablu, a company at the forefront of revolutionizing water consumption through smart hydration solutions. Aquablu, founded alongside Marnix Stokvis in 2018, offers innovative water dispensers that provide sustainable alternatives to plastic bottled water. Van Zuylen, who serves as Aquablu's Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), has been instrumental in driving the company’s vision of reducing plastic waste globally while promoting healthy hydration.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Aquablu has achieved significant milestones under Marc van Zuylen's leadership:
- June 2025: Aquablu raised a notable €7 million in Seed funding. This fundraising round was highlighted by an on-air commitment during the Dutch Dragons podcast, where the company secured €1.1 million in investment. This funding will facilitate Aquablu's international expansion and further innovations in their hydration technology.
- April 2025: The company reported achieving profitability for the first time since its inception, marking a pivotal moment in its financial journey.
- 2024: Joined Techleap's Rise programme, reflecting on strategic insights gained and emphasizing team growth to sustain the company’s pioneering culture.
- 2023: Aquablu received the CBRE Innovation Award, acknowledging its excellence in creating a sustainable hydration product line like the REFILL+ system.
Aquablu has continued to grow through strategic partnerships, such as with Selecta, further expanding its reach across Europe and solidifying its role in the sustainable beverage industry.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marc van Zuylen |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CCO of Aquablu |
| Known For | Co-founding Aquablu |
| Education | Master's in Strategic Management, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University |
Early Life and Education
Marc van Zuylen pursued higher education with a focus on business, demonstrating a clear penchant for strategic management. He attended the prestigious Aiglon College where he completed the International Baccalaureate. He furthered his studies at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, earning a Master's degree in Strategic Management. This educational background provided Van Zuylen with the necessary skills and insights to successfully navigate the complexities of startup ecosystems. While details of his early life are sparse, his academic journey clearly set the stage for his entrepreneurial ventures.
Career and Notable Achievements
Marc van Zuylen’s career has been characterized by entrepreneurship and innovation in the health and wellness sector:
- 2018: Co-founded Aquablu with fellow entrepreneur Marnix Stokvis. The company's mission was to redefine hydration by offering smart water dispensers that reduce plastic waste and enhance water quality with added nutrients.
- 2019: Successfully established a business model enabling Aquablu to scale independently, focusing on developing IoT-enabled water systems.
- 2023: Achieved major recognition with the CBRE Innovation Award, affirming Aquablu’s impact in the sustainable technology space.
Current Work and Impact
Van Zuylen’s current focus remains on expanding Aquablu's market presence and enhancing its product offerings. The company has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable water solutions, aiming to eliminate billions of plastic bottles through its innovative products. Aquablu’s smart systems continue to broaden the definition of hydration solutions by integrating technology and sustainability, thus contributing significantly to corporate and environmental health agendas globally.
Conclusion
Marc van Zuylen exemplifies innovative leadership, showing how modern entrepreneurship can align with global sustainability goals. Aquablu stands as a testament to his dedication to reshaping the beverage industry in a way that prioritizes environmental responsibility and human health. Looking to the future, Van Zuylen's continued influence is likely to drive further industry advancements, setting benchmarks in both sustainability and smart hydration solutions.