Marnix Stokvis (Aquablu)
Overview
Marnix Stokvis is a well-known entrepreneur and innovator in the field of water purification and sustainable solutions. He is the co-founder and CEO of Aquablu, a Dutch company dedicated to transforming the way businesses and individuals access clean and sustainable drinking water. Aquablu, established in 2018 with Marc van Zuylen, develops smart water dispensers aimed at eliminating single-use plastic bottles and promoting healthy hydration within corporate environments. The company has advanced the technology to deliver high-quality, mineralized, flavored water, significantly contributing to the reduction of plastic waste. Stokvis and his partner have set ambitious goals to save one billion plastic bottles by 2030, emphasizing their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Recent Developments
- June 2025: Aquablu raised €7 million in seed funding to expand its international operations and enhance its R&D efforts. The funding round was highlighted by a live €750,000 commitment during the Dutch Dragons podcast, later increased to €1.1 million. This funding will support further scaling and automation across Aquablu's platform and enhance their global footprint.
- April 2025: Aquablu achieved profitability for the first time since its inception, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory. The company's innovative approach and strong market presence contributed to this financial achievement.
- 2024: Aquablu was recognized with the CBRE Innovation Award, acknowledging their unique water purification technology that improves tap water by adding essential nutrients while removing impurities. This award highlights their impact in the beverage sector and their commitment to sustainability.
- Partnership Expansion: Aquablu partnered with Selecta, a leading European foodtech company, to introduce the Refill product line across 16 European countries. This collaboration underscores their efforts to replace traditional bottled beverages with healthier and more environmentally friendly options.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marnix Stokvis |
| Born | Unknown |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CEO of Aquablu |
| Known For | Co-founding Aquablu |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
| Education | Erasmus School of Economics (MSc Financial Economics) |
| Rijnlands Lyceum (VWO Bilingual) |
Early Life and Education
Marnix Stokvis grew up in the Netherlands, and his early experiences were deeply rooted in education and environmental consciousness. He attended the Rijnlands Lyceum, where he completed a VWO Bilingual degree, providing him with a robust foundation in both academics and languages. Stokvis pursued higher education at the Erasmus School of Economics, completing both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Financial Economics. This academic background equipped him with a keen understanding of economic principles and market dynamics, crucial for his entrepreneurial ventures. A surf trip in South Africa during his formative years, where he encountered alarming levels of ocean pollution, deeply influenced his commitment to developing sustainable solutions.
Career and Notable Achievements
Marnix Stokvis's career is marked by his innovative contributions to water technology and sustainability.
- 2018: Co-founded Aquablu with Marc van Zuylen, focusing on innovative water purification systems to minimize plastic waste.
- 2023: Awarded the CBRE Innovation Award for groundbreaking water purification technology.
- 2017-2018: Worked as a researcher at Interlloyd Averij BV, conducting market analysis in diverse regions, which bolstered his analytical skills.
- Previous Roles: Participated in marketing strategies for Red Bull Rotterdam and worked as a Brand Representative for Apenkooi Events. His practical experiences across these roles added diverse business insights.
- International Expansion: Successfully expanded Aquablu's operations to 16 European countries in partnership with Selecta, furthering the goal of reducing single-use plastic bottles by providing high-quality water dispensers.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Marnix Stokvis serves as the CEO of Aquablu, where he continues to push boundaries in the sustainable hydration sector. Under his leadership, Aquablu has established itself as a leader in providing smart, sustainable water solutions that cater to corporate environments, ultimately replacing bottled water consumption with healthier and environmentally-friendly alternatives. Stokvis's vision for Aquablu aligns with broader global sustainability goals, and his efforts have significantly contributed to decreasing plastic waste across Europe. His emphasis on technology and user-centric designs has not only fostered business growth but has also positioned Aquablu as a model for future sustainable enterprises.
Conclusion
Marnix Stokvis is a visionary entrepreneur committed to revolutionizing water consumption with a strong focus on sustainability. Through Aquablu, he is working to eliminate plastic waste by offering smart water solutions that align with modern environmental needs. The company's continued growth and accolades are a testament to Stokvis's leadership and innovative spirit. His work at Aquablu is paving the way for a future where sustainability and health are prioritized, thereby making a lasting impact not only on the industry but also on global environmental efforts.