History

The Smartbox success story

2003
Pierre-Edouard Stérin starts the gift-box concept in France in April 2003.

2007

LBO with Naxicap Partners to finance the acquisition of the parent company in Belgium.
Smartbox achieves 100 million euros turnover. Ongoing international development within Europe.

2008
International expansion outside of Europe with the launch of the US, Brazil, Canada and Japan.

2010

Smartbox has become a clear worldwide leader on the gift box market and reports a turnover in excess of 350 million euros, a headcount of 800 employees.

Otium Capital

In 2007, Pierre-Edouard Stérin decided to invest in high potential companies and entrepreneurs within the leisure and local industries in both private equity and incubator models.

2007
Investment in Weekendesk, leading online booking platform for thematic short-breaks.

2008
Investment in LaFourchette in December 2008.

2009
Two investments : Gault Millau in February 2009 and Buyagift in August 2009.

2010
Three new investments : Ouffer (August 2010), Lookingo (October 2010) and Camping&co (August 2010).

2011
Investment in Balinea.
6 reinvestments in companies in portfolio.
Creation of the Smart&co Ventures entity managed by Antoine Freysz.

December 2011
Smart&co Ventures becomes Otium Capital.