HR and network
Gimv is a platform. A meeting place for people, each with their own expertise, who complement each other in the primary interest of the portfolio companies. This vision is embedded in the Gimv culture.
Knowledge and skills are key concepts at Gimv. Gimv’s growth as an investment company relies both on the broad knowledge and professionalism of all its teams and on the international network of which it is part.
Interconnection: maximising interfaces, stimulating creativity
Achieving results together is what drives all Gimv employees. This is clearly reflected in their close involvement in the ins and outs of the portfolio companies. At the same time the success stories that employees write together with the portfoliocompanies automatically have a positive impact on Gimv’s performance. The return increases, Gimv reveals itself as a genuine partner and thus can profile itself uniquely in a highly competitive market.
In order to maximise its interfaces Gimv has adapted its structure. Past experience clearly shows that cooperation between divisions delivers better results for both the portfolio companies and for Gimv itself. Maximum interfacing is possible only when walls come tumbling down. This is one reason why Gimv has thoroughly renovated its offices in Antwerp, creating open spaces which optimise collaboration and cross-fertilisation.
Gimv is proactive on all levels. With the entry of two new female members into its board of directors, Gimv has met the quota imposed in the corporate governance memorandum. But what is at stake is not just meeting targets. Through their outside vision, board members - women or men - give concrete shape to Gimv’s strategic choices.
Network as a success factor
In a global world where borders hardly count any more, an international profile is vital for an investment company. Gimv has developed its own dense network of partners and advisors that marks it out as a major player at European level.
Gimv is also present further afield. In 2003, Gimv created the Gimv Asia Advisory Council (GAAC), made up of leading figures from the academic, industrial and financial sectors, to keep its finger on the pulse of a rapidly evolving Asian market and to assess how this market impacts its own holdings.
The idea of involving sector experts as advisors is to be found again in the business units. The establishment of the Technology Advisory Board is to be seen in this light. This is an advisory board made up of senior managers with many years of experience in international technology companies. They guide the technology team in its investment decisions or point to new investment opportunities. The Industry Partners also fit into this context. These entrepreneurs, with their rich and successful careers, serve as a sounding board for Gimv itself and for the management of its portfolio companies. As sector specialists they are involved in the growth story of each Gimv shareholding.