BVP is pleased to announce that Luc Starmans and Roel van Wegberg have been appointed Managing Partners of Brightlands Venture Partners B.V. (BVP), effective 1 October 2026. They succeed Casper Bruens and Marcel Kloosterman, who co-founded the management company in 2004 and the partnership that also includes Kim de Boer, Luc and Roel. The succession is part of BVP’s planned leadership transition in light of Casper and Marcel’s retirement.
Over more than two decades, Casper and Marcel played an instrumental part in developing BVP into an established early-stage impact investor in health, agrifood and renewable chemistry. Together with the continued support of a committed group of investors, and a dedicated team of professionals, BVP raised four funds totaling €120 million, made more than 60 investments and realised 18 exits, delivering healthy financial, impact and ecosystem returns.
In BVP’s next chapter, Casper and Marcel will remain closely involved, and continue supporting the existing portfolio and the BVP team.
“When I set up BVP in 2004, I hoped to build something that would outlast my own time at the helm. Luc and Roel have each shown, in very different ways, the judgement and care that BVP and its stakeholders deserve, and handing over to them is exactly the moment a good succession plan is meant to reach. I will remain close to the portfolio, and look forward to supporting BVP in its next chapter.”
“What has always stayed with me are the founders: the people who trusted us with their companies at the earliest and most uncertain stage, and whose persistence turned ideas into businesses. Luc and Roel understand that this trust is crucial in collaboration, and I am glad to keep working alongside them and the team on the portfolio in the years ahead.”
Luc joined BVP in 2021 and was promoted to Partner in 2023. He will continue to lead BVP’s Health team, where he has led investments across MedTech, HealthTech and Life Sciences, and sits on the boards of several portfolio companies.
Roel joined BVP in 2024 as CFO and became Partner in April 2026; he continues as CFO, overseeing fund operations, governance and investor reporting across all BVP-managed funds.
Together, they will lead BVP into its next phase, including the development of its new generation of thematic funds.
“It is an honour to take on this role, and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. BVP has a clear sense of purpose and a team I am proud to be part of. Together we intend to continue backing entrepreneurs at the earliest stage, staying close to them as their companies grow, and continuing to invest where science and technology can make a real difference to people’s lives.”
“BVP has always combined entrepreneurial spirit with discipline, and I am excited to build on the extraordinary 20-year foundation established by Casper, Marcel, and the team. Together with Luc and the entire BVP team, I look forward to building an institutional platform that serves our portfolio and investors well for the decades ahead.”
About BVP
BVP is an early-stage impact fund manager, founded in 2004, investing in companies that address societal challenges in health, agrifood and renewable chemistry. Across four funds totaling €120 million, BVP has made more than 60 investments, realised 18 exits and has been at the forefront in developing ecosystems where our investments themes thrive.
www.bvp.capital
