From local start-up to global market leader: the success story of Dynapps

In the sixth episode of Dusk Till Data, we explore the story of Dynapps. Co-founder and CEO Karel Hendrickx shares how he launched the company to help SMEs innovate their business processes using Odoo. Joining him is Jan Froyman from Green Park Investment Partners, Dynapps' key shareholder, who offers insights into Dynapps' rapid growth through a strategic buy-and-build approach. Discover their journey, successes, and future ambitions.

 
 


How Dynapps began

Dynapps started in 2010 as a modest start-up in the Kempen region of Belgium. Karel Hendrickx and his team saw that traditional ERP systems, like Oracle and SAP, were too complex and costly for the SME market in Flanders and the Netherlands. With the ambition to provide a user-friendly, flexible solution, Karel discovered the open-source ERP technology OpenERP, now widely known as Odoo. A meeting with Fabien Pinckaers, the founder of Odoo, confirmed their vision: SMEs need intuitive and accessible software. This collaboration became the foundation of Dynapps, which launched in 2011 as one of Odoo's first Gold Partners. By focusing on simplifying business processes for SMEs, Dynapps quickly made a name for itself in the region.

"We wanted a solution that truly empowers SMEs. When we discovered Odoo, we knew this was the way forward."

Karel HendrickxCo-founder & CEO Dynapps

Dynapps’ growth & scaling up

The early years focused on attracting clients open to innovation and the use of open-source technology. With a team experienced in business processes and implementation, Dynapps succeeded in convincing SMEs of the benefits of Odoo. "The breakthrough came in 2016 when Bram van Espen joined as service director," explains Karel. "He developed a service organization that structured project support and aftercare, enabling Dynapps to scale up without compromising quality." This laid the foundation for rapid growth, with the team expanding to 40 employees. By 2019 and 2020, it was clear that the ambition and demand had outgrown their initial capacity. Dynapps then decided to scale up further and sought support from an investment partner.

Partnering with Green Park

The choice fell on Green Park Investment Partners, an investment firm that, like Dynapps, embraces a pragmatic and entrepreneurial approach. Green Park invests with its own capital and in close cooperation with entrepreneurs, fostering a strong collaborative relationship. Their buy-and-build strategy enabled Dynapps to grow not only organically but also rapidly through strategic acquisitions. Together with Green Park, Dynapps has succeeded in taking structural steps to expand its team, optimize its processes, and strengthen its international network. This symbiosis between Dynapps and Green Park accelerated their growth, preparing them for even greater expansion.

"Our partnership with Green Park is about more than financing. It’s about shared vision, expertise, and a sustainable growth strategy."

Jan FroymanGreen Park Investment Partners

International expansion

With a solid base in Belgium and the Netherlands, Dynapps began its international expansion. New offices were established in the Benelux, including in Ghent and Capelle aan den IJssel, while opportunities also emerged in Wallonia and France. A new partnership with LogicaSoft provided access to the French market and strengthened their position in Wallonia. Dynapps now has a robust presence in the Benelux and aims to establish itself in other European markets as well. “Our goal is to become a global leader in Odoo implementations within five to ten years, with a revenue target of €100 million. Thanks to the collaboration with Green Park and their buy-and-build strategy, the path is open for further scaling in relevant markets and sectors," says Karel.

"Our ambition doesn’t stop in the Benelux. We aim to be active in all relevant Odoo markets worldwide."

Jan FroymanGreen Park Investment Partners

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