Build
With
Passion

As a co-founder of 5CS, Sebastiaan de Koning contributes extensive entrepreneurial experience and strategic vision to the team. At the age of 17, he founded IT-Ernity, pioneering one of the first consolidation strategies in the Dutch managed cloud services and mass hosting market. Under his leadership, IT-Ernity grew significantly through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, becoming a leading cloud services provider. In 2018, Sebastiaan successfully exited the business, which is now part of Team.Blue. Throughout his journey, Sebastiaan navigated various growth phases and the accompanying challenges, from scaling operations to managing growing pains. Twice backed by both national and international private equity firms, he has a deep understanding of what it means to partner with private equity firms. Sebastiaan’s expertise in the tech industry and his passion for supporting entrepreneurs are invaluable to 5CS. He is dedicated to helping businesses achieve their full potential through strategic guidance and investment.

Charles has almost 25 years of experience in hands-on investing. After starting working at McKinsey, he learned the investment profession at H2 Equity Partners, where he found his swing in refocusing and re-energizing mid-sized companies in the Netherlands, UK, Sweden and Denmark. In 2008, he joined Gilde Equity Management (GEM) Benelux where he helped companies to go from good to great in manufacturing, IT services, software and e-commerce. In founding 5CS with Sebastiaan, he is able to combine his skills and experiences with those of an entrepreneur in building great businesses in the lower mid-market. An avid cyclist and cruising sailor he enjoys honing his skills and learning new ones. Married with two kids he is keen family man who loves travelling and enjoying sports.

Whilst at university, Pieter engaged with both emerging challenger companies and the investment industry. In 2014, he joined Gilde Equity Management (GEM) Benelux, where he spent five years investing in sectors such as software, manufacturing, business services, and retail. Shortly after 5CS was founded, Pieter joined the team, drawn to the originality of the 5CS approach to next generation investing and the highly talented and complementary team of 5CS. Pieter’s passion has always been helping entrepreneurs reach the company’s full potential and achieve their organic and M&A growth ambitions. Pieter loves sports, from football and tennis to fitness and cycling, and together with his wife, he has two sons and a daughter.

Jorn has over 14 years of experience working with Dutch entrepreneurs and family businesses active in F&A and Industry, at Rabobank, of which the last 6 years at Rabo Investments. In 2024, Jorn joined 5CS to pursue his spirit of entrepreneurship and his passion for investing. Outside of work, he and his wife enjoy raising and travelling with their twins. Jorn is also an avid sports enthusiast—enjoying CrossFit, cycling and all sorts of outdoor activities.

Yiting joined 5CS in October 2022. Previously, she worked at PwC for 5 years where she gained broad experience within M&A Advisory and Business Restructuring Services. The personal, hands-on approach in investing and the ambitious and entrepreneurial nature of the 5CS team appealed to her and corresponds to her passion to support companies in realising their growth ambitions.

Frederique has a background in Chemistry, with a major in Management, Policy, and Entrepreneurship in the Health and Life Sciences. By combining her passion for science and entrepreneurship, she is driven to help companies grow in the lower mid-market. During her internship at Bencis, she discovered that the world of investing offers the variety and continuous challenge she was looking for. At 5CS, she focuses on analysing market opportunities, identifying strategic opportunities, and supporting current portfolio companies to accelerating growth. Outside of work, Frederique enjoys cooking, water sports, and traveling.