aquablu

Background

Aquablu, founded in 2016 by entrepreneurs Marnix Stokvis and Marc van Zuylen, is a Dutch company dedicated to transforming global drinking habits into a plastic-free lifestyle. The company's mission is to provide safe and clean drinking water without relying on single-use plastic bottles, thereby reducing plastic waste, wastewater, and carbon dioxide emissions. Aquablu's innovative approach combines advanced purification technologies with smart systems to deliver high-quality drinking water solutions.

Key Strategic Focus

Aquablu's strategic focus centers on developing decentralized water purification systems that eliminate the need for bottled water. By integrating supreme osmosis technology and real-time quality monitoring, the company ensures the removal of contaminants such as PFAS, chlorine, and microplastics from tap water. Their primary markets include offices, retail locations, and commercial establishments seeking sustainable and health-conscious hydration solutions.

Financials and Funding

As of 2021, Aquablu reported an estimated annual revenue of $7.2 million, with a workforce of approximately 36 employees. The company has experienced significant growth, with an 87.5% increase in employee count over the past year. Aquablu has been primarily bootstrapped, funding its operations through product sales and initial investments, with plans to explore external funding opportunities in the near future.

Pipeline Development

Aquablu's product lineup includes:

• Aquablu One and Aquablu Pro: Smart water purifiers designed for consumer and professional markets, capable of transforming tap water into pure, mineral-rich drinking water.

• Aquablu Refill: A smart water tap system that provides purified water enriched with healthy minerals, flavors, vitamins, and caffeine on demand, without any packaging. This system is targeted at offices, retail, and commercial locations, with partnerships established with brands like MAAS, Jumbo, and ISS World Facilities.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Aquablu's technological edge lies in its proprietary supreme osmosis technology, which combines highly efficient membrane filtration with user-adjustable filtration degrees and real-time smart quality monitoring. This system not only removes harmful substances but also allows for transparency regarding filter state and lifetime. Additionally, the technology is designed to be water-efficient compared to standard reverse osmosis systems.

Leadership Team

• Marnix Stokvis: Co-founder and CEO, with a background in addressing clean water shortages and a commitment to sustainable solutions.

• Marc van Zuylen: Co-founder and COO, focusing on operational excellence and strategic partnerships to drive the company's mission forward.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global water purification market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing awareness of water quality issues and environmental concerns related to plastic waste. Consumers and businesses are seeking sustainable alternatives to bottled water, creating opportunities for innovative solutions like those offered by Aquablu.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the water purification industry include:

• Mitte: A German startup offering smart home water systems that purify and mineralize tap water.

• Stonehouse Water Technologies: Provides compact water purification systems aimed at delivering clean water in underserved areas.

• Watersprint: Specializes in UV-based water purification solutions for various applications.

• Seccua: Offers advanced ultrafiltration systems for residential and commercial use.

• Desolenator: Focuses on solar-powered water purification technology suitable for off-grid locations.

Aquablu differentiates itself through its combination of advanced purification technology, smart monitoring systems, and a strong commitment to sustainability by eliminating single-use plastics.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Aquablu has established significant partnerships to expand its market reach and enhance its product offerings:

• Jumbo: A Dutch retail chain that premiered the Aquablu Refill system in its Amsterdam store, aiming to reduce single-use plastic bottle sales.

• MAAS Coffee: Collaborated to offer office workers sustainable and healthier mineral water options, integrating Aquablu's technology into office environments.

Operational Insights

Aquablu's strategic considerations include:

• Market Position: Positioning itself as a leader in sustainable water purification solutions by addressing both water quality and environmental concerns.

• Competitive Advantages: Leveraging proprietary technology, real-time monitoring, and strategic partnerships to offer unique value propositions to consumers and businesses.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Aquablu aims to expand its presence across Europe and beyond, targeting locations where bottled water is prevalent. The company's goal is to save 1 billion plastic bottles worldwide before 2030, representing significant CO2 savings and providing 1 billion liters of water in developing countries through their "liter for a liter" campaign.

Contact Information

For more information about Aquablu and its products, visit their official website:

• Website: www.aquablu.com

• Social Media:

• LinkedIn: Aquablu on LinkedIn

• Instagram: Aquablu on Instagram

• Facebook: Aquablu on Facebook

Aquablu continues to innovate and lead in the sustainable water purification industry, offering solutions that align with global environmental goals and consumer health priorities.