FUNDING GROWTH - The value of wise money
Business Angels Network Flanders is the largest business angel network in Flanders and has been bringing entrepreneurs and investors together for over 28 years. Every year, BAN guides more than 130 innovative startups and growth companies in their search for financing and strategic support.
For entrepreneurs, BAN Flanders is a unique channel to take their business to the next level through ‘wise money’: investors not only provide capital but also share their experience, expertise, and network. Through matchmaking, inspiring events, and knowledge sharing, we create valuable connections that help businesses grow and flourish. In this way, we contribute every day to building a strong, innovative, and future-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystem in Flanders.
During Bistro Effixtée at FXT26, we present a textbook case of how 'wise money' has led to an impressive growth story, namely that of the Belgian foodtech startup Qallo and business angel Karlien De Turck.
Alexander Van Laer
(Co-founder & CEO, Qallo)
Qallo produces powders to convert tap water into functional drinks without single-use plastic. In 2025, Qallo's net revenue grew by 251 percent to nearly 3 million euros, becoming profitable, and Qallo Energy was voted Product of the Year 2026 in Belgium. Previously, he founded FLAVR and Poppy Mobility. For the growth of Qallo, Alexander raised capital from various investors, including through BAN Flanders.
Karlien De Turck (Business angel)
Karlien is an active business angel, including at Qallo. From 2006 to 2022, she led the family business Kaasbrik, active in the food sector, as CEO, and today she continues to apply that expertise at wine estate Terres de Cépages and on several Advisory Boards & Boards of Directors of, among others, LRM, Voka Limburg, and Corda Campus.
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