The original founders Nic Pannekeet and Gijsbert de Bruin migrated to China from the Netherlands in the 1990’s and launched their company CHC Group in 1998.
In 2018, after two decades of prosperity, and with the addition of Job van Schelven, the CHC Group rebranded into 98 Sparks. This move was to better highlight its newly adopted goal to create 98 “sparks”. A “spark” being a successful venture, entrepreneur or other initiatives generating positive social impact for the world we live in.
Nic and Gijs build succesful companies such as Van den Berg, CHC Expo, CHC Product Development and BIC. Under the new 98 Sparks banner, two additional initiatives have been added – PureTerra Ventures and 98 Sparks IMPACT program ICE (Innovation, Community & Entrepreneurship).
These additions represent the shift in focus from building new businesses to a broader social impact investment strategy. PureTerra Ventures through direct financial impact investment in water, while 98 Sparks IMPACT captures the company’s social impact practices.
“We believe that through Empowering and challenging talent, the 98 Sparks community, start-ups we can inspire and ignite innovation and entrepreneurship.” – Nic Pannekeet (founder)