Trends Gazelles 2024: fast-growing Belgian companies under the spotlight
Whether small, medium-sized or large, all companies bearing the Trends Gazelle title have every reason to be proud. Their success inspires other entrepreneurs. Each of these companies help the Belgian economy function and make a positive social contribution. Trends Gazelles is therefore an initiative that we wholeheartedly support. At BNP Paribas Fortis, we help ambitious entrepreneurs and companies who are shaping the Belgium of tomorrow. We are there for them, so they can grow in confidence.
High growth figures
A flashy presentation or a dynamic sales pitch isn't enough to win the Trends Gazelle title. The award is based on three objective criteria, evaluated over the past five years:
- Growth in added value
- Growth in personnel
- Growth in cash flow
Gazelles from across Belgium
The new batch of Gazelles comes from all corners of our country. Between 7 February and 27 March, the editors of Trends Magazine awarded three companies per province: one in the 'small' category (< 1 million), one in the 'medium' category (1 to 5 million) and one in the 'large' category (> 5 million). The national winners were announced at a prestigious closing event on 30 April.
Discover the 2024 national winners
Among large companies, Walloon Brabant-based Odoo came in at number 1. The business software developer, founded in 2002 by Fabien Pinckaers, has enjoyed a phenomenal growth spurt. Today, the company has a turnover of 373 million euros, with 3,800 employees worldwide, 1,200 of them in Belgium. Odoo creates 'open source’ applications that cover all a company’s needs: from customer relationship management, e-commerce, accounting, inventory and point-of-sale to project management.
Among medium-sized companies, gaming company Unlocked from Olen is at the top. The company was founded in 2010 by Birger De Geyter, together with his partners Gary Peeters and Steven Leunens. Unlocked is the organiser of GameForce, the largest gaming fair in the Benelux. The latest edition in Brussels Expo attracted some 15,000 visitors. Meanwhile, Unlocked is exporting the fair concept to the Netherlands, among other countries. GameForce also organises all kinds of gaming competitions.
At number 1 among small companies is Quintence, the company behind Q-Foodbar, a catering business from Putte. After a long career in the furniture sector, Patricia Van den Broeck and her partner decided to make a dream come true: their own hospitality business. They purchased a property and after a thorough renovation, Q-Foodbar opened its doors in 2018. They came up with a concept with a triple offer: a bistro, a takeaway and a delivery service to companies.
Companies that deserve our praise
“This initiative is especially close to our hearts,” says Didier Beauvois, Head of Corporate Banking and member of the Executive Committee of BNP Paribas Fortis. "We are a trusted partner for many companies. We support them in their growth and help them achieve their ambitions. Their success deserves respect. We will continue to stand by them for future projects. Congratulations to all the winners!"
Watch the Didier Beauvois video.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Trends Gazellen 2024 website. Or take a look at our landing page and discover how we support the Trends Gazellen companies.
Ready to grow your business? Count on us to tackle all challenges together, both locally and internationally. In this video, our relationship managers Jef Vangeenberghe and Djavana Clique tell us how they guide their customers through their growth process.
Photography by: Noé David