Software Combined, the international aggregator of B2B technology companies, is expanding rapidly across the Benelux market. The company just announced its strategic acquisition of WCC Group, a Dutch pioneer in intelligent workforce matching software. This marks Software Combined's third Dutch acquisition in just four months—and its thirteenth globally since launching in 2020.
For nearly three decades, WCC Group has been an innovator in the technology sector. The company supplies matching software to public employment services (PES) worldwide. Major clients include Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Germany), Perkeso (Malaysia's Social Security Organisation), and France Travail (France). Staffing agencies like Robert Half and large enterprises also rely on WCC Group's technology.
WCC Group now joins Software Combined's expanding European portfolio following the recent acquisition of Unified Streaming in October. After nine years of significant growth under private equity firm Avedon Capital Partners, WCC Group deliberately chose Software Combined's sustainable "permanent capital" model. The transaction marks the successful completion of a nine-year partnership between Avedon Capital Partners and WCC Group.
"We are excited to join the Software Combined family," said Jan Jensen, CEO of WCC Group. "What attracts us to Software Combined is their long-term commitment and their proven track record in supporting businesses like ours. They are not a traditional investor; they are building a permanent home for companies that have found their niche and want to grow sustainably. We look forward to leveraging Software Combined's global presence to expand our reach, while maintaining the quality and innovation our customers expect from us."
"Since our investment in WCC, we have supported the company in its transformation into a globally recognized provider of matching software with societal impact," said Alfred Tulp, Partner at Avedon Capital Partners. "Together, we supported WCC in strengthening its international position, expanding its product offering, and developing innovative solutions that help public institutions worldwide improve their services. We look back with pride on our shared journey and are confident that WCC will successfully continue its next phase of growth under Software Combined."
The acquisition strengthens Software Combined's strategic focus on the Benelux market. The company is building a portfolio of successful, niche B2B software companies and providing them with a "permanent home" for sustainable growth. Its Amsterdam office serves as the European hub, supporting growing activities throughout the Benelux region.
"WCC Group represents the type of company we look for: an enterprise with deep expertise, strong customer relationships, and a leading position in a niche market," said Evert den Hollander, CEO of Software Combined. "WCC Group has secured a leading position in delivering intelligent workforce matching solutions. Their cloud-based products help organizations on multiple continents transform the way they connect people with employment opportunities. Our approach is to preserve their unique culture and identity while providing the resources to accelerate their growth."
Software Combined is an international group that invests in successful B2B tech companies with a long-term vision. Originally Australian, the company was founded by three Dutch entrepreneurs—Niek Hoogenhout, Evert den Hollander, and Stefan Jansen—and manages its European operations from Amsterdam.
Software Combined's approach differs fundamentally from traditional investors. Preserving culture and autonomy is central: acquired companies retain their own brand, management team, and daily operational independence. Software Combined acts as a strategic partner, providing resources that support sustainable growth. These include capital for expansion, shared expertise in international markets, refined go-to-market strategies, and professionalized processes.
This "buy-and-hold" strategy allows companies to focus on long-term value creation without the pressure of a forced exit. Software Combined is building a community of like-minded tech companies that want to grow sustainably.
Avedon Capital Partners is a leading private equity firm with offices in Amsterdam and Düsseldorf. Avedon supports growth companies in the Benelux and DACH regions, working closely with entrepreneurial management teams to accelerate organic growth, international expansion, and buy-and-build strategies. Investments focus on four core sectors: business services, software & technology, smart industry, and consumer & health.
Since its founding in 1996, WCC Group has been pioneering intelligent workforce solutions for nearly three decades. The company fundamentally transforms how organizations connect people and jobs. From headquarters in Utrecht (Netherlands) and a strategic office in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), WCC Group serves public employment services, staffing agencies, and large enterprises globally.
The company offers two solutions: Employment Solutions support public employment services and staffing agencies in matching candidates with jobs or training. HR Solutions simplify talent retention and internal talent management for large enterprises, reducing external recruitment and onboarding costs.
At the core sits the cloud-native ELISE Search & Match Platform, delivering meaningful, ranked results within a second. WCC Group's software impacts half a billion people daily. It powers large-scale labor market initiatives worldwide, including MyFutureJobs in Malaysia (300,000+ job seekers, 30,000+ employers) and Robert Half's recruitment activities in the United States, establishing the company's reputation for innovation and efficiency.
