Marijn Silvis

Company: Holland Capital
Job Description: Investment Manager
Age: 34
Years of working experience: 5.5

Bio
Marijn is a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) with a master’s degree in business administration, specializing in Financial Management from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics & law from Utrecht University. Since September 2019, Marijn has been an Investment Manager at Holland Capital. Previously, she held roles at Deutsche Bank as Vice President in Leveraged Finance and Associate in Leveraged Finance, and at KPMG in Deal Advisory and Transaction Services.

What are the specialties of this talent?
We have consistently been impressed by her exceptional analytical capabilities and broad knowledge base. In the private equity sector, it is critical to understand a wide array of topics to engage meaningfully with portfolio companies, advisors, and other stakeholders. Marijn is a standout in this regard.  She has deep expertise in healthcare, but what sets her apart is her versatility—she combines financial acumen, a thorough understanding of legal and fiscal matters, and the ability to discuss company strategy at a very high level. This makes her not just a trusted colleague but a formidable counterpart in any deal-related discussion. Her sharpness in assessing opportunities, coupled with her unwavering reliability, has consistently earned her respect among both her peers and external stakeholders.

How does the talent distinguish itself from its peers?
What makes Marijn truly unique is her approach to communication and negotiation. Unlike many in the M&A space, who can prioritize assertiveness over collaboration, Marijn brings a refreshing style that is rooted in listening, cooperation, and approachability. Her down-to-earth demeanor creates an atmosphere of openness and trust, which can dramatically change the tone of negotiations.

Her approach can soften even the most challenging counterparts, leading to a more constructive and respectful negotiation process. This ability to remove ego from the equation and focus on the best outcome for the deal is a rare trait in this industry. Marijn’s success is a clear demonstration that an empathetic, strategic approach can lead to extraordinary results.

What impact does the talent have within the organization?
Marijn is a key figure within the firm. She sets a high standard with her analytical rigor, which raises the bar for her colleagues. Her presence within the team fosters a culture of excellence and thoroughness that is evident in every interaction.

Moreover, her empathy and approachability make her an invaluable mentor to her colleagues. She is someone people naturally turn to for guidance, whether it’s related to deal strategy or personal development. Marijn’s influence extends beyond her individual contributions—she actively shapes the culture at Holland Capital, setting an example of what it means to be a thoughtful and supportive team member.

What impact does the talent have outside the organization?
Marijn is highly respected by external stakeholders. She strikes the perfect balance between listening attentively and delivering direct, honest feedback when necessary. This makes her a highly effective communicator and a trustworthy representative of Holland Capital.

One of the things that sets Marijn apart is her commitment to making a positive impact in the healthcare sector. She specifically joined Holland Capital’s healthcare team because she believes in the firm’s potential to professionalize companies and improve the quality of the healthcare system in the Netherlands. This sense of purpose drives her, and it’s evident in every interaction. Marijn is not just focused on financial outcomes; she is genuinely invested in the long-term value and societal impact of her work. 

To what extent does the talent makes the difference to clients?
Though I don’t work directly with Marijn in managing Holland Capital’s portfolio companies, I have received feedback from Holland Capital and their portfolio CEOs about her impact. One CEO described Marijn as a “pillar of strength”—a reflection of her reliability and steadfast support in guiding the company through challenging situations. A prime example of this was during the exit process of one of Holland Capital’s portfolio companies, where Marijn played a crucial role. She was a constant, reliable source of support for the management team, guiding them through the complexities of the entire exit process. Her ability to remain composed and strategic during such a high-pressure situation was invaluable, ensuring that the management team felt confident and supported throughout.  Holland Capital consistently highlights Marijn’s dedication to the companies under her responsibility. She is not just seen as a financial partner but as a reliable advisor and supporter of their long-term growth. This deep level of engagement, along with her contributions during pivotal moments like an exit, sets her apart and underscores the exceptional value she brings to portfolio companies.

Why does the talent deserves this nomination?
Marijn Silvis is, without question, a standout talent in the private equity world. Her analytical sharpness, combined with her refreshingly human approach to communication, sets her apart from her peers. She is equally adept at sourcing new opportunities, building rapport with entrepreneurs, and guiding portfolio companies toward future growth.  What makes Marijn truly deserving of this award is her ability to lead with both her intellect and her empathy. She has shown that success in private equity doesn’t require sacrificing collaboration or approachability—qualities that are often underrepresented in this sector. In my experience, her ability to seamlessly navigate complex deals while maintaining her unique style is nothing short of remarkable.  Marijn is also deeply humble and rarely seeks the spotlight, which is why I believe this recognition is long overdue. She exemplifies the kind of leadership and innovation that the future of private equity needs, and I wholeheartedly support her nomination for Best Young Private Equity Manager.