Private equity firm Rise Point Capital backs running retailer Run2Day as new CEO Robbert Cornelissen takes helm amid expanding Dutch running market

As Dutch running market expands, Run2Day finds new momentum with Rise Point Capital

• Rise Point Capital acquired Dutch running retailer Run2Day, marking a new ownership and leadership phase.
• Robbert Cornelissen was appointed CEO and co-shareholder, succeeding founder Ewout Braggaar.
• Run2Day operates 16 stores nationwide and maintains a strong community presence through events like the Amsterdam Marathon.
• The company plans to expand digitalisation, enhance customer experience, and grow its store network.
• The Dutch running-gear market is valued at USD 530 million and projected to grow steadily over the next decade

(NEWS) AMSTERDAM, 3-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Investment firm Rise Point Capital has acquired Run2Day, one of the Netherlands’ leading running-specialty retailers, marking a new chapter for the nearly three-decade-old brand. Alongside the acquisition, Robbert Cornelissen has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and co-shareholder, succeeding founder Ewout Braggaar. The deal and the leadership change were both announced in a press release from today (3-Nov-2025) published on EuropaWire. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. 

Run2Day operates 16 stores throughout the Netherlands, combining company-owned and franchised outlets. The company is known for its “By Runners For Runners” philosophy and for offering runners expert advice, personalized service, and high-quality products. Its long-standing partnerships with national running events, including the TCS Amsterdam Marathon and the Dam tot Damloop, have made Run2Day a household name among Dutch runners.

The brand’s reputation for customer engagement and service excellence has been recognized through industry accolades such as the ABN AMRO Retailer of the Year Award (Sport category), further underscoring its standing in the Dutch sports retail market.

Cornelissen, who has over 20 years of experience in scaling companies and guiding organizational transformations, said his focus will be on broadening Run2Day’s store network, improving the in-store and online customer experience, and driving further digitalisation and community engagement. “My mission is to build a healthier future by engaging behavior, systems, and leadership,” Cornelissen said in the company statement.

The acquisition aligns closely with Rise Point Capital’s investment strategy. Based in Amsterdam, the private equity firm co-invests in small and mid-sized companies with resilient business models, focusing on deal-by-deal buyouts of niche market leaders across the Benelux, DACH region, the UK, and the Nordics. The firm typically targets businesses generating between €1 million and €5 million in EBITDA, emphasizing long-term operational improvement rather than short-term financial engineering.

Sergio van Luijk, Partner at Rise Point Capital

Sergio van Luijk, Partner at Rise Point Capital, said the firm sees Run2Day as an established player in a growing market: “Run2Day has grown into a recognized name in the Dutch running market in recent years. We look forward to supporting Robbert and the team in the next phase of their development.”

Publicly available corporate filings, including the  Dutch Chamber of Commerce, confirm that Run2Day operates through several Dutch entities, including Run2Day Webshop B.V. (KVK 58778233), underscoring its multi-channel business model that integrates e-commerce and franchise operations.

Industry data further supports the strategic rationale behind the deal. According to the IMARC Group, the running-gear market in the Netherlands was valued at approximately USD 530 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 933 million by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 5.8 percent. Similarly, the broader sportswear market in the country is expected to grow from about USD 2.08 billion in 2024 to USD 2.92 billion by 2033.

These figures indicate a steady but competitive market landscape, where specialized retailers such as Run2Day can leverage expertise, community involvement, and a strong omnichannel presence to sustain growth.

Former owner Ewout Braggaar expressed pride in the company’s journey and optimism for its future, saying he was grateful for the “incredible journey” shared with the team, entrepreneurs, and partners. He added that thanks to Run2Day’s enduring community-driven ethos, the company “stands stronger than ever today.”

Run2Day was handed over to the new owner Robbert Cornelissen (right). Photo credit: Ewout Braggaar Facebook page

Under Cornelissen’s leadership, Run2Day plans to invest in training, recovery, and performance-support tools to enhance the running experience while maintaining its close connection to the running community.

The deal underscores a broader trend in European mid-market investment, where firms like Rise Point Capital seek to acquire and scale resilient, niche businesses capable of combining local expertise with digital innovation — a strategy increasingly seen as essential in the evolving retail landscape.