Service Management software provider TOPdesk ('the Company') has agreed a partnership with CVC Capital Partners ('CVC'). CVC Growth Funds will invest approximately '200m to acquire a significant minority stake in the Company and collaborate with co-founder and CEO Wolter Smit and CFO Rob Haaring to expedite the Company's growth and further its development. This investment marks a pivotal moment in TOPdesk's history, as it represents the first instance of external capital infusion for the Company, which has remained under the majority ownership of its founders. The Delft-based software developer has been delivering Service Management software for nearly thirty years, assisting over 5,000 organizations worldwide in creating a consistent and excellent service delivery. TOPdesk operates in fourteen offices across eleven countries, boasting a workforce of over 1,000 employees. In preparation for the next phase of growth, TOPdesk sought a strategic partner to enhance value for customers, employees, the organization, and its products. TOPdesk faced the fortunate challenge of choosing from a multitude of potential investors during the search process. After a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation, CVC emerged as the preferred partner, demonstrating genuine commitment, the ability to contribute knowledge and experience, and a firm emphasis on achieving CSR goals. Additionally, CVC recognized the strength of TOPdesk's core values and culture....

Alexandra van der Ploeg, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at SAP, views the World Economic Forum as a crucial platform for nurturing open and transparent conversations that support the discovery of new solutions to major global issues and generate collective impact....

Corporate philanthropy spending reached new heights in 2021, exceeding $21 billion in the U.S. alone and marking a 24% increase over the previous year.1 These contributions, which traditionally focused on supporting galleries, museums, and shiny new buildings, have gained a higher profile in corporate decision-making. While management scholars have long pointed out the importance of corporate philanthropy, businesses' approaches to it vary widely, and few have fully integrated it into their corporate strategy.2 This article examines the shifting landscape of corporate giving and the potential implications for businesses and their stakeholders. As companies face growing pressures to incorporate purposeful social missions into their core businesses, leaders have gained experience managing initiatives aimed at social impact in addition to profit. While corporate social responsibility (CSR) is part of most companies' business strategies, philanthropy often remains disconnected from core business objectives. This makes it challenging for leaders to discern what types of philanthropic engagement should be prioritized and why....