Early Life
Filip Balcaen was born on February 9, 1960. His father, Paul Balcaen, founded Balta in 1964, a company focused on textile floor coverings. Filip joined the company, beginning his career in the flooring industry in 1984. He eventually became CEO and Chairman of Balta.
Rise to Success
Balcaen's career took a significant turn in 2004 when he sold Balta to a British investment fund, while retaining a 20% stake. He then founded IVC, a manufacturer of vinyl tiles, and expanded it to a global scale. In 2015, he sold IVC to Mohawk Industries for €1 billion. This sale significantly boosted his wealth and allowed him to diversify his investments.
Key Business Strategies
After selling Balta and IVC, Balcaen transitioned into a more diversified investment strategy through his holding company, Enterhold. Enterhold invests in private companies and real estate across Belgium, the Netherlands, China, and the U.S. Balcaen focuses on sectors such as real estate, industrial companies, and renewable energy. In addition to real estate, Balcaen has invested in industrial companies. In 2022, he became the main shareholder in the listed rigid foam producer Recticel.
Philanthropy
Filip Balcaen invests in philanthropic projects.