Internet Group Led By South African Billionaire Koos Bekker To Invest 20 Billion In Europe
- Prosus plans nearly 20 billion investment to bolster Europes tech ecosystem, focusing on growth in AI and other high-potential sectors.
- Amid Tencent stock struggles, Prosus pivots to Europe, selling non-core assets and acquiring Despegar for 1.7 billion to refocus on strategic growth.
- CEO Fabricio Bloisi emphasizes boosting Europes tech ecosystem, highlighting the continents potential to rival U.S. advancements in AI and innovation.
Prosus N.V., the global internet group chaired by South African billionaire Koos Bekker, has revealed plans to invest nearly 20 billion in Europe. The company, which holds a diverse portfolio spanning fintech, social media, edtech, and food delivery, is doubling down on growth opportunities in the region.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Prosus CEO Fabricio Bloisi emphasized the urgency of bolstering Europes competitiveness in the tech space. We need to invest substantially more here to keep Europe in the race rather than watching from the sidelines, Bloisi said during a Bloomberg TV interview on Thursday. Our ecosystem in Europe is poised for growth, and were ready to back it with significant investment.
This strategic pivot comes amid headwinds from Prosuss notable stake in Tencent, Chinas largest gaming company. The companys 24.3 percent holding in Tencent has taken a hit, with the Chinese tech giants stock dropping over 6 percent in 2025. The decline follows the U.S. governments designation of Tencent as a Chinese military company , a move that spurred tensions between the two global superpowers.
Prosus eyes European tech expansionSince stepping into the dual role of CEO for both Amsterdam-based Prosus and its South African parent, Naspers, in July 2024, Bloisi has sought to reshape the companys global narrative.
Under the leadership of Koos Bekker , who famously led a 34 million investment in Tencent in 2001now valued at over 460 billionProsus has built a reputation for strategic bets on promising ventures. The company has steadily expanded its European footprint, with significant stakes in companies like Germanys Delivery Hero SE.