About DerBridge Finance

Bridging innovation, sustainability, and financial expertise

Our Story

Founded in 2010 by Hendrik van der Meer and Sofia Bakker, DerBridge Finance was born from a vision to integrate cutting-edge engineering with innovative financial solutions for infrastructure projects.

With deep roots in Dutch bridge engineering tradition and forward-thinking financial expertise, we set out to transform how infrastructure projects are conceived, funded, and delivered.

Over the past decade, we've grown from a small consultancy to a recognized leader in bridge design and infrastructure finance, with a portfolio of successful projects throughout the Netherlands and beyond.

Innovation

We constantly push boundaries to find better solutions

Sustainability

Environmental responsibility guides all our decisions

Partnership

We believe in collaborative approaches with all stakeholders

DerBridge Finance Team

Our Mission

To create innovative infrastructure solutions that seamlessly integrate engineering excellence, financial sustainability, and environmental responsibility.

We're committed to bridging the gap between visionary design and practical implementation, ensuring that every project we touch not only connects physical spaces but also creates lasting value for communities and stakeholders.

Our Vision

We envision a future where infrastructure development is no longer constrained by traditional financial models or engineering limitations.

By pioneering new approaches to design, financing, and project delivery, we aim to help create a world where bridges and other infrastructure are not just functional connectors but regenerative assets that contribute positively to their environments.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Hendrik van der Meer

Hendrik van der Meer

Co-Founder & Engineering Director

With over 25 years of experience in bridge design, Hendrik brings a wealth of technical expertise and innovation to every project. Before founding DerBridge, he led major infrastructure projects at Dutch engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV.

Sofia Bakker

Sofia Bakker

Co-Founder & Financial Director

Sofia's background in infrastructure finance and public-private partnerships forms the backbone of our innovative funding approaches. Previously, she worked at the European Investment Bank specializing in transportation infrastructure.

Lucas Janssen

Lucas Janssen

Chief Technology Officer

Lucas leads our digital innovation initiatives, integrating smart technologies into traditional infrastructure. His expertise in IoT, digital twins, and data analytics has revolutionized our approach to bridge monitoring and maintenance.

Emma de Vries

Emma de Vries

Sustainability Director

Emma ensures environmental considerations are integrated into every aspect of our work. With a background in environmental engineering and circular economy principles, she champions our commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

Our Achievements

European Infrastructure Award 2021

Recognized for our innovative financing model for the Rotterdam Harbor Bridge project

Dutch Design Award 2019

Honored for the sustainable design of the Biocomposite Cycling Bridge in Utrecht

Financial Innovation Prize 2022

Awarded by the European Investment Bank for our circular economy funding approach

Sustainability Excellence 2020

Recognized by the Dutch Government for our commitment to carbon-neutral infrastructure

Key Projects

Rotterdam Harbor Bridge

Rotterdam Harbor Bridge

A landmark project combining innovative financing, smart technology, and sustainable design to create a dual-level crossing that serves all transportation modes while generating renewable energy.

View Case Study

Our Partners