Twelve

Based in Utrecht, Netherlands, Twelve operates as a specialized fintech company providing point-of-sale (POS) and order management solutions. Initially established in 2007 as Le Credit Sportif by founders Willem van Kralingen, Pieter-Paul van Heeswijk, and Arthur de Neree, the venture originated from their experience managing a student pub and subsequently a tennis club canteen. They identified a market need to replace insecure cash-based systems with more robust payment solutions.

The company's primary focus was initially on amateur sports clubs, a niche market that required a patient and persistent approach. This strategy of targeting specific niches and listening closely to market needs has been central to its growth. The product portfolio is designed for environments where speed, reliability, and ease of use are critical, such as sports venues, quick-service restaurants, large-scale events, and the broader foodservice and hospitality sector. Clients include high-profile venues like the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Stade de France, and San Siro, as well as major caterers like Sodexo.

Twelve provides a comprehensive suite of products and services, including fixed and mobile POS terminals, self-service kiosks, and cashless payment options via QR codes, wristbands, and passes. Their full-stack solution combines hardware, proprietary software, and payment processing, handling over 700 million transactions annually across more than 15,000 locations. The business model centers on providing these integrated hardware and software systems, which are designed to be user-friendly for staff and volunteers who may not have prior experience with such technology. A significant milestone occurred in June 2025, when IT provider Centric acquired a majority stake in Twelve. This strategic acquisition, supported by investment vehicle Spacetime, is intended to accelerate Twelve's European expansion while allowing it to operate under its own brand. Founder Willem van Kralingen serves as the CEO, leading the company's next phase of growth.

Keywords: point-of-sale, payment solutions, fintech, order management, hospitality technology, cashless payments, POS systems, sports venues, event payments, foodservice technology, transaction processing, catering POS, stadium payment systems, ticketing systems, self-service kiosks, mobile POS, Dutch fintech, Centric, Willem van Kralingen, Spacetime, Johan Cruijff ArenA, Stade de France, San Siro, Sodexo