Key Takeaways
- CE-Line B.V., based in Emmeloord, was declared bankrupt by the District Court of Midden-Nederland on July 23, 2025
- The company specialized in real-time nutrient sensor technology for greenhouse horticulture
- Delayed commercialization, international trade uncertainty, and financial strain led to the voluntary filing
- Investors Horticoop and Yield Lab Europe each held a 15% stake in the company
- Bankruptcy trustee Bas van Dijen is exploring a potential restart with interested parties
CE-Line Bankruptcy Filing Confirmed by Dutch Court
According to official court records (case number F.16/25/375), CE-Line B.V., headquartered at Escudo 12, Emmeloord, was declared bankrupt on July 23, 2025, following a ruling by the Rechtbank Midden-Nederland. The bankruptcy was requested by the company itself. The court appointed mr. R.W.J. van Veen as supervisory judge and mr. B.J. van Dijen as trustee. The insolvency remains open as of the last official filing on July 23, 2025.
Commercial Launch Hampered by Global Market Challenges
Founded as a technology startup focused on greenhouse horticulture, CE-Line developed a real-time nutrient analysis system that integrates directly into irrigation systems. After extensive development and testing, the product was commercially launched in 2023. However, despite international recognition, including awards at Indoor Ag-Con USA and the Dutch Horticultural Entrepreneurs Award, the company struggled with slower-than-expected commercial uptake. The company also partnered with USA-based Dramm Corporation.
According to a statement from Horticoop, a 15% minority shareholder, factors such as delayed investment decisions and uncertainties in international trade, including U.S. import tariffs, negatively affected project timelines across the greenhouse sector.
Leadership Perspective on the Filing
In an interview with Vertical Farm Daily, CE-Line CEO Simon Meijer acknowledged the company’s challenges: “We definitely have orders, but deliveries keep getting pushed back. This is something the entire horticultural sector is dealing with. At a certain point, it just takes too long for a startup. We simply didn’t have enough fat on our bones.”
Meijer added that despite strong interest in CE-Line’s innovations showcased at GreenTech 2023, market dynamics proved difficult for a small company to navigate post-launch.
Trustee Investigating Restart Possibility
Bankruptcy trustee mr. B.J. van Dijen confirmed to Vertical Farm Daily that prior to the bankruptcy, discussions had already taken place with third parties interested in acquisition or partnership.
“Our first impression is of a loyal and skilled team,” van Dijen stated in the Vertical Farm Daily interview. “We’re now assessing the situation and starting talks with market players interested in the technology, the company, and the people, so that a restart can be made from the bankruptcy.”
Interested parties have been invited to contact the trustee as efforts continue to evaluate opportunities for continuity of operations and technology transfer.
Outlook for CE-Line’s Technology and Team
While the bankruptcy reflects the volatility many agtech startups face in scaling complex technologies, both Horticoop and the trustee have emphasized the value of CE-Line’s core innovations and its team. Discussions are ongoing to determine whether the company—or elements of its technology—can be relaunched under new ownership or structure.
