We do not collect or share privacy sensitive information trough this website and only use necessary, functional cookies. These help make the website more usable by enabling basic functions such as page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.
A warm family office since 1979
Cool Investments is a family office with a diversified portfolio. Its origin dates back to 1979, when patriarch Roland Kahn opens his first two CoolCat stores in Amsterdam, in the Kalverstraat and on the Nieuwendijk. The proposition of CoolCat —dressing cool at affordable prices— really catches on with the young generation. Through a keen eye for trends and smart procurement the company grows fast and new branches in other major cities soon follow. The aim is to buy one store for every two CoolCats that open their doors. This leads to the creation of the second division of Cool Investments: real estate.
The first aquisitions
1995: Bata shoe stores
In search of high quality locations one must always be on the lookout for potential. In 1995 Bata, a chain of shoe stores, has to end its activities. Mr Kahn seizes this opportunity and acquires their stores.
The start of the millennium also marks the transition from Cool Cat to a Group with multiple fashion companies. Former Vendex-KBB group director Jaco Scheffers joins the group and together with Mr. Kahn leads this expansion
Further expansion
2001& 2006: Amici and America Today
The expansion goes on, both in fashion and real estate. In 2001 the Amici stores and distribution centers are acquired to further expand the CoolCat brand and presence. Just five years down the road, in 2006, popular brand America Today is acquired. Inspired by the US-lifestyle America Today has 'positive vibes only'. It stands for fun, being authentic, and taking responsibility. It remains until today 'all about you'.
Fashion for all
2010 & 2012: MS Mode and Sapph
After the financial crisis plus size fashion apparently takes a hit: MS Mode is struggling and finds a new owner in Cool Investments in 2010. Only two years later, in 2012, the playful and challenging lingerie brand Sapph is added to the portfolio.
In the present time MS Mode is an international fashion brand with over 220 stores in Europe, for instance in major cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, Brussels and Paris.
Investements broadens the base
2015: a new group name
In 2015 Jonathan Kahn joins the family business. With a background in Corporate Finance and after completing his MBA, Jonathan leads another transition by expanding the investment side of business, together with Jaco Scheffers. They spearhead an investment strategy with an increased focus on PE and VC investments.
With this shift in strategy, the family business slowly starts to evolve into a family office/ investment company under the name Cool Investments.
The web as an extra channel
2018: V&D online departement store
As the fashion portfolio manages to fully dress customers of all ages, genders and sizes, the brands also become available online through their webshops and prominent third parties.
In 2015 a daring attempt to take over the activities and stores of V&D is canceled at the last minute. Later on, the V&D brand is still aquired for the Cool Investment's portfolio. In doing so the existence of the oldest Dutch department store is prolonged, be it only online.
The new generation
2021: the twin sons take over
In 2021 Roland Kahn steps back as chairman of Cool Investments and hands over the leadership of the daily business to his twin sons Jonathan and Joshua. Roland remains active both in the Cool Foundation and as consigliere, advising and inspiring young entrepreneurs.
In 2022 Roland's biography "KAHN, mijn leven, mijn liefdes, mijn werk" (my life, my loves, my works) is published. This 'tell all' of almost 50 years experience is on sale in selected bookshops and online. It's net proceeds benefit the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Foundation.