The Sharing Group acquires a stake in Publicroam

Amsterdam, July 17, 2025 – The Sharing Group, the group behind sharing companies such as Mijndomein, MyWheels, EnergyZero, and Hegg Energy, has acquired a strategic stake in Publicroam, the Dutch Wi-Fi service that offers secure and hassle-free internet access at more than 1,300 public locations. With this move, The Sharing Group underscores its commitment to a European digital infrastructure that serves people, with privacy and security as its foundation.

Publicroam was founded in 2017 by Paul Francissen and Ted Dinklo, two entrepreneurs from the Zeist area who were frustrated by the insecure and cumbersome way in which guest Wi-Fi is often provided. Their solution has since become a nationwide alternative: users log in once and then automatically and securely connect to the Wi-Fi network of participating locations, such as town halls, libraries, healthcare facilities and sports facilities.

European movement for digital autonomy

The investment is in line with the strategy of The Sharing Group, which is anticipating a European movement for digital autonomy through its TSG Online division. Henri de Jong, founder and CEO of The Sharing Group: “Sharing Wi-Fi securely together—that’s what Publicroam stands for, and it’s something we at The Sharing Group wholeheartedly support. Through this partnership, we’re strengthening each other’s mission and continuing to build an open, fair, and secure internet for everyone.“

Shared vision, shared momentum

Both parties share a strong social vision and work on digital solutions that put people first. Whereas The Sharing Group previously invested in alternatives to commercial tech giants, such as Leafcloud and Greenhost for sustainable European cloud hosting and services, this move into digital infrastructure is a logical next phase.

Paul Francissen, co-founder of Publicroam, says: “We have always been building a service that connects people in a way that handles their data securely, simply, and respectfully. In The Sharing Group, we’ve found a partner that shares our mission and can help us make an impact on a larger scale. Their focus on long-term value and social relevance gives us the confidence that together we can continue to build a fairer internet landscape.”

Publicroam will continue to operate independently, with Francissen and Dinklo serving as its management. The collaboration focuses on accelerating growth in the Netherlands as well as exploring expansion into other European countries.