NL: Ledgnd celebrates fifth anniversary

Ledgnd marks its fifth anniversary this week. Since 2019, the company has supported growers as an independent lighting consultant, assisting in their transition to LED lighting. According to Managing Director Ramón van de Vrie, much has changed since then. "We have moved from a time when LED was barely used in greenhouses to an era where LED lighting is not only commonplace but also highly profitable. Consequently, our role has evolved, and today we also distinguish ourselves as data integrators."

While studying, Ramón researched growth lighting and growers' lighting needs. His findings revealed a global demand for brand-independent support in purchasing, integrating, and optimizing LED lighting. Together with Joris Elstgeest, Matthea Rijneker, later joined by Jordi van der Meijden and Maarten van Bemmel, he founded Ledgnd. Today, five years later, they have completed 250 projects, supporting growers in their transition to LED. "It's been a lot of hard work and a fair challenge," Ramón reflects on the past years. "We've grown to a team of 14 colleagues with promising prospects for further expansion. It's rewarding to see such significant progress and to witness projects growing in scale and international reach."

Ramón points out that Ledgnd's role has notably shifted in these five years. "Today's challenge for growers lies in how quickly they can recoup their LED investment, which depends on how LED is implemented and managed within their operations. Initially, the payback period could be five to seven years, but with data-driven optimization from greenhouse insights, this can be reduced to as little as three to four years. Our services have adapted accordingly."

Evolving into a software company
Four years ago, Ledgnd introduced MyLedgnd, a software platform to integrate and optimize LED applications. "Over recent years, we've invested significantly in advancing MyLedgnd to the next level, and the results are showing," Ramón notes, adding that tools are now being developed for non-lit greenhouses. "Our evolution from a lighting advisor to a software-based cultivation consultancy is based on data integration and using tools to drive further efficiency improvements in the greenhouse." According to Ramón, this data-driven focus has been key to Ledgnd's growth. "Our goal is not to provide one-time support but to help growers achieve ongoing optimization and cost savings over time. With our portal, more growers are realizing the added value of data-driven solutions, leading the industry toward data-centric operations. We're immensely proud that the MyLedgnd user base continues to grow."

Ledgnd's success, Ramón believes, also stems from maintaining close customer relationships. "Understanding current and future challenges allows us to tailor and refine our products. Furthermore, our independent and objective position enables us to stand apart from other players in the market."

All data in one dashboard
Looking to the future, Ramón envisions a greater role for Ledgnd in the realm of data. "Our advisory role on LED will remain vital, but through strategic partnerships, we aim to bring MyLedgnd to every greenhouse globally. We're integrating with companies that manufacture sensors, modules, and AI-driven controls, making it possible for growers to manage everything from one dashboard instead of switching between various software solutions. From our advisory position, we can then recommend the necessary tools and modules to assist growers in interpreting this data for better decision-making."

Reflecting on the past five years, Ramón expresses pride in the development that Ledgnd has achieved, though he is most proud of the team. "As a company grows, so do the expectations on its staff. I'm thrilled to see everyone's dedication and the fantastic mindset within our team. I'm also incredibly grateful for the trust our clients place in us. Their support enables us to remain a valuable asset to the horticulture industry in the years to come."