The Sharing Group acquires stake in Publicroam: joint mission for secure and privacy-friendly public Wi-Fi

Amsterdam, 17 July 2025 – The Sharing Group, the collective behind shared economy ventures such as Mijndomein, MyWheels, EnergyZero and Hegg Energy, has acquired a strategic stake in Publicroam, the Dutch Wi-Fi service that offers secure and seamless internet access at more than 1,300 public locations. This move underscores The Sharing Group’s commitment to building European digital infrastructure that serves people, with privacy and security as its core principles.

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

The investment aligns with The Sharing Group’s strategy, particularly through its TSG Online division, to foster a European movement for digital autonomy. Henri de Jong, founder and CEO of The Sharing Group, said: “Digital safety and privacy are not luxuries—they are essential to a healthy society. Publicroam shows that public internet access can be done differently: user-friendly and respectful of data. Through this collaboration, we reinforce each other’s mission and continue building an open, fair, and secure internet for everyone.”

Both organizations share a strong societal vision and develop digital solutions that place people at the center. The Sharing Group has previously invested in alternatives to commercial tech giants, such as Leafcloud and Greenhost, which offer sustainable European cloud hosting and services. This step into digital infrastructure marks a logical next phase.

Paul Francissen, co-founder of Publicroam, says: “We have always worked on building a service that connects people in a way that is secure, simple, and respectful of their data. In The Sharing Group, we have found a partner who 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 we can continue building together towards a fairer internet landscape.”

Publicroam will continue to operate independently, with Francissen and Dinklo remaining in charge. The partnership aims to accelerate growth within the Netherlands and explore expansion into other European countries.