The original founders Nic Pannekeet and Gijsbert de Bruin migrated to China in the 1990's from the Netherlands and launched their company CHC Group in 1998. The CHC Group rebranded into 98 Sparks in order to better reflect its newly adopted goal to create 98 “sparks”, being successful ventures, entrepreneurs and other initiatives generating positive impact on the world we live in. 98 Sparks Group replaces CHC Group as the parent for the portfolio of companies build over the last 20+ years under the CHC banner. These include Van den Berg, CHC Expo, CHC Product Development and BIC. Under the new 98 Sparks banner two additional initiatives have been added – PureTerra Ventures and 98 Sparks Communities. These additions represent the shifted focus from building new businesses to a broader social impact strategy. This is accomplished through impact investments by PureTerra Ventures, while the social arm 98 Sparks Communities promotes the company’s social impact practices through the power of Sport & Entrepreneurship.