The Fresh Connection
The Fresh Connection, operated by Inchainge B.V., is a web-based business simulation game where teams run a virtual juice manufacturer to learn cross-functional value chain management, serving higher education institutions and corporate training clients globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersDe Bilt, Netherlands
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What The Fresh Connection does
The Fresh Connection is a web-based business simulation game for value chain management, developed and operated by Inchainge B.V., a privately-held Dutch company headquartered in De Bilt, Netherlands. Teams of four participants each take on functional executive roles (VP Purchasing, VP Operations, VP Supply Chain, VP Sales) to run a virtual juice manufacturing company, making cross-functional decisions across rounds and receiving real-time performance feedback. The simulation is grounded in the Magic Circle experiential learning methodology (a four-stage cycle of experience, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation) and runs in a browser on PC and tablet devices.\n\nThe product portfolio extends beyond the core Fresh Connection simulation to three additional platforms: The Blue Connection (circular economy), The Cool Connection (working capital management), and The Triple Connection (sustainability/SDGs). These four platforms underpin 19 game-based learning solutions for higher education and 8 for business, with modular add-ons including an AI for Experiential Learning module, an Assessment Portfolio, a Quick-Start Portfolio, and multi-year Supply Chain Programs for curriculum integration.\n\nThe Fresh Connection is monetized through a mix of subscription licensing for the simulation platform, Train the Trainer certification programs (delivered online and in-person), curriculum integration licensing for higher education, and multi-year enterprise contracts with corporate clients. Go-to-market combines direct website sales (free trials, demos), a global partner network of over 70 certified resellers, and event-driven demand generation through four flagship annual challenges: the Global Student Challenge, Global Educator Challenge, Global PRO Challenge, and Global Trainer Challenge. The customer base spans higher education institutions (Kühne Logistics University, Penn State University, Cranfield University, Nyenrode Business School, Erasmus University Rotterdam) and corporate enterprises (Hitachi, Unilever, KPMG, Mars, ING).
The Fresh Connection firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Fresh Connection
- Legal name
- Inchainge B.V.
- Website
- https://thefreshconnection.biz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Fresh Connection, operated by Inchainge B.V., is a web-based business simulation game where teams run a virtual juice manufacturer to learn cross-functional value chain management, serving higher education institutions and corporate training clients globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Fresh Connection industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Business Simulation Software
- NAICS
- Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Standalone Creator Course Platforms (Branded Schools) (MPACALAB)
Keywords
Where The Fresh Connection is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- De Bilt
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Fresh Connection business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Business Simulation Training Programs: The Fresh Connection is offered as part of game-based learning solutions for higher education and business. Programs are delivered through certification training, with certified trainers leading sessions. Revenue comes from licensing the simulation platform and training certification programs.
- Certification Training: Train the Trainer certification programs where educators and trainers become certified to deliver The Fresh Connection simulation. Offered both online and in-person through live sessions.
- Curriculum Integration Licensing: Integration into multi-year business curriculum programs and quick-start portfolio solutions for higher education institutions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free Trial Available |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Enterprise/Corporate Training |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Fresh Connection product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Fresh Connection is a web-based business simulation game where teams of four participants take on functional executive roles (VP Purchasing, VP Operations, VP Supply Chain, VP Sales) to manage and turnaround a virtual juice manufacturing company. It is sold as game-based learning software to higher education institutions and corporate clients, supported by three complementary simulation platforms (Circular Economy, Working Capital Management, Sustainability) and a Train-the-Trainer certification program.
Product overview
The Fresh Connection (operated by Inchainge) offers a portfolio of four business simulation game platforms for experiential learning in supply chain management and related topics. The core platform is The Fresh Connection (TFC), a web-based business simulation where teams of 4 manage a virtual juice manufacturing company. This is supported by three specialized platforms: The Blue Connection (TBC) for Circular Economy, The Cool Connection (TCC) for Working Capital Management, and The Triple Connection (TTC) for Sustainability. The portfolio includes 19 learning solutions for higher education and 8 for business, covering topics from supply chain fundamentals to S&OP, risk management, and carbon footprint optimization. Add-on modules include AI for Experiential Learning (delivering personalized feedback), Assessment Portfolio, and Quick-Start Portfolio for self-guided learning. All solutions are delivered via the Inchainge platform with support for face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- The Fresh Connection (TFC)
Quantifiable outcome
- Higher Learning Retention Rate compared to traditional lecture-based training
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Fresh Connection
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
The Fresh Connection technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
The Fresh Connection partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Inchainge Partner NetworkcoreInchainge operates a network of over 70 global partners who deliver The Fresh Connection simulation. Partners can become certified trainers to enhance their training offerings with the business simulation game. The partner network spans both higher education and corporate training markets.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Fresh Connection competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Simio: Simio provides 3D digital-twin and simulation software used for manufacturing and supply chain training and analysis. It competes for the same corporate training wallets around operational decision-making but with a heavier engineering/IT focus than Inchainge's pedagogical approach.
- AnyLogic: AnyLogic is a simulation software vendor focused on supply chain, manufacturing, and logistics modeling, increasingly used in academic and corporate training contexts. It overlaps with Inchainge's supply-chain audience but targets professional modelers rather than purely experiential learners.
Direct peers
- Forio: Forio provides an online platform for building and deploying interactive business simulations, used by educators and corporations. It competes in the same category — web-based simulation games for learning — though its model is more platform-like than packaged-product like Inchainge.
- Capsim: Capsim is a long-established provider of business simulations for higher education and corporate training, including supply chain and strategy simulations. It directly competes with The Fresh Connection for university faculty adoptions and corporate L&D budgets.
- Smartsims (GLO-BUS): Smartsims operates the GLO-BUS and other strategy/operations simulations, widely adopted in business schools for experiential learning. It is a primary direct competitor in the same business-simulation-for-education category as Inchainge.
Broad incumbents
- Harvard Business Publishing Education (Marketplace Simulations): HBP Education runs the Marketplace Simulations product line — covering supply chain, marketing, and strategy — distributed through Harvard Business School's brand and publisher relationships. It is a broad incumbent whose simulation portfolio overlaps with Inchainge's.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Fresh Connection social profiles
Digital presenceThe Fresh Connection financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Fresh Connection leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
The Fresh Connection funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Fresh Connection M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Fresh Connection
What does The Fresh Connection do?
The Fresh Connection is a web-based business simulation game where teams of four participants take on functional executive roles (VP Purchasing, VP Operations, VP Supply Chain, VP Sales) to manage and turnaround a virtual juice manufacturing company. It is sold as game-based learning software to higher education institutions and corporate clients, supported by three complementary simulation platforms (Circular Economy, Working Capital Management, Sustainability) and a Train-the-Trainer certification program.
Is The Fresh Connection a public or private company?
The Fresh Connection is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was The Fresh Connection founded?
The Fresh Connection was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Fresh Connection based?
The Fresh Connection is headquartered in De Bilt, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does The Fresh Connection make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Business Simulation Training Programs are the primary driver. The others are certification Training and curriculum Integration Licensing.
Who are The Fresh Connection's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Simio and AnyLogic. Direct peers are Forio, Capsim and Smartsims (GLO-BUS). Harvard Business Publishing Education (Marketplace Simulations) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does The Fresh Connection have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Fresh Connection.
What industry is The Fresh Connection in?
The Fresh Connection's product category is Business Simulation Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPACALAB, Standalone Creator Course Platforms (Branded Schools). Its NAICS code is 611430 and its SIC code is 8200.