FENTO KNEE PROTECTION

What FENTO KNEE PROTECTION does

FENTO Knee Protection B.V. is a Dutch designer, manufacturer, and distributor of premium ergonomic knee protection products. The company was co-founded in 2000 by physiotherapist Geert Kaal and sailmaker René van Rijn, born from René's personal chronic knee complaints that led them to develop a wedge-based design distributing pressure across the lower leg rather than concentrating it on the kneecap. The product portfolio spans nine SKUs grouped into three form factors: standalone knee pads (Original, Max, Home), trouser-pocket inserts (Pocket, Pocket M2 with ArmorTech puncture-resistant textile), and floor-standing knee boards (Board, Board M2) — plus a roofer-specific high-traction model and a replaceable parts/accessories line. All products share the proprietary ergonomic wedge architecture and are certified to EN 14404:2004+A1:2010 (Type 1/2/3, Level 0/1/2) along with CE, UKCA, REACH, and Prop. 65 where applicable.

FENTO operates a hardware-sales business model exclusively through channel partners, with no disclosed direct-to-consumer e-commerce on its own domain. Distribution runs through a network of more than 2,500 retailers across 25+ countries, including major accounts such as Screwfix, Hornbach, B&Q, Toolstation, Grainger, and Fastenal, with a warehouse in Zaandam, Netherlands handling fulfillment. The company monetizes primarily via per-unit hardware sales plus recurring replacement part revenue (inlays, elastic straps, covers) that extend product lifespan. Its customer base consists entirely of SMB/individual tradespeople — floor layers, tilers, roofers, plumbers, solar installers, and DIY consumers — with no disclosed enterprise or B2B contracts. The firm is privately held by its two co-founders, bootstrapped with no venture or private equity funding, employs 12 people at its Amsterdam headquarters, and reports cumulative lifetime users exceeding 1 million.

Name

FENTO KNEE PROTECTION

Legal name

FENTO KNEE PROTECTION B.V.

Website

https://fentokneeprotection.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FENTO Knee Protection is a Dutch designer and manufacturer of premium ergonomic knee protectors, distributing a nine-SKU product line through 2,500-plus retailers in 25-plus countries for professional tradespeople, roofers, and DIY consumers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Personal Protective Equipment (Ergonomic Knee Protection)

NAICS

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Foot & Ankle (HLAKALAG)

Keywords

• Ergonomic knee protection
• Knee pads
• Occupational safety equipment
• Workwear accessories
• Personal protective equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Knee Protection Hardware Sales: FENTO generates revenue primarily through the sale of physical knee protection products. Their product range includes standalone knee pads (Original, Max, Home), pocket-style inserts (Pocket, Pocket M2), board-style protectors (Board, Board M2), and specialty products (Roofer). All products feature replaceable parts for extended product lifecycle.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

FENTO designs, manufactures, and distributes premium ergonomic knee protection products built around a proprietary wedge technology that redistributes kneeling pressure across the lower leg instead of the kneecap. Its portfolio spans standalone kneepads (Original, Max, Home), trouser-integrated inserts (Pocket, Pocket M2), portable knee boards (Board, Board M2), and a roofer-specific model (Roofer), all sold globally through retailers and trade distributors with replaceable components for extended product life.

Product overview

FENTO Knee Protection is a Dutch company specialized in developing, manufacturing, and distributing premium ergonomic knee protection products. The product portfolio consists of 9 distinct offerings: FENTO Original (versatile all-round model), FENTO Max (ultimate protection for intensive use), FENTO Home (consumer version), FENTO Pocket and FENTO Pocket M2 (trouser-integrated pads), FENTO Board and FENTO Board M2 (portable knee boards), FENTO Roofer (roofer-specific with high traction), and FENTO Accessories (replacement parts). All products share FENTO's core ergonomic wedge technology that distributes pressure across the lower leg rather than concentrating it on the kneecap, preventing knee and back problems. The company serves professionals in over 25 countries with over 1 million users.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FENTO Original Versatile all-round kneepad and best-selling FENTO product, featuring the ergonomic wedge for pressure distribution across the lower leg, wide support area for stability, and water-resistant durable outer layer; weighs 300 grams.
• FENTO Max Extended-length kneepad for intensive use, offering additional protection and superior ergonomics with an improved fit that conforms to the knee shape over time; features replaceable inlays and elastic straps and weighs 480 grams.
• FENTO Home Consumer version of FENTO kneepads designed for use in and around the home, developed based on professional market expertise; prevents knee and back problems by distributing pressure evenly and is comfortable, flexible, and water-resistant.
• FENTO Pocket Ergonomic knee protector insert designed to fit most work trousers, with four layers of durable materials including a 3D breathable anti-sweat fabric cover; ultra-lightweight at 150 grams for everyday use.
• FENTO Pocket M2 Heavy-duty trouser-integrated insert for intensive use, featuring ArmorTech puncture-resistant textile layer, three-layer construction with extra-thick high-quality EVA interior foam, and a durable outer layer that resists wear while remaining lightweight.
• FENTO Board Portable ergonomic knee board for extra mobility that can be left on the floor within reach, carried easily, and used anywhere; features a water-resistant outer layer with a wide support area, weighs 1300 grams, and is EN 14404:2010 Level 1 rated.
• FENTO Board M2 Ergonomic knee board for rough work areas with a soft shock-absorbing PU top layer, waterproof and easy-to-clean construction, antistatic and flame-retardant properties, and an included magnetic tool tray; EN 14404 Level 1 Type 3 rated.
• FENTO Roofer High-traction ergonomic kneepads designed specifically for roofers, with three-layer construction and a thick rubber bottom layer for superior traction on all roof types and quick-release buckles; available in the US and Canada only.
• FENTO Accessories Replacement parts including FENTO Inlays (for Original and Max), FENTO Elastic Straps with Velcro and Clip, and FENTO Protection Covers, which extend product lifespan by allowing replacement of worn components.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million users worldwide rely on FENTO products daily
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• ScrewfixmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScrewfix is a major UK retailer selling FENTO products through their retail and online channels, making FENTO knee protection accessible to professional tradespeople in the UK market.
• HornbachmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDutch DIY retailer offering FENTO products at their physical stores and online, serving both professional and consumer markets.
• LecotcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBelgo-Dutch professional workwear and safety equipment distributor, offering FENTO products to professional tradespeople in Belgium.
• B&QmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor UK DIY retailer making FENTO products available to consumers and tradespeople across the UK.
• BauhauscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEuropean DIY retailer chain offering FENTO knee protection products in their Netherlands locations.
• ToolstationmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based multi-channel retailer of tools and accessories offering FENTO products to tradespeople.
• GraingermajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS industrial supply company making FENTO products available to North American professional markets.
• FastenalmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS industrial distributor offering FENTO knee protection to professional and industrial customers in North America.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Snickers Workwear: Premium Scandinavian workwear and PPE brand offering knee protection, work trousers with integrated kneepad pockets, and ergonomic accessories for professional tradespeople — directly overlaps FENTO's professional craftspeople target segment.
• Ergodyne (Tenacious Holdings): US-based specialty PPE brand focused on ergonomics and worker comfort, including knee protection for tradespeople; competes in the same occupational knee-pad category with similar differentiation through ergonomic design.

Broad incumbents

• Uvex Safety Group: European-headquartered PPE manufacturer with knee and joint protection products for industrial users; overlaps with FENTO on professional-grade ergonomic knee protection distributed across Europe.
• Stanley Black & Decker (DEWALT): Global tools and accessories conglomerate whose DEWALT and Stanley brands sell knee pads and PPE alongside a broader professional tool portfolio; competes through retail channels similar to FENTO's Screwfix/Toolstation partnerships.
• Würth Group: Global industrial supply and PPE distributor/manufacturer serving professional tradespeople across Europe; overlaps FENTO on knee protection sold through professional and construction trade channels.
• Honeywell PPE (Miller / Howard Leight): Major diversified PPE manufacturer with knee and joint protection products serving industrial and construction markets globally; comparable on certification-driven product positioning.
• 3M Personal Safety Division: Large PPE manufacturer with knee and joint protection products distributed globally; competes on ergonomic innovation and certification credentials comparable to FENTO's EN 14404 positioning.

Others

• Toolstream / Toolstation brand portfolio: Key UK retail partner of FENTO that also sells competing private-label and third-party knee pads; comparable as a distribution and channel-overlap peer rather than a product peer.

Emerging players

• Hellberg Safety: Specialist PPE brand offering ergonomic and protective equipment for tradespeople; comparable in product philosophy (ergonomic-focused, premium, certified) but with limited overlap in knee-specific products.
• Petzl: Premium French PPE specialist primarily known for fall protection; offers work-positioning and ergonomic accessories for professionals at height, sharing FENTO's premium European positioning and certified PPE approach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fento

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FENTO KNEE PROTECTION