General
ROM InWest supports gamechangers in North Holland: ambitious start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs whose innovations can accelerate the food transition, energy transition, healthcare transition, digitisation and/or the transition to a circular economy. Are you such an entrepreneur? Then we can help you become financeable and scale sustainably (through accelerator programmes, among other things), we can connect you with investors, we also invest ourselves, and we can connect you with other parties in the ecosystem, such as knowledge institutions, governments, financiers and companies to make knowledge more quickly applicable and innovations more powerful. All this with the aim of making economic and societal impact. The advantage of working with us is that we do not necessarily pursue financing; you can also come to us for advice and guidance only.
ROM InWest invests from an early stage in innovative entrepreneurs who accelerate transitions and strengthen the region's future earning potential, precisely when the market is still hesitant. We invest through three funds: the SME Fund, the Transition Fund, and since 2024 also the PDENH fund, each with its own focus.
With the Transition Fund, ROM InWest invests in accelerating the major transitions facing our society: the transition to a circular economy, sustainable energy and future-proof food systems.
Through the SME Fund, we invest in startups and SMEs that contribute to significant societal challenges with digitalisation and innovative solutions, such as (cyber)security, education, and housing shortages. Special attention is paid to companies within Life Sciences & Health – a strong knowledge sector in North Holland – where digitalisation and MedTech contribute to better, more accessible, and affordable healthcare.
The Participatiefonds Duurzame Economie Noord-Holland (PDENH) is an investment fund of the province of Noord-Holland. With it, we invest in companies that contribute to the energy transition, circular economy, and sustainable mobility.
The Dutch State holds a 49.91% stake in ROM InWest B.V. The remaining 50.11% is held by the Province of North Holland and the municipalities of Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Alkmaar, Beverwijk, Den Helder, Dijk en Waard, Edam-Volendam, Haarlem, Haarlemmermeer, Heemskerk, Hoorn, Hollands-Kroon, Landsmeer, Ouder-Amstel, Purmerend, Schagen, Uithoorn, Velsen, Waterland, Zaanstad and Zandvoort.
ROM InWest B.V., in turn, holds 100% of the shares in the capital of COLNH B.V. and InWest MKB Fonds B.V. (MKB-Fonds). The shares in the Transition Fund are held by InWest Regio B.V. The Province of North Holland and the aforementioned municipalities in North Holland hold all the shares in InWest Regio B.V.
ROM InWest is a private company in the form of a private limited company with national, regional and municipal governments as shareholders. ROM InWest operates independently and makes decisions autonomously. See also the question: Who are the shareholders of ROM InWest?
ROM InWest supports gamechangers in North Holland: ambitious start-ups and scale-ups, and SMEs that, with their innovations, are able to accelerate the food transition, energy transition, healthcare transition, digitalisation and/or the transition to a circular economy, thereby making both economic and social impact. See our game changers here.
ROM InWest supports innovative startups, scale-ups and SMEs in North Holland with innovation, investment and networking. In terms of innovation, we help to hold an innovative solution up to the light: is this innovation ready for the market? We help entrepreneurs to become financeable at an accelerated pace and to scale sustainably. We do this through various accelerator programmes. If investors are not yet willing to invest, ROM InWest can invest itself, provided the innovation is socially relevant and a return is expected in the long term. We also build coalitions between knowledge institutions, governments, financiers and companies to make knowledge more applicable faster and innovations more powerful. We are happy to connect entrepreneurs with these networks.
No. ROM InWest supports entrepreneurs throughout North Holland. It doesn't matter if the municipality where your business is located is a shareholder or not (yet).
Cooperation
ROM InWest has a strong relationship with many ecosystem partners in Noord-Holland. This means we are familiar with the support offerings for innovative entrepreneurs and can quickly determine which support best matches the needs and stage of your business. This includes accelerator programmes, MIT (SME Innovation Stimulation for Regions and Top Sectors), PIM (Investment-Ready Innovative SME Programme), and guidance from our own business developers. Conversely, our partners can also refer businesses to us.
RVO implements national economic policy and focuses on national regulations, subsidies, and facilitating entrepreneurs across the Netherlands. ROM InWest translates national policy to North Holland, provides tailor-made support for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs in the region, and invests in innovative companies in North Holland itself. The various ROMs in the Netherlands work closely with RVO.
The nine ROMs form a powerful national network within ROM-Netherlands. With a joint focus on ecosystem development, innovation acceleration, and attracting investment, we are working together towards a future-proof Netherlands.
Innovate
A team of business developers is ready to support you in drafting or improving your business plan. We can help you become investable and scale sustainably (including through accelerator programmes), we can connect you with investors, we also invest ourselves, and we can connect you with other parties in the ecosystem, such as knowledge institutions, governments, financiers and companies to make knowledge more readily applicable and innovations more powerful. All this with the aim of making an economic and societal impact. The advantage of working with us is that we do not necessarily pursue financing; you can also come to us for advice and guidance only.
Do the Quickscan on our website or take contact Meet our business developers.
Invest
This depends on several factors. Firstly, your company must be based in North Holland and have an innovative solution that contributes to the food transition, energy transition, healthcare transition, digitisation and/or the transition to a circular economy. Secondly, the development phase of your company is important, among other things: your proposition is market-ready, but not yet for financing by private investors. We also always check if your business case is financially viable and can grow healthily. A team within ROM InWest will assess whether your company is eligible for financing. For an initial impression of the options, complete the Quickscan or contact contact Meet our business developers.
Your funding requirement stems from your company's strategy, business model, and intended growth path. How much money you need and when, varies for every business. This depends on your revenue model, the stage your company is in, and how quickly you can scale your company. Our business developers will determine your funding requirement with you. They can also help you substantiate your funding request properly. If necessary, they can refer you to one of our partners. For this, please contact Meet our business developers.
ROM InWest is happy to think along with you about other (financing) possibilities. Where possible, we will put you in touch with other parties.
