As investors, the ROMs are at the cradle of the lion's share of innovative startups in the Netherlands. In 2023, the ROMs (total fund capital €2.3 billion) invested €219 million from their own funds in 372 startups, scale-ups and innovative SMEs. More than 50% of the companies that attract venture capital do so partly thanks to an investment from a regional development fund. When startups grow into scale-ups, they often do so in an international context. Invest International can continue to invest in this phase and enable international growth. Invest International has its own investment capital of 833 million euros.
The agreements between the ROMs and Invest International focus on start-ups and scale-ups that solve global challenges, such as climate-neutral energy solutions, sustainable food and innovations in healthcare. Invest International and the ROMs assess which portfolio companies of the regional development companies are eligible for an international follow-up investment by Invest International. Conversely, Invest International refers companies that are in too early a phase for them to the ROM in the region of the company in question.
“Internationalization, in addition to innovation, is the pillar of the current and future earning capacity of the Netherlands,” says Brigit van Dijk-van de Reijt, general manager of the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), on behalf of ROM-Nederland. “The collaboration between Invest International and the regional development agencies enables us to give mission-driven startups, scale-ups and SMEs with internationalization ambitions a flying start and thus increase the Dutch earning capacity abroad.”
“A good collaboration between Invest International and regional development companies is crucial to optimally support Dutch companies in their international growth,” says Eelco Benink, Head of Equity at Invest International. “Where the ROMs are in close contact with the companies in their region, Invest International specializes in financing international expansion and international trade. Together we strengthen the international position, competitiveness and earning capacity of Dutch companies, and contribute to a sustainable and progressive economy.”
In addition to the agreements mentioned, the agreement also focuses on sharing knowledge between both parties (including green hydrogen). In addition, it is being examined whether Invest International can provide export financing. When companies enter foreign markets, this requires risky preliminary investments. Furthermore, Invest International and the ROMs will intensify cooperation on joint trade missions.
