The SME Fund has been strengthening North Holland's innovation capacity since 2022. Digitalisation, AI, life sciences & health and other innovative applications have our attention. Besides capital, entrepreneurs get strategic advice, access to networks and master classes to grow into a healthy business model.
Vincent Vierhout, fund manager at ROM InWest since 2023: “We are looking for companies that offer solutions in healthcare, education, housing or sustainability. We can also support dual-use technology-usable for both civilian and military purposes-from the SME Fund in collaboration with the nationwide SecFund.”
TexTracer makes fashion chains transparent by making supply chains digitally insightful. We were shareholders when they had five customers, now they are the biggest player in the Netherlands. Supporting their growth path from so close is something we are proud of.”
LGem is developing photobioreactors in which algae are grown faster and in a controlled environment. This methodology allows algae to be used to replace petrochemical raw materials in food or cosmetics, for example.
ConfocalNL is innovating the pharmaceutical industry and agriculture sector by developing a microscope that can take sharper images of living cells using less intense laser light.
Yoni produces sustainable menstrual products with social impact.
“As an impact investor, we are on the same side of the table as the entrepreneur. We have the same goal: to grow the business sustainably. So it feels more like a partnership than an investment.”
Measuring impact in the early phase remains a challenge. Nevertheless, there are indicators: increased employment, CO₂ reduction, positive effects in the chain.
Vincent: “We see the impact in practice, but it is difficult to express this fully in figures yet. For now, we mainly measure qualitative growth. As companies grow steadily in the coming years, we will be able to make that impact more concrete.”
The SME Fund aims to grow to a portfolio of 15 to 20 companies with invested assets of around €40-50 million. Those investments will focus on promising companies from across the province.
Vincent: “Life sciences & health and biotech are sectors in which an incredible amount is happening in North Holland. There is substantial growth there. In time, a separate fund for those specific sectors could really give an extra boost. Just imagine: North Holland as a ‘Biotech Valley’.”
The investments not only help companies grow, but also strengthen the economic and social strength of North Holland. After all, real innovation often does not come from large companies, but rather from smaller enterprises that dare to launch new ideas.
Vincent: “Every week we see 5-10 new companies with sometimes overwhelming, ground-breaking innovations. It's incredibly inspiring to play a role in that. The SME fund helps those innovations through the crucial startup and growth phase, so that the whole of North Holland can reap the benefits later on.”
