The investment market is struggling. Investors are increasingly keeping a tight rein on their spending, partly due to political and economic uncertainties. What options are there for start-ups and scale-ups in the energy transition, food transition and circular economy? Isabel van Nesselrooij, fund manager Transition Fund at ROM InWest, emphasises the value of project financing. \u201cPatient capital is crucial to get projects past the operational phase. Once you are there, you have a better chance of financing from the private market.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust when the energy transition was gaining momentum, the investment climate deteriorated considerably,\u201d says Isabel. \u201cThe political uncertainty in the Netherlands due to the change of government and new laws and regulations plays a role, but global conflicts are also putting pressure on the availability of raw materials. International political events such as the recent American elections also have their impact. All these factors make private investors cautious, which means that entrepreneurs are often turned down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Entrepreneurs in the energy and circular transition face a series of serious obstacles. Isabel mentions examples such as grid congestion, dependence on foreign raw materials and the high costs associated with the transition to sustainable energy. \u201cThese challenges make consumers cautious and slow down the development of new initiatives. It is not an easy market.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fortunately, there are also positive developments. Isabel: \u201cMany entrepreneurs are working on concrete solutions with innovative technologies. Think of hydrogen projects, smart energy hubs, battery storage systems, aquathermy and recycling; projects that we at ROM InWest applaud because they play an important role in accelerating the energy transition, food transition and circular economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThese projects are characterised by the large investments that are required at the start, for example for the construction of a factory,\u201d Isabel continues. \u201cBut market parties are reluctant to provide financing in this early phase, because the risks are still high. That is why we also offer project financing. We focus on 'first-of-a-kind' initiatives in the energy transition, food transition and circular economy, among other things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Isabel explains that in addition to participations, ROM InWest can also provide loans with a term of up to ten years. \u201cThis \u2018patient capital\u2019 gives entrepreneurs the space to further develop their projects. In addition, we offer business development advice and connect entrepreneurs with relevant parties in the ecosystem. In this way, we help projects through the most uncertain phases. When the biggest risks of the project are behind us, private financing becomes more accessible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Isabel points to examples of project financing in North Holland. \u201cA good example is S4 Energy in Heerhugowaard, which has realised an energy storage system at Windpark Luna. This system ensures a constant energy flow, allowing the wind farm to deliver energy more efficiently. Another success story is Chaincraft in Amsterdam, which ferments fatty acids. Thanks to project financing from the PDENH fund, Chaincraft was able to build a demonstration plant \u2013 a crucial step in scaling up their innovative solution.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Isabel van Nesselrooij, fund manager Transition Fund at ROM InWest, emphasises the value of project financing. \u201cPatient capital is crucial to get projects past the operational phase
\nget it. Once you get there, you are more likely to get funding from the private market.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":6473,"template":"","tags":[96,72,47,104,115,88,80,90],"soort-insp":[46],"class_list":["post-6472","inspiratie","type-inspiratie","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-blog","tag-innoveren","tag-investeren","tag-pdenh-fonds","tag-transitiefonds","tag-voor-de-ondernemer-van-morgen","tag-voor-ondernemers","tag-voor-vrouwen","soort-insp-blog"],"yoast_head":"\n