To increase the earning power of Dutch innovative business abroad, Invest International and the regional development companies are joining forces. Invest International makes up to EUR 50 million available, enabling co-financing with the ROMs.
The International Trade Facility is intended for Dutch startups, scaleups and innovative SMEs whose international growth ambitions want to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Invest International and the ROMs will jointly finance and/or support these Dutch companies in accessing the right (funding) instruments from the ROMs, Invest International, major banks, RVO and Atradius, among others.
Martijn van Gruijthuijsen, chairman of the Interprovinciaal Overleg Regional Economy Committee, calls the initiative "good news for our innovative SMEs and regional earning capacity. This facility gives a much-needed boost to companies working on the solutions to the social challenges of today and tomorrow."
"ROMs' market share in the Dutch VC market is close to 60% and a significant proportion of our portfolio companies have international growth ambitions. This cooperation gives our startups direct access to support and capital and can give a significant boost to the successful growth of Dutch startups worldwide," said Brigit van Dijk - Van de Reijt on behalf of ROM-Nederland.
"The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer companies in the Netherlands tremendous business opportunities. Together with the regional development companies, we want to invest in the innovative solutions of frontrunners," said Joost Oorthuizen, CEO of Invest International.
Inventory
The reason for the International Trade Facility is an inventory by the ROMs that shows that twenty percent of Dutch startups have international aspirations, but that this target group of startups, scaleups and SMEs has limited success in making the step to foreign markets. Many times their propositions in the early phase are considered too risky or too complex by other investors. If they get funding at all, it is often at high cost for relatively small tickets. In addition, substantive guidance is often lacking.
The cooperation between Invest International and the ROMs brings together capital, international networks, access to regional companies and the experience of different forms of venture capital.
Counter
Entrepreneurs entering international markets can contact Wibo van Wier, Account Manager Trade IBDO at T. +31 6 835 518 20 or E. vanwier@nom.nl or Invest International.
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