Limburg Startup Capital Fund invests 33 million in startups

A new, well-filled SME fund will be available in Limburg from next year. This money is for innovative start-ups that contribute to the main social transitions for the coming years: energy, circularity, health and digitization.

The new fund of a total of €32.65 million is the successor to the successful Limburg Business Development Fund (LBDF) and is being raised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Change, the Province of Limburg, and LIOF, which will also be responsible for its implementation.

The Limburg Startup Capital Fund (LSCF) has two sub-instruments. First, there is the Limburg Early Phase Fund (€10 million). This is intended to provide financial support to entrepreneurs in the start-up phase of their business. For entrepreneurs who are already a step ahead and want to scale up and further develop, there is the Seed Fund Limburg (€ 22.65 million).

On the basis of external research and consultations with relevant stakeholders, it has been concluded that a regional additional instrument is particularly useful for financing startups and innovative SMEs. This is therefore included in the Mission-Driven Economic Policy Framework of the Province of Limburg.

Deputy member Stephan Satijn: "We see that traditional financiers are often reluctant to finance the start-up phase of innovative entrepreneurship because of the high risks involved. However, to realize the important transitions in Limburg and to maintain and create new employment in Limburg, the development of new business activity is essential. Starting a business means that you want to put your shoulders to the future. This is not possible without the availability of funding. The Province has therefore taken its role to provide solutions for the young, enthusiastic start-ups that our province so desperately needs."

Now that Provincial States have decided positively on the provincial contribution to the new fund, LIOF can make a start with the implementation plans. The funds are expected to be available in the spring of 2022.

Together on the road to a smarter, more sustainable and healthier Limburg

With the Limburg Startup Capital Fund, LIOF is putting its mission into practice: together towards a smarter, more sustainable and healthier Limburg. From that mission LIOF takes the lead in the transitions energy, circularity, health and digitalization, with the aim of social impact and economic return.

Questions?

Please contact LIOF if you have any questions about this announcement. You can call +31 (0)43 328 0280 or contact a colleague from the Participations & Financing department.