On Thursday, July 3, it’s finally happening: the Gerard & Anton Awards 2025 – the annual startup event in Eindhoven. We are proud to support this inspiring initiative as a partner.
📍 Location: High Tech Campus Eindhoven 🕔 Time: From 5:00 PM onwards
During the award show, the 10 most promising startups of the moment will be put in the spotlight, selected from over 60 strong nominations. The Gouden Peertje (Golden Little Pear) will also be awarded to young talent making an impact.
The winners have been chosen by an experienced jury led by Alderman Stijn Steenbakkers – including our colleague Leo van Schijndel, who contributed to this impressive selection of emerging entrepreneurial talent.
🎉 After the awards ceremony, there will be plenty of opportunity to network during the BBQ and drinks.
Blue Inspect secures growth capital for international expansion
Eindhoven en Uden, March 31, 2025 – ECFG, through its investment fund Ventures III, has acquired a minority stake in Blue Inspect. This marks the third investment of Ventures III. Blue Inspect develops an advanced, data-driven solution that enables businesses to efficiently monitor their assets, such as machines, equipment, and vehicles. The technology provides customers with valuable insights into the status and performance of their assets. Thanks to this investment, Blue Inspect can expand its international presence and further develop its network of strategic partners.
Innovation in asset monitoring Effective asset inspection is crucial for organizations to mitigate risks and prevent fraud. Blue Inspect offers intelligent tools that help organizations accurately locate and analyze their equipment and vehicles. By providing real-time insights into the condition of these assets, companies can make more informed decisions and enhance operational efficiency.
Ventures III – Blue Inspect ECFG focuses its investments on innovative, technology-driven scale-ups. In addition to financial resources, ECFG offers strategic guidance and support, allowing companies to scale up more quickly and grow sustainably. “Blue Inspect perfectly aligns with our investment strategy: a technology company with a proven solution and strong growth potential,” says Hans Bloemen, Managing Director and partner at ECFG. “Blue Inspect’s technology provides substantial benefits for asset monitoring and fits within our focus on ‘enabling technologies.’ With this investment and the expertise of Ventures III, we are helping Blue Inspect expand internationally and strengthen collaborations with key industry players. This contributes to a solid and competitive market position for the company.”
Accelerated growth through strong partnerships “Our technology provides a solution for the growing demand for effective and accurate asset inspection,” says Niels Spitters, CEO of Blue Inspect. “Together with ECFG, we are committed to increasing our impact in the industry and establishing Blue Inspect as a global leader.”
At ECFG, we are proud of our Eindhoven roots. The Brainport region is a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship, but to manage this growth effectively, collaboration is essential. That is why we have joined the Brainport Partner Fund.
What is the Brainport Partner Fund?
The Brainport Partner Fund is a collaboration between businesses and the government, aimed at supporting sustainable and balanced growth in the region. The fund focuses on four themes that are crucial for the future of Brainport:
✅ Accessibility – Investments in infrastructure and mobility. ✅ Affordable housing – Acceleration of housing projects. ✅ Talent development – Training and attracting technical talent. ✅ Equal opportunities – Initiatives to ensure everyone benefits from the growth
By contributing, we not only help the region move forward but also strengthen our own business climate. A well-connected, talent-rich, and inclusive region is the key to lasting success.
Why is ECFG participating?
At ECFG, we are dedicated to supporting and financing innovative entrepreneurs every day. The goals of the Brainport Partner Fund align seamlessly with this mission. By participating, we contribute to a stronger region where businesses and talent can thrive.
We invite other entrepreneurs in the Brainport region to join us. Together, we can make a lasting impact! 🚀
Want to know more about our participation? Contact us!
An inspiring afternoon with Chief Failure Officer Paul Iske
At ECFG, we believe in the power of innovation—and that includes having the courage to experiment and sometimes fail.
Last week, our investment community gathered for an inspiring lecture by Paul Iske, Chief Failure Officer at the Institute for Brilliant Failures. A title that certainly grabs attention—and rightfully so!
With humor and engaging storytelling, Paul guided us through the value of failures. Because let’s be honest: not everything always goes as planned. But that’s exactly where the greatest learning moments and innovation opportunities arise.
With a great turnout, a beautiful venue at i-team Global, and an engaged and enthusiastic group of participants, the afternoon was filled with insights and inspiring stories. And, as with any good event, we wrapped up with a networking drink that lasted just a little longer than expected 😉. New connections were made, ideas were exchanged, and who knows what collaborations may emerge from this.
A huge thank you to our hosts, Frank van de Ven and Rik Sanders, for the warm welcome, and of course to Paul Iske for his sharp, humorous, and inspiring talk.
Are you an investor who likes to think beyond the beaten path? Or a scale-up with a unique tech proposition looking to make an impact? Get in touch with us to connect and perhaps join our community!
Last week, we had an inspiring AI workshop at our office, led by Sanne Cornelissen from The Shortcut. 🤖✨
We explored how AI can help us work smarter and more efficiently—giving us more time to focus on what truly adds value. From smart automations to creative applications, the possibilities are endless (and sometimes a bit mind-blowing 🤯).
A big thanks to Sanne for the energy, insights, and patience in answering all our questions (yes, even the one about whether AI can fetch our coffee). We’re excited to put this knowledge into practice in our projects!
With ECFG Ventures III, we are building on our strong foundation with confidence: a proven track record in supporting promising scale-ups in the high-tech sector. Our third investment fund, valued at €40 million, is running at full speed.
With two new investments already in our portfolio and several promising leads in the LOI (Letter of Intent) phase, we are ready to keep growing. We remain open to new investments and welcome ambitious companies that leverage technology to transform markets.
A sharp eye for impactful technologies
At ECFG, we believe in technologies that make an impact now and are immediately applicable. No buzzwords—just real solutions with genuine market value. Our focus is on proven innovations in fields such as AI, XR, predictive maintenance, digital twins, robotics, and enabling technologies.
With our fund, we invest in scale-ups within high-tech manufacturing and software—companies with Dutch roots and international ambition. We provide funding ranging from €0.5 million to €4 million, always taking minority stakes. Together with entrepreneurs, we build market leaders in industries that are redefining manufacturing.
Why ECFG: experience and a unique ecosystem
From our home base in Eindhoven, the epicenter of the Dutch high-tech industry, we support companies on their growth journey. Our deep expertise in financial strategy and access to a strong network of technical and industrial experts provide a unique advantage.
Eindhoven’s thriving innovation ecosystem is the perfect breeding ground for visionary tech companies. We combine this strength with years of experience, fully committed to sustainable growth.
Stronger together: our investment community
Beyond managing our funds, ECFG plays a connecting role in the broader investment landscape. Every year, we receive a steady flow of exciting leads—some of which fall outside the scope of our funds. We are happy to bring these opportunities to the attention of our investors and partners.
Through our Investment Community, we bring entrepreneurs and investors together. The community offers not just access to knowledge and expertise, but also new investment opportunities. Together, we are building an ecosystem that propels the Dutch high-tech sector to new heights.
Always looking for new opportunities
Whether you are an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking technology or an investor looking for promising opportunities, ECFG provides a platform for growth and collaboration. With our unique combination of experience, capital, and an extensive network, we are your partner for success.
Let’s build an innovative future together—driven by technology, and supported by a strong and connected network.
On November 26, 2024, investors, entrepreneurs, and partners of our ECFG Investment Community gathered at a special location: the sustainable and brand-new Hotel Bent in Oisterwijk. The meeting was inspiring, and the large turnout was a confirmation of the strength of our growing network
Highlights of the afternoon
Hans Bloemen kicked off the event with an engaging presentation on the vision behind building our ECFG Investment Community. Hans highlighted how we aim to create a platform where knowledge, connections, and opportunities converge – both online and offline – and how we regularly organize gatherings like this to bring members closer together.
Marcel van den Hudding presented a unique investment proposition through his organization Innovation Funding. With an innovative combination of grant advice and financing of awarded grants, he offers private investors an opportunity to directly contribute to promising projects with attractive returns.
Karin Bruers, known as a cabaret artist and social entrepreneur, shared her inspiring story about Hotel Bent, which came to fruition through creative entrepreneurship, her passion for sustainability and social impact, and a considerable amount of perseverance. The hotel was built with the goal of creating a sustainable building with a minimal ecological footprint, demonstrating that luxury and comfort can coexist with environmental responsibility. Furthermore, she introduced a special investment opportunity: participation in the ‘Bende van Bent’ (de ‘Bende van Bent’). This not only offers investors an interesting financial perspective but also the chance to contribute to a groundbreaking project that puts social entrepreneurship on the map.
A unique location as the centerpiece
Hotel Bent, a brand-new, sustainably built hotel that embodies innovation and social entrepreneurship, provided a beautiful backdrop for the gathering. Located in the heart of the Oisterwijk Forests and Fens, it is possibly the most sustainable hotel in the Netherlands, and certainly in Brabant. Built largely from recycled components and waste streams, this romantic, pet-friendly hotel was constructed with zero emissions
Stay Engaged and Discover New Opportunities Are you interested in learning more about the presented investment propositions or curious about what our ECFG Investment Community can offer you? Feel free to get in touch with us!
More Information
Hotel Bent
For more details about Hotel Bent’s investment proposition and to receive the teaser, please contact Leo van Schijndel, Investment Director at ECFG: 📧 vanschijndel@ecfg.nl 📞 +31 6 1090 4342
Innovation Funding
Want to learn more about the investment opportunities offered by Innovation Funding? Contact Ruben Baijens, Investment Director at ECFG: 📧 baijens@ecfg.nl 📞 +31 6 2505 1541
ECFG Investment Community
Interested in joining our investment community or learning more about our events? Reach out to Hubert Bosch, Senior Advisor at ECFG: 📧 bosch@ecfg.nl 📞 +31 6 4660 6841Together, we are building a strong network of investors and entrepreneurs, where opportunities are discovered and realized. We look forward to the next gathering! 🌟
We are proud to announce that we acted as the strategic and financial advisor to Kittie Spierings, director and owner of Roestvrijtaal, during the successful acquisition by the Pro Contact Group. This strategic partnership marks an important step for both parties, strengthening their position in the recruitment and labor market communication industry. The acquisition was also supported by Marktlink, advisor to Pro Contact, with constructive collaboration among all parties playing a key role in the process.
A powerful combination of expertise
Pro Contact, a leading player with offices in Amsterdam, ’s-Hertogenbosch, and Antwerp, has built a strong reputation in Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) over the past twelve years. The acquisition of Roestvrijtaal, a specialist in labor market communication, is a valuable addition to Pro Contact’s services. “Roestvrijtaal’s offerings perfectly align with our expertise,” says Noud Baijens, director of Pro Contact. “Together, we can fully support organizations in their recruitment challenges and achieve our ambition of becoming the market leader in the Netherlands.”Kittie Spierings agrees: “This collaboration offers unprecedented opportunities to serve our clients even better. Thanks to Pro Contact’s scale and innovations, we can increase our impact on the labor market. This step aligns perfectly with our growth strategy and vision.”
Collaboration with Marktlink
Throughout the process, ECFG and Marktlink worked closely and constructively together. As advisors to Roestvrijtaal and Pro Contact respectively, both teams complemented each other and provided support to ensure a smooth and successful acquisition. This joint effort enabled both parties to achieve their strategic goals while preserving their unique core values.
Focus on Continuity and Growth
For Roestvrijtaal, much will remain the same: the trusted team will continue operating from its office in Uden, and the name will be retained. At the same time, the company will now benefit from Pro Contact’s knowledge, resources, and colleagues. “We are keeping the best of both worlds,” says Kittie Spierings. “I am proud of our team and look forward to further developing our services together with Pro Contact.”
ECFG: Proud of our contribution
At ECFG, we are proud to have guided Kittie Spierings and Roestvrijtaal through this important transition. The success of this acquisition highlights the importance of collaboration and strategic advice in achieving growth ambitions. We thank all parties involved for their trust and look forward with enthusiasm to Roestvrijtaal’s further growth within the Pro Contact Group.
At ECFG, we have great news – our team has grown a bit larger (and more enjoyable!) We welcome Koen van ‘t Hof and Lesley Daris, who are joining us as analysts! 🎉
Koen and Lesley are diving into the world of investments, valuations, and strategic analyses. They will help us identify opportunities in the market and support companies in their growth ambitions. With their sharp analytical skills and fresh energy, we can create even more impact for our clients and portfolio companies.
🚀We are delighted to have you on board, Koen and Lesley! Here’s to a wonderful collaboration filled with new insights and successful deals!
Eindhoven, September 16, 2024 – ECFG has successfully closed its third growth capital fund, Ventures III, raising €40 million to invest in innovative Dutch tech companies. This milestone strengthens ECFG’s position as an investor in the Brainport region and beyond. Additionally, Sophie Manigart has been appointed as the new Chair of both the Supervisory Board and the Advisory Board, contributing to the further professionalization of ECFG.
Growth capital for accelerated scaling With the closing of Ventures III, capital is now available to support promising and ambitious companies. “We help these high-potential companies achieve their growth objectives. By leveraging our expertise, capital, and network, we create value for both the companies we invest in and our investors,” says Hans Bloemen, Managing Partner at ECFG. Co-founder and Partner Ruben Baijens adds, “We believe in personal involvement and guidance. For every investment, we assign two team members to actively support the company’s growth. Through this fund, we aim to invest in 10 to 15 companies that we will help scale in the coming years.” The first two investments have already been made.
Financial and strategic support Originally rooted in the Brainport Eindhoven region, ECFG now invests nationally. Ventures III offers minority stake investments ranging from € 0.5 million to € 4 million, supporting companies in their commercial, organizational, and operational growth. The focus is on B2B sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, agrotech, and ICT, with a preference for companies that combine software and hardware. “Our unique approach is that we provide not just financial, but also strategic support to help companies achieve their growth ambitions,” says Leo van Schijndel, Investment Director at ECFG.
Sophie Manigart appointed as Chair In addition to the successful closing of Ventures III, ECFG also announces the appointment of Sophie Manigart as Chair of both the Supervisory Board and the Advisory Board. Manigart is a professor in entrepreneurial finance and a partner at Vlerick Business School, as well as an independent director at Participatie Maatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV). She has extensive experience in supervisory roles at companies such as Gimv and AXA, and has been a board member of the Business Angels Network Vlaanderen (BAN) for many years, as well as a member of the admission committee of Women on Board in Flanders. In her new role, Manigart will collaborate with Miriam Dragstra, Godfried de Jongh, and Ronald Slaats, all of whom have significant venture capital experience and a deep understanding of the dynamics of emerging markets.
For (media) inquiries, please contact Hans Bloemen, Managing Director, via info@ecfg.nl or +31 40 295 03 13.
Eindhoven and ‘s-Hertogenbosch, July 8, 2024 – ECFG (through its investment fund ECFG Ventures III) has acquired a minority stake in Mint Solutions Holding BV (MedEye).
This is already the second participation in this third fund of the Eindhoven-based VC investor. MedEye provides nurses with tools that enable them to automatically verify and record medication at the patient’s bedside. This is done through smart hardware and software solutions. MedEye is the only solution on the market specializing in administration verification and is already active in various nursing homes and Dutch (top clinical) hospitals such as CWZ, Zuyderland, and Haga Hospital. The capital injection allows MedEye to expand to Scandinavia and Belgium, where the first hospitals and care institutions are now being connected.
A revolution in medication safety Before a medication reaches the patient, various information and physical transfers take place in the hospital. This complexity sometimes leads to errors. Fortunately, not all errors result in patient injury, but checking the correct medication, dosage, patient data, and time of administration is of great importance. Half of all medication errors can be stopped at the moment of administration to the patient. Where hospitals and healthcare institutions struggle with staff shortages, MedEye can offer a solution with its smart tooling. MedEye simplifies the nursing workflow, automatically checks and records all medications, and saves nurses time.
Capitalizing on international opportunities ECFG is a hands-on investor focusing on technological, innovative scale-ups. ECFG offers advice, guidance, knowledge, and capital, enabling companies to focus on further growth and value creation. “We like to invest in companies that offer hardware solutions in addition to software. We have built our expertise here, and this aligns seamlessly with the strength of the Brainport region. MedEye is an interesting addition to our portfolio because it has proven to offer a unique solution to a very urgent and international problem,” says Leo van Schijndel, Investment Director at ECFG.3 “In the Netherlands, MedEye can rely on a solid foundation, and the products have proven themselves. This provides a solid basis for further expansion in other Western European countries. In addition to the necessary capital, we offer the experienced management team the structure and tools to capitalize on these international opportunities.”
Accelerating growth “In these times of acute staff shortages in healthcare, we see a rapidly growing need for tools to support nursing staff while minimizing the margin of error. MedEye’s technology fulfills this need and is generating increasing interest from the healthcare sector. With ECFG as an investment partner, we are enabled to roll out our unique product to a larger target group and in larger volumes, not only within the Netherlands but also internationally. With this, MedEye is entering a new growth phase with an ambitious goal. We look forward to taking great steps together with the ECFG team,” says Gauti Reynisson, CEO of MedEye.
What a warm network Hans Bloemen and Ruben Baijens have built in the past 15 years and what a wonderful party it was!
For WE-support Foundation our guests collectively donated an amount of no less than € 1,800, super proud of and also on behalf of WE-support, thank you so much!
Eindhoven and Rotterdam, January 8, 2024 – ECFG (through its investment fund ECFG Ventures III) and Brink Software are jointly investing in the next growth phase of IB Data.
IB Data is the Dutch and Belgian market leader in providing product and pricing information for construction products. For Brink Software, the IB database, with information on over 250 product ranges, adds significant value to the calculation software for the construction, infrastructure, installation technology, and real estate sectors. ECFG, as an investor, specializes in guiding and financing innovative companies in the scale-up phase. Both companies will acquire a substantial (minority) stake in IB Data through their investment.
Access to Current Product and Pricing Information In 2022, Brink Software introduced the Ibis Articles Service, which makes current product and/or pricing information from suppliers accessible to every calculator and work planner at the touch of a button. This allows them to choose products and compare alternatives faster, resulting in more efficient and accurate calculations. This ‘Ibis Articles Service’ is based on IB Data’s database. “Brink Software and IB Data complement each other seamlessly, as we are the market leader in calculation software, which uses a lot of product and pricing information,” says Erik Deiman, director of Brink Software. “Furthermore, we notice that access to current product and pricing information is becoming increasingly important, due to, for example, strongly fluctuating prices and the need for insight into product delivery times.”
Sustainability Information Due to increasing regulations, such as in the area of sustainability, construction, installation, and infrastructure companies need to share more information with their clients. “Another reason for our investment in IB Data is the opportunity we see to expand IB Data’s database with information about the environmental impact of products,” says Deiman. “If a calculator has access to this information in the bidding phase, they can make more sustainable choices. Furthermore, Brink Software is already active in Belgium, and there are plans to sell our software in Germany, which seamlessly align with IB Data’s international growth ambitions.” Accelerating Business Growth ECFG is an investor that helps promising, innovative companies grow successfully with advice, guidance, knowledge, and capital. “In other markets, such as the manufacturing industry, we have long seen the value that product and pricing information can add to the entire value chain,” says Hans Bloemen, managing director and co-founder of ECFG. “In the Netherlands, this is already better organized for the installation sector than for the construction and infrastructure sector. By investing in IB Data together with Brink Software, we believe we can significantly accelerate business growth and, in line with that, the efficiency of collaboration in projects. Manufacturers will then only need to update their product, price, and sustainability information with IB Data.”
Access to the Market IB Data has partnered with Brink Software for the Ibis Articles Service to gain access to end-users in the construction sector. “We have experienced that Brink Software, like IB Data, is a company with a people-oriented culture, which makes for pleasant collaboration,” says Tim Schillemans, commercial director of IB Data. “They have many construction companies, installers, and civil engineering contractors as clients who need our current product and pricing information daily when budgeting their projects.” “ECFG is an important value-adding partner for us because they guide and co-finance us to accelerate our growth in a pragmatic way in the coming years,” says Jop Schillemans, general director of IB Data.
At ECFG, we value personal contact and feel a genuine commitment to our portfolio companies and relationships. We believe that true success can only be achieved together.
With this in mind, we wholeheartedly and selflessly support Bullshift in Uden and Veghel. Bullshift is dedicated to getting people with addictions literally moving. It also provides (sports) guidance to those struggling in other areas of life, under the motto: “No movement, no action, and no action, no movement!”
Founder and personal trainer Ton Delisse, himself a former addict, has created a welcoming sports space where people can walk in freely, without an appointment, to exercise—but also for meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals, experienced mentors, and (sports) coaches. The focus is on building physical and mental strength and resilience to help people overcome their challenges.
Bullshift has developed its own step-by-step program, which has already helped many people regain control of their lives.
ECFG supports Bullshift’s valuable work by offering our knowledge, experience, and network free of charge. We played a key role in the establishment and structuring of Stichting Boost Bullshift, with Hans Bloemen serving as treasurer on the board.
For the foundation, we developed a policy plan that successfully secured funding from the Municipality of Meierijstad. Additionally, we submitted a grant application for the Uden location to the Municipality of Maashorst. Furthermore, we have connected several donors within the ECFG network.
Would you like to learn more about the incredible work of Bullshift and Stichting Boost Bullshift? Click below for more information.
Een bedrijfsstrategie die de laatste tijd meer en meer aan populariteit wint is de “buy and build” strategie. Hierbij groeit een onderneming door middel van de acquisitie van andere bedrijven. Deze aanpak biedt de mogelijkheid om snel te groeien en kan een belangrijk instrument zijn voor bedrijven die zich willen uitbreiden in nieuwe markten of hun aanwezigheid in bestaande markten willen vergroten.
Een buy and build strategie kan op verschillende manieren worden uitgevoerd:
Acquisitie van bedrijven in een soortgelijke markt
Een veelgebruikte methode is het opkopen van (kleinere) bedrijven die actief zijn in dezelfde of aanverwante markten als de acquirerende onderneming. Hierdoor kunnen de verschillende bedrijven hun krachten bundelen en gebruikmaken van elkaars middelen en expertise. Dit kan bijvoorbeeld leiden tot schaalvoordelen, verbeterde operationele efficiëntie en meer productontwikkeling.
Acquisitie van bedrijven in verschillende fases van de waardeketen
Een andere manier om de buy and build strategie uit te voeren, is door het verwerven van bedrijven die zich bevinden in verschillende fases van de waardeketen. Hierdoor kan de acquirerende onderneming haar bereik vergroten en haar positie in de markt versterken. Een belangrijk voordeel van deze buy and build strategie is dat het de mogelijkheid biedt om snel te groeien zonder dat er tijd en middelen worden besteed aan het ontwikkelen van nieuwe producten of diensten. Dit kan ook helpen om de risico’s van nieuwe investeringen te verminderen, omdat het overgenomen bedrijf al bewezen heeft dat het succesvol kan zijn.
Acquisitie van bedrijven uit verschillende sectoren
Tot slot kan de buy and build strategie ook helpen om een bedrijf te diversifiëren en zich te beschermen tegen economische schokken in een specifieke sector. Door het verwerven van bedrijven in verschillende sectoren kan een bedrijf een meer gebalanceerde portefeuille opbouwen en een betere bescherming bieden tegen onverwachte economische veranderingen.
Past het bij jouw groeiambities?
De buy and build strategie kan dus een krachtig hulpmiddel zijn voor bedrijven die snel willen groeien en zich willen uitbreiden in nieuwe markten. Het biedt de mogelijkheid om gebruik te maken van bestaande middelen en expertise en kan helpen om de risico’s van nieuwe investeringen te verminderen. Het is echter belangrijk om de potentiële risico’s van de strategie te begrijpen en een zorgvuldige due diligence te verrichten voordat een acquisitie wordt uitgevoerd.
Onze senior advisors hebben veel ervaring in het begeleiden van ondernemers bij hun groeiambities. Ben jij als ondernemer klaar om te groeien en benieuwd wat de juiste aanvliegroute hiervoor zou zijn? Leg je verhaal eens voor aan een van onze professionals, zij denken graag met je mee!
ECFG acquired a minority stake in Confocal.nl through its Eindhoven Venture Capital Fund II (EVCF II).
About Confocal.nl Confocal.nl has developed add-on modules for ‘ordinary’ fluorescence microscopes, turning them into a super-resolution confocal microscope for deep 3D-imaging. The company developed this improved live cell imaging technology into two product applications: a super-resolution re-scan microscope that scans using a single laser point, and a so-called line scanner that scans samples using a line of laser light. Both products uniquely achieve high-end results using very low laser power, offering differentiative solutions in reducing phototoxicity, less cell death or deterioration and less bleaching.
Confocal.nl’s current products are being sold over the globe and are particularly bought by imaging facilities and research institutions. They are hand-operated by microscopists in an increasingly broad range of assays (e.g. organoid models) and research purposes (e.g. drug or agriculture research). Confocal.nl aims at making confocal microscopy accessible to a broader group of scientists.
Investment objective In the past years Confocal.nl successfully developed new products and achieved international growth. ECFG’s investment enables Confocal.nl to move to the next phase: to continue moving the mark with technology development and to further open the market for live cell imaging within biotech and pharma industry R&D labs. This market has a strong need for automated systems that can analyse large volumes of samples over longer periods of time; ready-to-use tabletop systems that are also easy to operate for non-microscopists, improving reproducibility and predictability of research results and potentially shortening e.g. the drug discovery cycle.
New Partnership and continued Partnerships “We see a fast-growing need for accessible super-resolution confocal imaging equipment, especially in life sciences. Confocal.nl’s technology provides improved reproducible research outcomes, hence the increasing interest from academia and industry. ECFG as investment partner, on top of our existing partners (TechNanoFund, University of Amsterdam Ventures and Noord-Holland Invest), will enable us to fulfil this need, not only in distributing our current portfolio products, but also by further developing accessible and state-of-art technology” says Pim Vos, MSc, CEO of Confocal.nl.
Dr.ir Stefan Lampaert, CTO of the company, explains: “The core invention is the most important part, and we have that well protected. The task of my engineering team is to successfully roll-out our roadmap for further tech improvement and integration. We will continue to work with public and non-public parties to develop game-changing technologies and products.”
Ruben Baijens, MSc, Investment director and partner ECFG: “In Confocal.nl we see a solid and healthy collaboration partner that operates in an attractive and fast-growing market segment. With our investment, the experienced management team of Confocal.nl will be able to accelerate the introduction in new segments and realise its ambitions.”
Ondernemerszoon Giel heeft een bedrijfseconomische achtergrond en heeft veel ervaring op het gebied van M&A en Strategy Consulting bij innovatieve scale-ups, MKB- en Mid-Market-bedrijven. Daarbovenop heeft hij in de directie gezeten van een innovatieve speler en marktleider op het gebied van camera technologie in Nederland. Welbewust heeft Giel de stap gemaakt om aan de slag te gaan binnen het Venture Capital en Finance & Growth team van ECFG. Daarnaast volgt hij momenteel een deeltijd opleiding aan TIAS tot Register Valuator.
Davey is een oude bekende, die zijn weg naar ECFG weer heeft gevonden: tijdens zijn rechtenstudie heeft hij een afstudeeronderzoek gedaan bij onze partner TAMI, waarin hij door ‘onze’ Hans Bloemen werd begeleid. Davey heeft in de afgelopen jaren op bedrijfskundig- en juridisch/compliance-gebied veel ervaring opgedaan in de advocatuur en bij een grote bancaire instelling. Bij ECFG gaat hij de Venture Capital tak versterken. Daarnaast wil hij zich graag verder ontwikkelen binnen het M&A vakgebied en daarvoor is hij bij ECFG zeker op de juiste plek terechtgekomen.
Ook Mathijs Snijders komt uit een echte ondernemersfamilie, waar hij al de nodige praktische en organisatorische werkervaring heeft opgedaan. Hij studeert Economie & Bedrijfseconomie aan de Universiteit van Tilburg en start binnenkort met een Finance-masterstudie. Daarnaast werkt hij in deeltijd als analyst bij ECFG.
Met deze drie enthousiaste mannen is het team van ECFG op volle sterkte en zetten we met z’n allen ons beste beentje voor om onze klanten zo goed mogelijk te adviseren en te ondersteunen.
Op de foto van links naar rechts: Davey, Mathijs, Giel
De populariteit van Share Appreciation Rights (SARs) neemt toe. Het is een nieuwe manier om werknemers te stimuleren en te behouden. Werknemers kunnen SARs krijgen en zullen als SAR-houders bij verkoop van de onderneming meedelen in de, mede door hen gecreëerde, waardestijging van een onderneming. De populariteit van de SAR wordt met name gedreven door gunstige fiscale afrekening (pas betalen bij exit) en de flexibiliteit van de overeenkomst (vrijwel alles kan in de contracten opgenomen worden).
Graag vertellen we je meer over belangrijke overwegingen bij het inrichten van SARs voor jouw onderneming. De elf belangrijkste vragen worden hieronder toegelicht.
Vraag 1: Wanneer worden de SARs afgerekend? Belangrijk is om vast te stellen wanneer de SAR-houder zijn gedeelte van de verkoopopbrengst krijgt. Normaliter is dit bij een exit; de verkoop van de onderneming. Om het bonusmoment niet te ver in de toekomst te laten vallen, kan ook gekozen worden voor een afrekening van de waardestijging van de onderneming per jaar.
Vraag 2: Vanaf wanneer tellen de SARs mee? Het is mogelijk om SARs pas vanaf een bepaalde waarde te laten meedelen in de verkoopopbrengst. Er zijn legio mogelijkheden, maar naast de mogelijkheid dat SARs (i) gewoon altijd meedelen, kan ook worden gekozen voor (ii) vanaf een bepaalde exit-waarde, (iii) vanaf een bepaald rendement voor zittende aandeelhouders of, (iv) vanaf het halen van een bepaalde milestone.
Vraag 3: Hoe wordt de waarde van de SAR berekend? Het is belangrijk vast te leggen hoe de waarde van de SAR wordt berekend, zodat duidelijk is hoeveel er afgerekend wordt bij een exit. Vaak wordt een SAR gelijkgesteld met een bepaald soort aandeel (of in een bepaalde verhouding daarvan). Minder gebruikelijk is het koppelen van de SARs aan een percentage van de verkoopopbrengst. SAR-houders krijgen dan naar rato hun SAR-houderschap dat gedeelte (bijvoorbeeld 10%) van de verkoopopbrengst.
Vraag 4: Hoe wordt omgegaan met dividenden en liquidatie-uitkeringen? Wanneer een onderneming winst maakt, kunnen dividenden worden uitgekeerd. Wanneer het slecht gaat met de onderneming en deze wordt geliquideerd, is de eventuele winst die overblijft voor de zittende aandeelhouders (liquidatie-uitkering). In beginsel komen deze rechten toe aan aandeelhouders en dientengevolge niet de SAR-houders. Het is echter mogelijk ook deze uitkeringen aan de SAR-houder toe te kennen.
Vraag 5: Vesting van de SARs, wel of niet doen? Vesting is het toekennen van bepaalde rechten na verloop van tijd. Bij SARs komt vesting voor in de zin van het ‘hard’ maken van uitkeringsrechten. Door vesting neemt de uitkeringsgerechtigdheid van een werknemer naar verloop van tijd toe.
Vraag 6: Zijn er bepaalde leaver-events waardoor SARs weer moeten worden ingeleverd? Het SAR-instrument is bedoeld om belangrijke werknemers lang te binden en te boeien; voorkomen moet worden dat SAR-houders ‘gewoon’ weggaan en hun SARs meenemen. Gebruikelijk is om daarom leaver-bepalingen in de SAR-overeenkomst op te nemen. Wanneer er een vastgelegd event plaatsvindt, is de SAR-houder verplicht de gehouden SARs terug te geven (lees: contractueel op te geven) aan de onderneming.
Vraag 7: Wie betaalt de belasting? SARs vallen fiscaal gezien onder de inkomstenbelasting (loonbelasting). De loonbelasting wordt geheven over de gehele SAR-opbrengst. De loonbelasting over bonussen (hoogste tarief: 49,5%) wordt ingehouden door de SAR-toekenner (de onderneming). De verschuldigde belasting hoeft niet vooruitbetaald te worden en zal pas nadat de exit heeft plaatsgevonden worden ingehouden. Omdat het de SAR-houder geld kost en het voor de SAR-toekenner belasting-reducerend werkt, is het mogelijk om de SAR-houder te compenseren voor een gedeelte van de ingehouden loonbelasting.
Vraag 8: Wat is de opbrengst van een SAR? Het is mogelijk de SAR te minimaliseren, te maximeren, dan wel exponentieel te laten toenemen. Minimaliseren van de SAR-opbrengst is het eerst toekennen van de verkoopopbrengst aan de SAR-houders tot een bepaald minimum. Maximeren van de SAR-opbrengst is het tot een bepaald bedrag uitkeren van de verkoopopbrengst aan de SAR-houders. Het meer uitkeren aan SAR-houders wanneer de onderneming meer waard wordt, is het exponentieel laten toenemen van de SARs.
Vraag 9: Besluitvorming, wie bepaalt wie een SAR krijgt? In beginsel is het toekennen van een bonus een bestuursbesluit. Echter, omdat de SAR van invloed is op de verkoopopbrengsten en de verhoudingen voor zittende aandeelhouders, is het logisch om ook de zittende aandeelhouders om goedkeuring te vragen.
Vraag 10: Hoeveel SARs kunnen worden uitgegeven? Het is belangrijk om vast te leggen hoeveel SARs uitgegeven kunnen worden. Vragen als (i) hoeveel SARs kan de onderneming uitgeven en (ii) hoeveel SARs kan een werknemer ontvangen zijn daarbij van belang.
Vraag 11: Wat wordt de vorm van de SAR-overeenkomst? Een SAR-overeenkomst is vormvrij. Dat betekent dat in beginsel alles in de SAR-overeenkomst opgenomen kan worden. De meest gebruikte vormen zijn (i) de combinatie van een algemeen SAR-plan en een korte overeenkomst per werknemer waarin de specifieke elementen van het SAR-houderschap zijn opgenomen en (ii) een gepersonaliseerde overeenkomst.
Heb je naar aanleiding van bovenstaande nog vragen of ben je geïnteresseerd in het implementeren van een SAR-plan voor jouw onderneming? Wij ondersteunen je hier graag bij!
Neem gerust contact op met Hans Bloemen (bloemen@ecfg.nl / 06-5161 5425).
Euro-Cold BV is a Rotterdam-based wholesaler for the installation industry in refrigeration, freezer technology and heat pumps. It specializes in finding the right technical solution and delivers customized solutions that are unique in the industry. Sister-company Refflex International BV is a leading producer of flexible hoses and associated fittings for the refrigeration, freezer and heat pump installation sector with a worldwide distribution network. Both companies have been in existence for more than a quarter of a century and are successful in their market segments.
Our approach The shareholders decided to initiate the sale of both companies in the summer of 2021 and contacted ECFG to advise in this sale. Hubert Bosch, senior advisor at ECFG, was responsible for the project and started looking for acquisition opportunities within five defined buyer segments. In the process, an MBI candidate was found that was interested in taking over the shares of both owners.
A negotiation process was completed with this MBI candidate, which led to the successful sale of Euro-Cold and Refflex International in March 2022. The new management team is taking over the entire workforce and one of the former owners will continue to work for the company during 2022 in order to ensure the smoothest possible transition.
The importance of creating a win-win situation
Hubert Bosch: “A company takeover is a sensitive process that requires a keen eye for detail and the financial, legal and tax aspects must not be overlooked. When selling a company, the emotional aspects must also be given proper attention without letting them dominate. In my role as advisor, I see myself as a kind of game leader, who is constantly busy maintaining and guarding the right balance between the players. The goal is always to strive for a clear win-win for both parties. Only then will the deal be good and fair in the long term and will there ultimately be two winners, as was the case with the sale of Euro-Cold and Refflex International. As the game leader, I can look back on a well played and balanced role and that gives a huge satisfaction!”
Are you also considering selling your company and would you like to discuss your options with Hubert? Or do you have another question in the field of (financial) management? Feel free to contact Hubert for an informal introduction (bosch@ecfg.nl or 06-4660 6841).
Eindhoven Venture Capital Fund II (EVCF II) invested in CytoSMART Technologies, based in Eindhoven, in 2019 to fund the company’s product development and scale up ambitions. Since then, the company has grown to over 50 employees and successfully launched a number of new innovative products into the life sciences tools market. We are pleased to announce that on March 21 2022, Axion BioSystems, a US-based leading life sciences tools company focused on advanced live-cell assay systems, has acquired CytoSMART Technologies. Both companies see large synergies to accelerate further growth together.
“With Axion’s resources and experience, we look forward to accelerating our market growth and product innovation” says Joffry Maltha, CEO of CytoSMART Technologies.
We like to thank Joffry Maltha en Jan-Willem van Bree for the pleasant cooperation in the past years and wish the all the best in this new phase!
ECFG has taken a minority stake in Simbeyond Holding B.V. through Eindhoven Venture Capital Fund II (EVCF II). Simbeyond has developed simulation software (Bumblebee) that can very accurately measure the effects of OLED materials at the device level. This is the first round of funding for Simbeyond. The funding will be used to accelerate growth (R&D and sales).
About Simbeyond With Bumblebee, Simbeyond offers simulation software for materials deployment in the engineering process of OLED devices. The software tool calculates, based on very complex laws of physics, the effects of the materials used in the OLED devices. Bumblebee will be further developed in the coming period to also simulate outcomes for materials deployment in battery development. The current process is still based on trial and error and physical (human) action, resulting in a time-consuming, costly and error-prone process. R&D companies, departments of large tech companies and other relevant research institutes (such as universities) use Bumblebee to achieve significant cost savings. In addition, these parties can bring new products to market faster, as the R&D process is significantly accelerated.
Investment target The past years have been dominated by product development for Simbeyond. The goal in this new growth phase is to become the preferred supplier of simulation software for organic materials for the high-tech industry as well as tapping into two new markets: the battery and nanolithography market.
Collaboration “Simbeyond is entering a new growth phase with ambitious objectives. This investment and cooperation does not only mean securing the resources to become the number one simulation tool in the OLED market, but also to take a step forward in the development of new products,” said Siebe van Mensfoort, CEO of Simbeyond.
Hans Bloemen, managing director en partner of ECFG: “Measurement brings knowledge, Simbeyond does that in the purest form. Bumblebee is only just ready to enter the market. It now needs the right commercial attention to get a flying start. The investment ensures that this growth can be realized. In addition to further developing the OLED market, new markets can also be tapped into. Together we hope to give this technical scale-up a significant boost.”
The technology region of Brainport Eindhoven offers entrepreneurs endless opportunities to start, learn and grow. There is a lot of money available on the capital market to stimulate this activity. Not only in the form of loans and subsidies, but also for example by attracting risk capital from (private) investors.
Investor- or investing-ready? But: a company is not simply ‘investor ready’. In a strategy session ECFG can determine, together with you as an entrepreneur, which steps need to be taken in order to offer potential investors an attractive proposition. By the way: these potential investors are not by definition ‘investor ready’. ECFG has developed the workshop ‘Is the investor investing-ready?’, which we will organize again this fall. More on this soon!
MKB Financieringsgids ECFG is also involved in the composition of Brainport Development‘s MKB financieringsgids. This platform gives you an overview of possible financing solutions in just a few steps. With a good proposition in your pocket, there are more than you think!
Find the best financing, subsidy or tax scheme for you By filling out the questionnaire on the website of MKB financieringsgids, you get an overview of the possibilities for your company at the push of a button. ECFG will then be happy to guide you in making strategic choices and applying for the financing that best suits your needs.
Would you like to discuss your options? Do not hesitate and contact Hans Bloemen, managing director (bloemen@ecfg.nl / 06 – 5161 5425) or Ruben Baijens, investment director (baijens@ecfg.nl / 06 – 2505 1541).
Overheid investeert 35 miljard extra in klimaatmaatregelen, ECFG investeert mee!
Het kabinet belooft de komende tien jaar 35 miljard euro uit te trekken voor klimaatmaatregelen, om zodoende Nederland klaar te stomen voor de toekomst. Dat geld komt via een klimaat- en transitiefonds beschikbaar en is onder andere bedoeld voor de aanleg van warmte-, waterstof- en elektriciteitsnetten. Daarnaast wordt er ook geld gereserveerd voor het verduurzamen van gebouwen en de mobiliteitssector.
Om deze transitie in goede banen te leiden komt er een minister van Klimaat en Energie. Deze gaat er onder meer op toezien dat de procedures voor grootschalige energie-infrastructurele projecten versneld kunnen worden opgepakt. Daar wil het nieuwe kabinet een slag in maken door hierbij een aanpak te hanteren zoals in de Crisis- en Herstelwet, bedoeld om infrastructurele projecten te versnellen.
Om deze klimaattransitie vorm te geven zijn voldoende vakmensen nodig. Daarom wordt met onderwijsinstellingen, overheden en sociale partners gewerkt aan het opleiden van voldoende mensen. Ook is er aandacht voor omscholing.
Ook ECFG zet stappen
Al met al mooie stappen in de goede richting! Ook bij ECFG zetten we deze stappen. We investeren graag in bedrijven die met high-tech oplossingen een steentje bijdragen aan een meer duurzame wereld. Om in beeld te krijgen hoe een onderneming scoort op het gebied van duurzaamheid hebben we een duurzaamheidsscan ontwikkeld. Onze duurzaamheidsspecialisten dr. ir. Tanya Bakker en Joost Ploos van Amstel brengen hiermee in kaart hoe een onderneming scoort op het gebied van duurzaamheid en geven handvatten voor het scheppen van condities voor een beter (bedrijfs)perspectief. Immers: de duurzaamheidsprestatie beïnvloedt het succes en de toekomstbestendigheid van de onderneming!
Lees hier meer over duurzaam ondernemen en hoe ECFG jou daarbij kan ondersteunen.
A growing number of organizations are adopting corporate social responsibility, balancing people (people), profitability (profit) and the impact on the climate and environment (planet). In practice, it appears that organizations that engage in corporate social responsibility achieve better (business) results in the long term than organizations that do not. The SDG Quick Scan developed by ECFG maps out how companies score in the field of sustainability and where opportunities lie.
ECFG has expanded its services so that we can also help organizations in this area to identify opportunities and threats. We do this with the help of the so-called SDG Quick Scan. We use, among other things, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), drawn up by the United Nations. These SDGs are a universal language that makes it possible for companies to set measurable goals. In this way, clear communication about progress can also be made in company communication.
SDG Quick Scan
With the SDG Quick Scan developed by ECFG, we map out how companies score on the 17 SDG goals. The UN has set specific targets for each goal and with the Quick Scan we assess the status and associated priority for your company for each goal. Entrepreneurs receive the SDG status report with an overview of the opportunities, threats and priorities and can thus focus on developing for their relevant SDG goals. In addition, we help with (subsidised) mitigation of threats and the use of identified opportunities. Our approach helps companies to improve their sustainability performance and thereby create the conditions for a better (business) perspective.
Sustainable growth for your company
Tanya Bakker and Joost Ploos van Amstel of ECFG would be happy to meet you and show you how our approach can help you with the sustainable growth of your organization. Contact us.
One of our first participations, CMNTY, has been acquired by MarketResponse International Group (MRIG, also known asUmbrellaBrand Group). This acquisition marks an important strategic step towards a joint global (software) agency for online and offline market research.
ECFG supervised and structured the transaction to the full satisfaction of all parties involved.ECFG remains an investor in MRIG via its first fund, Eindhoven Venture Capital Fund I.
In the upcoming period, ECFG will guide MRIG in the continuation of its growth strategy. The acquisition of CMNTY is a great milestone within the envisaged mission.
Do you want to know more about this transaction? Click here for the press release on the website of CMNTY.
We regularly introduce one of the ECFG colleagues. This time Tanya Bakker, senior sustainability advisor.
My name is Tanya Bakker, and I was born in Amsterdam. I ended up in Eindhoven to study Applied Physics at TU/e. I was also promoted there. During my student days, I met my husband. I live in Eindhoven with him and our two sons.
The principle of closed cycles
I did my PhD research in collaboration with Philips and is partly based on the measurements in the International Space Station. After that, I started working at Canon in the ‘Research and Development’ department. In the second week at this job, I got inspired by Cradle2Cradle (C2C). The C2C philosophy is the principle of closed cycles. In that I finally saw a way to deal with sustainability in a positive and constructive way. I was excited to be able to focus on Ecodesign and business models in my first 4 years at Canon.
Sustainability and ecodesign
In 2012, it was time for a career change. As a program manager at ‘product safety & environment’ I started working on sustainability and Ecodesign from a policy perspective. This meant that I was mainly active in Brussels and Berlin in the field of legislation and regulations and standards development. In that capacity, I co-authored a number of European standards for material efficiency (EN 4555X series). I also contributed to a handbook for creating designs with recycled plastics.
People, planet, profit
In 2019, I started my own consultancy, 3Penguins, inspired by People, Planet, Profit. With this company, I help translate external policy developments into concrete objectives of companies.
I am also a member of ISO TC 323 ‘circular economy’ and previously active in the ‘measuring circularity’ working group from the NEN. In addition, I chair a working group of a European trade association in Frankfurt. The working group focuses on sustainability policy and advocacy.
In my spare time I like sports and I like to draw, paint and illustrate.
Since when have you been associated with ECFG, and what can one mainly turn to you for?
Since September 2021. I am involved in translating external policies into relevant business criteria for investments and companies. For example, I assess the sustainability of investments and funds. I identify risks and opportunities and convert this into measurable objectives and strategy for ECFG. I help investors with the question ‘how do I check the sustainability of an investment?’ and companies with the question ‘how can I integrate sustainability into my company and earn money with it?’
What are you proud of?
I cannot fight climate change on my own, but I can help a company discover where the opportunities lie, suitable to that company. This allows me to guide companies in the transition from green marketing (aka greenwashing) to real sustainability.
Furthermore, thoroughness, I am a physical engineer by origin and the facts and figures must of course be correct!
What is your motto?
Believe in the power of your ideas, your imagination, the connection with each other to come together for a better world. As Obama put it so beautifully:
‘Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
– Barack Obama
The Dutch investment fund Health Investment Partners (HIP) invests in Dytter, an online platform that matches healthcare providers with healthcare organisations. This is the result of a successful investment round, in which several interested parties came forward to provide Dytter with a capital injection. ECFG has guided this process from head to tail; from preparation to the selection of investors to the guidance of the transaction itself.
With this growth capital Dytter can realize its ambitious growth plans more quickly. For example, this financing is used to make the product smarter and more scalable, and to double the personnel capacity of the software development team. Dytter’s short-term goal is to scale up the care platform outside the Randstad, according to director André Piso.
Not only money, also knowledge
The investment round therefore arose from the need for growth capital. Dytter called in the advice of ECFG for this, given our expertise in the field of smart capital. André Piso: “We were looking for parties that not only put money into something, but also bring knowledge.” This knowledge was decisive for Dytter and André Piso in their choice.
Ambitious and driven team
HIP is especially pleased with the ambitious and driven team, the technology behind the platform and the speed with which Dytter is storming the market. In addition, HIP is charmed by the systematic approach with which talent is developed within Dytter. Donar van den Berg of HIP: “We invest in growth companies that make a positive contribution to the healthcare market. We believe that the Dytter Platform can make an important contribution to healthcare by unlocking scarce nursing workforce. Moreover, we recognize ourselves in Dytter’s mission to help arrange good care affordably, quickly and without hassle. Of course, we are happy and proud that we can contribute to the realization of this great mission.”
Growth in the Netherlands and abroad
André Piso: “In order to realize post-corona growth, you need capital. This investment provides an immediate acceleration to realize our plans. This allows us to quickly make up for the delay caused by corona.” In the coming months, Dytter plans to expand to provinces outside the Randstad and to further shape the expansion into Germany. The exact amount of the investment is not mentioned.
Eindhoven Venture Capital Fund II (EVCFII) invested in Equflow in 2018 to allow the company to scale up and achieve its intended growth. That was a success. Now Saint-Gobain Life Sciences has announced the acquisition of Equflow.
Equflow is a leading developer and supplier of flow meters, manufactured for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Primarily serving the single use bioprocessing market. The acquisition expands Saint-Gobain’s product capabilities within its Bio-Process Solutions (BPS) business.
“We are delighted to welcome Equflow to our organization and are excited about the opportunities this addition creates for our customers,” said Jean Angus, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain Life Sciences. “While we see opportunities to leverage Equflow’s fluid metering technologies across all of our businesses, we especially want to expand our single-use capabilities.” With some inherent overlap of customers and geographies, the addition of Equflow’s flowmeters and sensors to Saint-Gobain’s BPS portfolio complements its single-use fluid management solutions.
“It was important for us to find a partner who understands our applications, customers and markets,” says Daniël van Beek, CEO of Equflow BV. “With Saint-Gobain, we know we have the support and expertise of a global manufacturer, while maintaining our ability to innovate and create custom solutions that meet our customers’ needs.”
About Saint-Gobain Life Sciences
Committed to improving the quality of life, Saint-Gobain Life Sciences develops and manufactures high-quality components and integrated solutions related to a wide range of patient care. From the development of new therapeutic cancer treatments to biopharmaceutical manufacturing, to intravenous therapies for drug delivery.
ECFG attaches great value to lasting relationships. Promax is an example of such a relationship. We are therefore proud to be able to guide them in their growth. ECFG accompanied the takeover process of Rodenburg ICT Solutions by Promax. A great step in Promax’s growth ambitions. Read the press release and more information about this acquisition below.
Promax, an IT company specializing in groundbreaking Cloud, Security and Artificial Intelligence solutions, today announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire Rodenburg ICT Solutions. Rodenburg ICT Solutions is a provider of ICT and automation for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Promax strengthens itself by taking over Rodenburg ICT Solutions
For Promax, the takeover is a logical step. It is strengthening its activities with this takeover by adding an attractive customer set and a qualified ICT team to its activities. Leon Rodenburg and his team have built up an excellent reputation over the years. They have thus built up a loyal customer base. The former director of Rodenburg ICT Solutions, Leon Rodenburg, will take on the role of Service Delivery Manager within Promax. This is seen as an enrichment of the Promax team.
A good match
“Thanks to the takeover, we are able to better serve the customers of Rodenburg ICT Solutions as well as those of Promax. We share the same corporate values of integrity, high quality and respect. Together we can provide even better service to our customers everywhere and at all times. With the new company, we can respond better to our customers’ questions in the field of security, an area of expertise in which Promax is very strong,” says Leon Rodenburg, director of Rodenburg ICT Solutions. “In addition, there is a demand for a 24/7 breakdown service for IT support. The addition of AI services is also of added value for our customers. I myself worked at Promax from 2004 to 2006 and know the company well. That I have a lot of confidence in this step is evident from the fact that I myself will be joining Promax. What I recognize in Promax is that the interests of the customer always come first, the customer is the driving force for everything we do.”
Working safely in the Cloud
Promax is able to serve both large companies and small companies well, thanks to its Cloud workplace proposition.
“Microsoft has come up with a Premium Business license with which we can also excellently facilitate sole proprietorships, such as self-employed people,” says Judith Littel, general manager of Promax. “For a few bucks a month, they can work safely in the Cloud, their laptop or PC is provided with the latest updates remotely and they can call our service desk unlimited for support and questions. Our passion is therefore that every company, large or small, should be able to safely use the latest technologies and developments. In a simple and affordable way. We are committed to that.”
“Thanks to this acquisition, we can further strengthen our team with the skilled colleagues from Rodenburg ICT. It is extremely difficult to find good IT engineers. We are therefore happy that we can further expand our team in this way. This also benefits Promax’s customers. With Leon Rodenburg as Service Delivery Manager, our customers get a highly experienced contact person who puts their interests first in everything he does,” says Judith Littel.
About Promax Promax helps organizations of all sizes to be successful with secure, reliable and intelligent IT solutions. Promax contributes to the success of its customers every day. She helps her customers to translate their strategic objectives into these safe, reliable and intelligent solutions with the aim that our customers can excel. Just like friends who help each other and build success.
Simple – we believe that technology should be simple, so that you can work optimally and pleasantly anytime, anywhere.
Secure – we make sure that your data and data traffic is safe and that you feel safe.
Intelligent – we use intelligent solutions to help you make better decisions, spot unknown opportunities and be smarter than ever before.
About Rodenburg ICT Solutions
It is precisely the combination between a high level of knowledge and a feeling for the workplace that makes Rodenburg ICT Solutions suitable as an ICT partner for SMEs. Combining knowledge & innovation with realism & feasibility. Small and medium-sized enterprises need precisely this recognizable mentality. Rodenburg ICT Solutions aims to completely unburden the entrepreneur in the field of automation.
From 1 September we would like to receive you at our new address: Vestdijk 57a, 5611 CA in Eindhoven. Perhaps better known as the De Lage Landen building. Our offices are located on the 3rd floor of the rear office wing, the Genius building.
You can park on the parking deck of De Lage Landen (entrance Kanaalstraat).
We are busy with the final preparations for our move to a new location, where we can give space to our growth ambitions. Literally and figuratively – in the large open office garden or one of the cooperation or silence rooms. This location offers us every opportunity for further growth of the investment team and the advisory team. In short: a place that is completely in line with what ECFG stands for: professional collaboration in all openness and transparency.
Read more about why and how we found this property in this interview with EVCF II investor Johan Martens of REDEPT Cresa. He has helped ECFG in the search for the new location. Feel free to drop by for an impression of the new location and, of course, a cup of coffee.
ECFG is moving to another location. The ECFG team only has to cross the street to arrive at their new office; the building of De Lage Landen in Eindhoven. We, at ECFG, have known for a long time that network plays an important, if not crucial, role but this was confirmed again with the search for the new building. EVCF II investor Johan Martens helped in the search for the new location. And with success!
ECFG is growing. The jacket of stone, steel and glass on the Ten Hagestraat became too small. The need to have more space to receive customers arose. Just like the desire to work together in a large open workplace. Open and transparent, exactly what is important to ECFG. There is also more space in the new building to accommodate partners such as Brainport TechLaw and TAMI.
The ECFG philosophy
The new location was found with the help of EVCF II investor Johan Martens. He is a partner at REDEPT Cresa, an independent real estate consultant who works for users of commercial real estate and does not work with a traditional portfolio in which he owns properties. In rental or purchase processes, his focus is therefore entirely on the interests of the tenant/user. This ensures that he can act with an open mind and prevents conflicts of interest. He knows the market in Eindhoven like the back of his hand. Johan: “I know ECFG, and especially Hans, well. The investments ECFG does sometimes also have a real estate component on which I can contribute ideas. Now the question came from ECFG itself and I was allowed to think along with them. The ECFG philosophy ‘for each other, by each other’ also came together here.
Needle in a haystack
It felt like finding a needle in a haystack, it all came together so beautifully. ECFG’s current lease has expired. I heard that the DLL property was becoming available from my network, but there were also other interested parties. The network of fellow brokers with whom I have been working together for some time also helped. In addition, ECFG had a better starting position. You have to be that lucky sometimes.
Most beautiful location
I dare to say that this is one of the most beautiful, most suitable locations that I have had the pleasure of renting for someone. ECFG regularly organizes meetings, to which I am invited as an investor every now and then as well. This is now possible at their own office. It is a beautiful central location, with parking. Hardly any adjustments are needed to ensure that it fully meets ECFG ‘s wishes. The building offers space for different ways of working. A large open office garden, which enhances synergy between colleagues. Separate areas for management. Meeting facilities, quiet rooms and a beautiful kitchen with high tables, a wonderful place for a Friday afternoon drink.”
From September 1, ECFG will open its doors at Vestdijk 57a, 5611 CA in Eindhoven. Feel free to drop by for a cup of coffee.ECFG is moving to another location. The ECFG team only has to cross the street to arrive at their new office; the building of De Lage Landen in Eindhoven. We, at ECFG, have known for a long time that network plays an important, if not crucial, role but this was confirmed again with the search for the new building. EVCF II investor Johan Martens helped in the search for the new location. And with success!
ECFG is growing. The jacket of stone, steel and glass on the Ten Hagestraat became too small. The need to have more space to receive customers arose. Just like the desire to work together in a large open workplace. Open and transparent, exactly what is important to ECFG. There is also more space in the new building to accommodate partners such as Brainport TechLaw and TAMI.
The ECFG philosophy
The new location was found with the help of EVCF II investor Johan Martens. He is a partner at REDEPT Cresa, an independent real estate consultant who works for users of commercial real estate and does not work with a traditional portfolio in which he owns properties. In rental or purchase processes, his focus is therefore entirely on the interests of the tenant/user. This ensures that he can act with an open mind and prevents conflicts of interest. He knows the market in Eindhoven like the back of his hand. Johan: “I know ECFG, and especially Hans, well. The investments ECFG does sometimes also have a real estate component on which I can contribute ideas. Now the question came from ECFG itself and I was allowed to think along with them. The ECFG philosophy ‘for each other, by each other’ also came together here.
Needle in a haystack
It felt like finding a needle in a haystack, it all came together so beautifully. ECFG’s current lease has expired. I heard that the DLL property was becoming available from my network, but there were also other interested parties. The network of fellow brokers with whom I have been working together for some time also helped. In addition, ECFG had a better starting position. You have to be that lucky sometimes.
Most beautiful location
I dare to say that this is one of the most beautiful, most suitable locations that I have had the pleasure of renting for someone. ECFG regularly organizes meetings, to which I am invited as an investor every now and then as well. This is now possible at their own office. It is a beautiful central location, with parking. Hardly any adjustments are needed to ensure that it fully meets ECFG ‘s wishes. The building offers space for different ways of working. A large open office garden, which enhances synergy between colleagues. Separate areas for management. Meeting facilities, quiet rooms and a beautiful kitchen with high tables, a wonderful place for a Friday afternoon drink.”
From September 1, ECFG will open its doors at Vestdijk 57a, 5611 CA in Eindhoven. Feel free to drop by for a cup of coffee.
Eindhoven, 30 July 2021 – ECFG has realized a new participation via Eindhoven Venture Capital Fund II (EVCF II). It is the eighth holding of this fund. It concerns the company Greentom Holding B.V. that makes sustainable strollers, in which the fund has taken a minority interest.
About Greentom
Greentom is an innovative Dutch company that develops and markets sustainable strollers that are made entirely from high-quality recycled plastic. By using waste as a raw material, Greentom offers a circular solution. The design of the stroller omits all superfluous components. This less-is-more design philosophy enables Greentom to market the strollers at a competitive price. The young company from Maastricht has won several international design and innovation awards for the product design of its strollers.
Innovative design
Greentom saw an opportunity to develop an attractive and durable stroller to fill a growing need for sustainable alternatives in a traditional market.
They succeeded in designing a stroller that consists of only 28 elements that are easy to assemble. This fits in with the Dutch ‘no-nonsense’ mentality that the company pursues. By opting for form, functionality, and durability, Greentom has been able to innovate in a market in which the big players have not succeeded to do so.
Investment objective
After intensive product and concept development in recent years, the investment of EVCF II gives a boost to sales and business development. Greentom already sells its products in Europe and Asia and wants to expand its sales worldwide. Greentom will also further develop its products based on the same philosophy – design in combination with sustainability. EVCF II is proud to be able to contribute to this. Bringing such sustainable initiatives to the market is in line with the vision of EVCF II.
Cooperation
“The collaboration with EVCF II offers Greentom the opportunity to introduce a growing group of parents worldwide to its sustainable products and to further invest in the scale-up of production. Greentom’s vision: to make a positive contribution to a greener future for the next generation, fits seamlessly with the sustainable nature of this investment fund. Let’s create a green tomorrow!’, says Maarten Wellens, managing director of Greentom.
Ruben Baijens, investment director and partner of ECFG: ‘Together with Greentom, we have gone through an intensive process to achieve a great collaboration. We are confident in the company’s growth objectives and ambition. Greentom’s green vision has resulted in a great product and there is so much more potential that can be realized with this collaboration. The product shows that functionality, design, and sustainability go hand in hand. With the investment from EVCF II, we also invest our knowledge and experience in the company and contribute to, for example, strategy, financial and legal affairs. This is how we create real added value.”
Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RvO) biedt verschillende stimuleringsmaatregelen om technische ontwikkelingen mogelijk te maken. Met een lening uit de Vroegefasefinanciering kun je onderzoeken hoe groot de slagingskans is van je idee in de markt en je plan ten uitvoer brengen. Het Innovatiekrediet is er om daadwerkelijk de technische ontwikkeling te realiseren van een nieuw, veelbelovend product. De ervaring leert dat het wat uitzoekwerk vraagt om te onderzoeken of je ervoor in aanmerking komt. Ook vraagt het aanvraagtraject behoorlijk wat energie. ECFG helpt je er graag bij.
Voorwaarden vroegefasefinanciering
Deze lening is er zowel voor starters als voor bedrijven die al langer bestaan. Aangezien we er regelmatig vragen over krijgen, zetten we de belangrijkste voorwaarden nog een keer op een rijtje:
• Businessplan waaruit substantiële groei blijkt.
• Vroegefaseplan dat zich richt op de voorwaardelijke eisen van de investeerder.
• Intentieverklaring van een toekomstige investeerder.
• Het commitment van de investeerder is minimaal gelijk aan het gevraagde bedrag van de VFF.
• Investeerder dient nieuw, deskundig, draagkrachtig en onafhankelijk te zijn.
• Vroegefasetraject is nog niet gestart en duurt maximaal 2 jaar.
• Er is nog niet eerder subsidie ontvangen voor het traject.
• Alleen het deel dat niet zelf kan worden gefinancierd komt voor VFF in aanmerking.
Meer informatie over de stappen in het aanvraagproces en welke documenten nodig zijn, lees je in een eerder artikel.
Voordelen Innovatiekrediet Ook over het Innovatiekrediet krijgen we regelmatig vragen. We zetten daarom de voordelen van deze regeling nog eens op een rijtje:
Verlaagt het financieel risico van een innovatieproject.
Krediet (ook) in een fase waarin de bank nog niet kan financieren.
Meer informatie over de stappen in het aanvraagproces lees je in een eerder artikel.
Hulp nodig? Wil je meer weten over deze regelingen? Wil je dat we de volledige zorg van het onderzoeken en aanvragen uit handen nemen? Neem dan contact op met Ruben Baijens (baijens@ecfg.nl, 06 250 51 541).
Eindhoven, March 31 2021. ECFG has realized a new participation through Eindhoven Venture Capital Fund II (EVCF II). It is the seventh investment of this fund. This concerns Qlayers Holding B.V., in which the fund has acquired a minority interest. It concerns a co-investment with AkzoNobel as a strategic partner.
About Qlayers
Qlayers is a young company from Delft, founded in 2017 by Josefien Groot and Ruben Geutjens. Qlayers is specialized in the robotic application of coating, for example for tank applications and wind turbine blade applications.
Innovative scale-up
Qlayers’ proposition is unique because of the way of coating. This application makes it safer (no people at height), more efficient (machine can coat continuously) and more sustainable (less paint wasted). The market is characterized by the fact that few players are active, which is partly why there is already a lot of traction from the market in a relatively short time. We expect this company to undergo enormous growth in the coming years.
Investment objective
With the investment, Qlayers aims to boost sales and business development. In the coming years, Qlayers will grow into a major player in innovative coating application on the international market, where coating application without overspray will become the norm. We are proud that we can contribute to this.
Cooperation
‘We’re thrilled that ECFG and AkzoNobel have decided to make this investment in our company,’ says Josefien Groot, co-founder and CEO of Qlayers. ‘Our solution radically changes the way coatings are applied in industry. This investment brings us closer to our dream of a future in which every surface is multifunctional, just like in nature. Our robots allow us to coat surfaces automatically in an efficient and sustainable way and add functionalities to surfaces in the future.’
Hans Bloemen, managing director at ECFG: ‘We are impressed and have full confidence in the company, the technique, the progressive entrepreneurs and the management team. The product offered is unique and uses an innovative technique. The current phase of Qlayers fits the investment scope of Eindhoven Venture Capital Fund II (EVCF II). This fund aims to facilitate accelerated company growth in the technological ecosystem, in which we operate ‘side by side’ with the entrepreneurs and other shareholders. I am therefore particularly pleased that we can invest in Qlayers together with AkzoNobel, and that we can bundle our strengths to help Qlayers reach their next level in sales and business development. It’s not only about money, but also about knowledge and experience. This is how we realize real added value, together.’
‘This collaboration with Qlayers is not only a strategic investment for AkzoNobel and our co-investor ECFG, it’s a win-win-win for us all,’ says Menno van der Zalm, Global Director Innovation at AkzoNobel. ‘It fits our vision to make the paints and coatings value chain more sustainable and efficient with innovative products and solutions for our customers. ECFG is adding another promising enterprise to their portfolio. And Qlayers is now ready to scale up and accelerate their growth. Working together, we’re going to make progress and be successful.’
Ik ben Nick Lammers, 23 jaar, woonachtig in Eindhoven en heb mijn BSc International Business Administration en MSc Finance afgerond aan Tilburg University.
Na mijn master heb ik het QTEM-programma gedaan. Dit gaf me de kans een stage in M&A te doen bij Improved Corporate Finance in Amsterdam en daarnaast een exchange te doen op UPF-BSM in Barcelona. Daarnaast voetbal, fitness en reis ik graag in mijn vrije tijd.
Hoe lang ben je aan ECFG verbonden en waarvoor kun je vooral bij jou aankloppen?
Ik ben sinds half september werkzaam bij ECFG. Ik werk als analist en ga mij bezighouden met onder andere Finance & Growth.
Waar ben je trots op?
Ik ben trots op het feit dat ik met 23 jaar mijn BSc, MSc en het QTEM-programma heb weten te behalen.
Wat is je motto?
Ik ben van mening dat teamwork erg belangrijk is voor het behalen van succes. Om een quote van Michael Jordan aan te halen: ‘Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships’.
We introduceren graag één voor één alle ECFG-collega’s. Dit keer Ruben Baijens, investment director en partner.
Even voorstellen Mijn naam is Ruben Baijens en ik heb de rol van investment director bij ECFG. Ik ben 45, getrouwd met Astrid en samen wonen we in Vught met onze drie tieners en sinds kort een hond. Mijn achtergrond is chemische technologie aan de TU/e. De studiekeuze was vooral uit interesse; toen ik eraan begon wist ik eigenlijk al dat ik niet direct in die richting zou gaan werken. Ik heb daarom extra keuzevakken bedrijfskunde gedaan. Daarna heb ik financial management op Nyenrode gedaan. Mijn werkzame leven ben ik gestart bij Greenfield Capital, een combinatie van corporate finance en private equity. Later ging ik aan de slag bij NV Rede, een ondernemende ontwikkelingsmaatschappij die optimaal gebruikmaakte van de positie tussen overheid en bedrijfsleven in. Dit betekent het beste van beide werelden pakken en echt iets toevoegen. Hans Bloemen werkte daar al en snel hadden we de eerste plannen om samen iets te doen wat uiteindelijk ECFG geworden is.
In mijn vrije tijd ben ik penningmeester van de lokale VVD en de voetbalvereniging van de kinderen. Je maakt mij blij met een speciaal biertje, vooral tripels en quadruppels. Ter compensatie probeer ik ook te sporten, met name fitness en hardlopen.
Hoe lang ben je aan ECFG verbonden en waarvoor kun je vooral bij jou aankloppen?
Zo’n 12 jaar geleden zijn we ECFG gestart. Ik ben vooral in mijn element als ik complexe financierings- en ondernemingsvragen op een creatieve manier kan oplossen. Dat kun je alleen maar doen als je van vele markten thuis bent, een brede kijk hebt en weet wat er kan. Ik zie het als puzzels oplossen waar je veel kennis en ervaring voor nodig hebt. Zaken die ik niet weet achterhaal ik via mijn netwerk. Het mooiste is om zo samen met ondernemers kansen te verzilveren en stappen te maken naar groei.
Waar ben je trots op?
Ik ben eigenlijk nooit zo gauw ergens trots op. Ik heb vooral een drive om dingen voor mezelf goed te doen. Als ik het niet goed genoeg vind dan zorg ik dat ik mijn kennis aanvul. Ik vind dat het altijd beter kan, noem het perfectionistisch. Het probleem is wel meteen dat je dan nooit klaar bent, je kunt nooit achterover leunen.
Wat is je motto?
Geen woorden maar daden, zou ik zeggen. Je kunt overal wat van vinden maar uiteindelijk moet het ook gewoon gebeuren en als het even kan meteen goed. Dus net zo makkelijk om teveel gepraat te besparen en meteen aan de slag te gaan. Deze nuchtere, hardwerkende mentaliteit is overigens iets dat de mensen bij ECFG bindt.
We introduceren graag alle ECFG-collega’s. Dit keer Helmy van Kollenburg, sinds februari onze officemanager.
Even voorstellen
Ik ben Helmy van Kollenburg, 52 jaar geleden geboren in het mooie Oirschot en woonachtig in Schijndel. Na een aantal functies in sales en marketing ben ik als geboren regelaar, organisator en procesverbeteraar inmiddels helemaal happy in mijn rol als officemanager. Deze rol heb ik uitgevoerd bij enkele MKB-bedrijven in met name de financiële dienstverlening en onlangs ben ik de uitdaging aangegaan om het officemanagement bij ECFG vorm te gaan geven.
Hoe lang ben je aan ECFG verbonden en waarvoor kun je vooral bij jou aankloppen?
Ik ben dus nog niet zo lang aan ECFG verbonden, per 1 februari ben ik in dienst gekomen in de rol van officemanager. Het is mijn taak alle processen die niet direct inhoudelijk met het begeleidings- en advieswerk te maken hebben zo optimaal mogelijk te structureren en in te richten. Zo kunnen mijn collega’s zich volledig op onze klanten focussen, met een soepel draaiende backoffice om op terug te vallen. Door mijn inlevingsvermogen en commerciële achtergrond ben ik goed in staat om me, vanuit een niet-vakinhoudelijke rol, te verplaatsen in de klant en een goed beeld te vormen van wat we als organisatie kunnen doen om de klantbeleving zo positief mogelijk te maken. Natuurlijk is er nog een heleboel te leren, maar het begin is gemaakt en ik heb ontzettend veel zin om het verder uit te bouwen. ECFG is een professionele club, waar hard wordt gewerkt, waar iedereen elkaar scherp houdt maar waar ook voldoende ruimte is voor een praatje of een grap tussendoor. Ik ben er trots op deel te mogen uitmaken van dit mooie team!
Waar ben je trots op?
Er zijn heel veel dingen, groot en klein, privé en zakelijk, waar ik met veel plezier en ook veel trots op terugkijk. Al deze ervaringen hebben een stukje ‘wijsheid’ meegegeven, waar ik elke dag opnieuw weer dankbaar gebruik van maak.
Wat is je motto?
Als je dat aan de mensen om mij heen vraagt weet ik zeker dat ze zeggen: ‘Wie goed doet, goed ontmoet’. Dat zeg ik namelijk vaak en ik geloof daar ook heilig in. Luister ècht naar een ander, stel jezelf open, leer elke dag van de mensen om je heen. Dat helpt je om zowel zakelijk als privé een positief gevoel te geven en te krijgen!
Eindhoven, 6 september 2019. VebaBox Cool Solutions, de Udense leverancier van innovatieve oplossingen voor de cold chain, heeft een nieuwe investeerder. Met de investering ondersteunt Eindhoven Venture Capital Fund II (EVCF II) VebaBox in het verder versterken van haar internationalisering. EVCF II is een investeringsfonds van ECFG.
VebaBox levert actieve en passieve oplossingen voor het conditioneren van goederen in de opslag, overslag en in transport. De belangrijkste afzetmarkten zijn pharma, food, health, lab en non profit organisaties. Dit betekent dat de producten geschikt zijn voor levensmiddelen en medicijnen maar bijvoorbeeld ook voor bloedtransport of transport van voedselhulp.
De markt VebaBox ziet de markt groeien doordat consumenten steeds meer eisen stellen en de consumentveiligheid steeds belangrijker wordt. Hierdoor gaat de traditionele cold chain de komende vier tot vijf jaar verdrievoudigen. Daarnaast probeert de overheid het welzijn en de leefsituatie in de stad te verbeteren en kijkt naar elektrificatie van vervoersmiddelen en nieuwe stadsdistributiemodellen.
Doorbreken van de traditionele cold chain VebaBox ontwikkelt, produceert en levert innovatieve oplossingen die de traditionele cold chain doorbreken. Waar eerder alleen werd gekeken naar vaste koelhuizen en vervoersmiddelen, gelooft VebaBox in de oplossing om de ‘ladingdrager’ te conditioneren. Hierdoor is een fabrikant, distributeur of retailer, die zich met de last mile bezighoudt, flexibeler. Zo kan de gehele logistieke keten efficiënter worden ingericht en de productkwaliteit beter worden gewaarborgd.
Modulair De kracht van het ‘VebaBox concept’ is dat het modulair is opgebouwd, waardoor het heel flexibel is in te zetten in de gehele logistieke keten. De VebaBox is op elke maat te maken en geschikt voor alle merken bedrijfswagens. Temperatuurgevoelige producten kunnen tussen de -20 en +25 graden worden gedistribueerd. Dit concept biedt ook een oplossing voor gecombineerd transport met verschillende transporten op verschillende temperaturen. De VebaBox zorgt voor continu actieve koeling, zowel in de auto op 12V van de motor, als ook zelfstandig en is makkelijk overzetbaar naar een nieuwe bedrijfswagen. Door de ontwikkelingen en het unieke product wordt voor de komende jaren een flinke groei verwacht.
Investering voor meer voet aan de grond in Noord-Amerika VebaBox levert in diverse landen in Europa, Azië, Australië en Noord-Amerika. Met de investering wordt de organisatie aangepast en de marketing opgeschaald om vooral in Noord-Amerika meer voet aan de grond te krijgen.
Rob van den Acker, eigenaar VebaBox Cool Solutions: “Een aantal jaren geleden heb ik met hulp van ECFG dit bedrijf gekocht. Al vanaf het begin ervaar ik een enorme betrokkenheid. Er wordt breed gedacht als het gaat om financiering. Ze werken bovendien pragmatisch en denken mee in de onderneming. We hebben een mooie product markt combinatie. De kost gaat soms voor de baat uit en je moet in iets geloven, daar moet je doorheen kunnen kijken. De mensen bij ECFG hebben die kwaliteit. ECFG is voor mij niet een koude investeerder maar levert hoge toegevoegde waarde. Het gaat niet alleen om geld maar ook om mensen. Ik vind dat een groot verschil met andere bronnen van geld en bovendien van groot belang bij het bouwen aan een bedrijf. Het dagelijks bouwen aan VebaBox is overigens in goede handen bij operationeel directeur, Roland van de Ven.”
Hans Bloemen, managing director ECFG: “Door de jaren heen hebben we Rob geadviseerd en ondersteund bij het aantrekken van (overname)financieringen en overig business development. We hebben vertrouwen in het bedrijf, de ondernemer en het management. Het product is uniek en is er een nieuwe salesstrategie ingezet met als gevolg een mooi groeipotentieel. De fase waar VebaBox zich in bevindt sluit goed aan bij de investeringsfocus van EVCF II. Het fonds heeft tot doel de versnelde groei van bedrijven in het technologische ecosysteem van de Brainport-regio te faciliteren, waarbij we ‘zij aan zij’ met de ondernemers en andere aandeelhouders opereren. Het gaat dan niet alleen om geld, maar ook om kennis en ervaring. Dit is hoe we samen echte toegevoegde waarde realiseren.”
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