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.