Development agencies in Brabant carry LEVEL UP to new heights

On Sept. 30, entrepreneurs, investors, and others involved in the startup ecosystem will gather at the Evoluon in Eindhoven for the startup event LEVEL UP. Not only is the creation of startups important within LEVEL UP but much attention is also needed to scale up from startups to scale-ups.

“After we have helped startups on their way - for example, with a good business plan, coaching, initial funding, and a workspace - we should certainly not let them go just yet,” states Bas Kapitein of Midpoint Brabant. “The startups still have a long way to go to grow, scale up, and eventually become established companies. It is important that we, as regional development agencies in Brabant, continue to contribute to this, for example, by helping the companies grow, anchoring the new earning capacity in the economy, and internationalizing.”

Several organizations are active in Brabant that fuel innovation, support startups, and build a robust ecosystem. Brainport Development, REWIN, Midpoint Brabant, and Agrifood Capital work closely with the Brabant Development Company (BOM) around LEVEL UP. “We are always modest, but LEVEL UP is growing fast and has become an important event for the Dutch startup ecosystem. There are great speakers, and the network is precious,” says Stephanie ter Borg, director of REWIN.

Growing together

Good cooperation between the Brabant regional development companies is crucial for startups and scale-ups to grow in the region - and beyond. Everyone involved agrees on that. Each organization focuses on a particular area in Brabant and looks at specific themes. "That way, we always provide startups with the right guidance in the right place. And we also learn from each other; we don't have to reinvent the wheel," Ter Borg said.

"Openness and trust are the strengths of Brabant," says Piet van der Wielen, program manager of the business at Brainport Development. It is also the basis of cooperation between companies, governments, and knowledge institutions in which the region excels. "Both nationally and internationally, people are looking at the Brabant cooperation. And we see that again in LEVEL UP."

The words of Ter Borg and Van der Wielen reflect the common goal of BOM and its partners to support startups with knowledge, networks, and capital. CEO Brigit van Dijk-Van de Reijt: “We have never brought so many partners together for an event of this magnitude. This illustrates how cooperation in Brabant results in visible progress.”

Innovative entrepreneurship

REWIN works in West Brabant. “To realize our regional ambitions, we work together here in four programs: Innovative, Circular, and Plantbased Entrepreneurship and Startup & Scale-Up, also known as B'WISE. This focus on startups is not for nothing; they are the business model of the future. With our guidance, instruments, and facilities for startups, we contribute to a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative economy,” says Stephanie ter Borg. “Just last week, for example, we launched the B'WISE Founders Academy.”

Thinking along

Brainport Development operates in the Brainport region, the eastern part of Brabant. The organization strengthens the regional economy through various projects. Supporting startups and scale-ups is an important part. “For example, we organize a CEO table. In it, startups get the space to pitch to the CEOs of large companies from the region. This is not about money but about helping with development. The entrepreneurs can contribute ideas and use their network to help the startups move forward, which is very nice and valuable for all parties at the table.”

People and technology

Midpoint Brabant focuses on the middle of Brabant. Director Bas Kapitein: “Whereas the Brainport region excels in technological innovation, we mainly look at people-oriented innovation and impact on society. Beautifully complementary, then, as Brabant regions. New technology accelerates transitions, for example in the field of energy, food, or healthcare. In addition, it is also important to look at the economic and societal side of innovation, for example in terms of revenue models or legal, ethical, and social aspects. The interaction between the technology and the human side is very relevant to make a real impact. In Central Brabant, Tilburg University, Fontys, Avans, the municipality of Tilburg and Midpoint Brabant have therefore started to give impact startups extra support. We do this under the apt name: Startups for Society.”

Sustainability first

Working in Northeast Brabant, AgriFood Capital focuses primarily on innovation in the food sector. This involves not just the production chain but also the entire agrifood complex. That includes the packaging industry, data, engineering, ICT, machine builders, and other suppliers, "In these and all other sectors, we see startups. We support those with our new Startup program," said Sander Groenen, director of AgrFood Capital. "We mainly focus on young startups and startups with several years of work experience. Our region is special because many startups have an MBO and HBO education. We also see this in the food sector. There is a strong focus on sustainable and healthy food, produced smartly and 'waste-free,' balanced with nature and the environment, and suitable for local and international markets."

BOM is the overarching booster of innovation and entrepreneurship in Brabant. "We have our entire organization ready for that, but of course, we cannot get it done alone," said Brigit van Dijk-Van de Reijt. "Cooperation is traditionally a distinguishing feature of the Brabant way of working; this is again very visible at LEVEL UP. Only in this way can we create a strong and growing startup ecosystem."

The team makes the startup.

In this phase between startup and scale-up, two components are critical, the regional development companies see. "First, the team," observes Ter Borg. "Often, a startup starts with the inventor as CEO. As the company grows and more people join, management must change. A larger company requires (different) managerial skills. Sometimes, the founder can do it himself, but often, it is better to make room for someone else.

Groenen sees this as well. "It is important to look not only at the company but also at the entrepreneur himself," he says. "What is your attitude, behavior, and knowledge as an entrepreneur? But also: what skills do you have yourself, and what do you need others for? It is essential to reflect on this as a startup entrepreneur regularly. We do this, for example, in the JUMP program. Participants often indicate that JUMP provides a strong foundation for continuous growth as an entrepreneur and a valuable network, ranging from other startups to CEOs of established companies."

Stable and healthy companies

In addition to leadership, funding is an essential prerequisite for growth. Van der Wielen: "The first part of funding for a startup is often public money. After that, there is a gap because public and private sources have to raise funding again. It is good to make a consistent policy on this so that funding flows better and there is less 'waiting time.' Of course, the companies must meet certain conditions to succeed."

Scaling up is essential, but Groenen believes that only some companies must become significant or international enterprises. "Many SMEs and family businesses also characterize our region. There are many large, influential players, From food to construction, data science to metal. Then, we will talk about the large, well-known companies and lesser-known SMEs that have a big impact. When startups grow into stable, healthy SMEs, that is also a big win for the region. We also see that startups themselves are increasingly working on this. Not just looking at growth, but also other issues such as environmental impact and social importance."

On a level playing field

The development companies in Brabant are entirely on the same page regarding the importance and goals of LEVEL UP, concludes Brigit van Dijk - Van de Reijt. "LEVEL UP is a unique opportunity where international startups, investors, and other stakeholders unite. This event not only underlines the importance of tech startups but also highlights their contribution to social issues and innovation. Startups are the basis for our future earning power. It's great that all regions within Brabant cooperate so fanatically in this. During LEVEL UP, but also afterward, of course."