OostNL

OostNL is the development company for Eastern Netherlands, enhancing the regional economy on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate and the provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland. It invests public funds in entrepreneurs within the region while providing access to knowledge, expertise, and a network. Actively involved in the top sectors of Food, Energy, Health, and Tech, OostNL prioritizes achieving an optimal balance between financial and social returns. The agency supports entrepreneurs in innovation, investment, and internationalization to foster sustainable growth in the regional economy and create employment. OostNL also addresses global social issues by enabling social returns with a focus on sustainability, smart industry, and health-related concepts. As a partner, connector, and amplifier, OostNL accelerates technological innovation for a livable future, helping innovative entrepreneurs from Gelderland and Overijssel advance. One notable initiative includes the SecFund, which provides early-stage financing to Dutch startups and innovative SMEs, starting with €25 million in capital aimed to reach €100 million by 2025. The fund can invest up to €5 million per company. Companies within a regional ecosystem benefit from shared expertise and strong entrepreneurial support, exemplified by Skytron Europe and projects like Grassa, which aims to enhance sustainability in agriculture through protein extraction from grass. OostNL offers financial resources, networks, and knowledge to expedite bringing innovations to market.