The Innovation Fund

What is The Innovation Fund?

The Innovation Fund sa/nv, founded in February 2015, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Anderlecht, Belgium, that focuses on providing financial support to startups and companies engaged in innovative projects within the chemistry and life sciences sectors. The firm demonstrates its commitment to innovation through its substantial investment activities, boasting an initial capital of 13 million EUR, which grew to 35 million EUR after a capital increase in October 2019.

The Innovation Fund's unique approach is exemplified by the backing of major industrial companies such as TOTAL, SOLVAY, BASF, CARMEUSE, and others. These partners not only contribute financially but also add value to ventures through their industry expertise and networks. The fund also offers access to additional capital for projects characterized by a high degree of innovation at stages beyond academic research, ensuring protection and proof of development.

Louis Neltner from Solvay has emphasized the fund's role in staying attuned to emerging technologies that address significant societal challenges, highlighting the impact of this venture capital approach. Beyond its financial investments, the Innovation Fund is also noted for its predecessor, the Innovation Circle, which was established in 2013 by Franois Cornlis.

The Circle brought together 13 ex-CEOs and academics from the chemical sector to offer free assistance and mentoring to startups and SMEs. Since its inception, the Innovation Circle has supported over 100 projects, with some reaching maturity and requiring additional capital for further development.

The Innovation Fund acts as a one-stop shop for companies within the Belgian chemical sector, scouting and nurturing potential future market leaders. Koenraad Van Loo from SFPI-FPIM also voiced confidence in the fund's ability to foster successful development through public-private co-investment.

This synergy between the public sector, academia, and private industry creates an ecosystem conducive to nurturing innovations from early stages through to commercialization.