Gemma Frisius Fund

The Gemma Frisius Fund (GFF) is the dedicated venture capital fund of KU Leuven, a prominent university based in Leuven, Belgium. Established in 1997, GFF's core mission is to provide seed and early-stage capital to spin-off companies emerging directly from the research endeavors of KU Leuven and the University Hospitals Leuven. This strategic alignment allows the fund to play a pivotal role in translating cutting-edge academic research into viable commercial ventures, thereby fostering innovation and economic growth within the region.

The fund's investment focus spans a broad spectrum of high-tech sectors, including life sciences (biotech, medtech), information and communication technology (ICT), and engineering. GFF is an active investor, aiming to bridge the critical funding gap often faced by nascent companies with deep technological roots. Beyond capital, the fund also offers its portfolio companies access to KU Leuven's extensive network, expertise, and infrastructure, providing invaluable support during their formative stages.

Gemma Frisius Fund typically provides initial investments ranging from €50,000 to €500,000, which translates to approximately $54,000 to $540,000 based on recent exchange rates. The fund also demonstrates a commitment to its portfolio by participating in follow-on funding rounds, with potential investments reaching up to €2.5 million or more as companies scale. As of recent reports, GFF has successfully supported over 70 spin-off companies, showcasing its significant impact on the Belgian deep-tech ecosystem. With a total capital under management of approximately €20 million, the fund remains a consistent and vital source of early-stage funding for university-born ventures.