InnovationQuarter

InnovationQuarter serves as the regional development agency for the South Holland province in the Netherlands, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the local economy by fostering innovation, attracting foreign investment, and supporting the growth of startups and scale-ups. Through its dedicated venture capital fund, IQCapital, the organization strategically invests in promising companies that align with the region's key innovation clusters, including Life Sciences & Health, Energy, Maritime & Port, Cybersecurity, and AI. Their investment approach is designed to provide catalytic capital, often co-investing alongside private venture capital firms and other strategic partners to maximize impact and leverage.

IQCapital primarily targets early-stage companies, ranging from seed to Series A and B rounds, that demonstrate high growth potential and a clear connection to the South Holland ecosystem. They seek out businesses that can contribute to the region's economic development and job creation. The agency's commitment extends beyond just capital, offering support through its extensive network and expertise to help portfolio companies scale and succeed in both domestic and international markets.

InnovationQuarter has a significant track record of supporting the regional innovation landscape. Since its inception, the IQCapital fund has invested in more than 100 companies, demonstrating its consistent activity in the market. For instance, in 2022 alone, InnovationQuarter directly invested approximately $15.98 million (€14.8 million) into 20 companies, which in turn mobilized a substantial $126.36 million (€117 million) in co-investments from other parties. This highlights their ability to attract significant follow-on capital and act as a crucial enabler for regional startups.