UNIIQ

UNIIQ is a distinctive regional venture fund based in The Hague, Netherlands, specifically designed to foster innovation within the province of South Holland. Established through a unique collaboration between prominent academic institutions—Erasmus MC, TU Delft, and Leiden University—and the regional development agency InnovationQuarter, UNIIQ plays a crucial role in supporting early-stage, deep-tech ventures. Its primary mission is to accelerate the market entry of groundbreaking innovations, particularly those emerging from academic research, by providing essential capital during the critical Proof-of-Concept phase. This strategic focus helps bridge the notorious "valley of death" between scientific discovery and commercial viability.

The fund's investment strategy is centered on providing convertible loans, a flexible financing instrument well-suited for nascent companies that may not yet be ready for traditional equity rounds. UNIIQ targets companies in the Proof-of-Concept stage, where initial funding is vital for validating technologies, building prototypes, and conducting market feasibility studies. This early-stage support is crucial for de-risking innovative projects and making them more attractive for subsequent larger investment rounds. The collaboration with leading universities ensures a strong pipeline of high-potential, knowledge-intensive startups across various sectors, including life sciences, medical technology, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.

UNIIQ operates with a total fund capital of approximately €22 million, equivalent to about $23.76 million USD. This capital is deployed through individual investments structured as convertible loans, with a typical maximum cheque size of €300,000, or approximately $324,000 USD. While the fund can provide up to this amount, its typical first cheques for promising ventures often range from €150,000, or about $162,000 USD, reflecting its commitment to providing substantial, yet appropriate, early-stage capital. These investments are designed to help companies achieve specific milestones that demonstrate commercial potential and prepare them for follow-on funding from private investors or larger venture capital firms.