ROM Utrecht Region has announced a €2 million investment in the VCC Deep Tech Fund (DTF), a fund managed by Value Creation Capital (VCC) in Bilthoven. This investment aims to accelerate the development of deep tech companies in the Utrecht region, providing financial backing to ventures focused on scientific and technological innovations. Deep tech startups often struggle to secure sufficient funding, making this initiative a potential boost for the sector. The collaboration between ROM Utrecht Region and VCC is expected to offer both financial support and strategic guidance to technology companies.
Previously, the VCC Deep Tech Fund received investments from organizations such as Invest-NL, Oost NL, TNO, and several private investors. The fund already supports six companies, including Optics11, Optics11Life, Delmic, UReason, Fizyr, and Fastmicro, with plans to add six more in the coming years. Past investments by VCC include Basetime and MILabs, demonstrating its track record in the deep tech sector. ROM Utrecht Region’s decision to invest in the fund underlines the increasing role of regional development companies in supporting early-stage technology firms.
Why is ROM Utrecht Region Investing in Deep Tech?
The investment in deep tech aligns with ROM Utrecht Region’s focus on health, sustainability, and digital innovation. The fund’s strategy is designed to strengthen these areas by supporting companies with innovative technologies that address key societal challenges. Jeffrey Williams, senior investment manager at ROM Utrecht Region, stated,
“VCC has almost twenty years of experience in investing in (deep)tech companies and a proven track record in recognizing promising technologies. The deep tech focus of the fund fits seamlessly with the three spearheads of ROM – health, sustainability, and digital innovation – and contributes to strengthening and making these ecosystems sustainable in the long term.”
What Impact Could This Investment Have?
By investing in the VCC Deep Tech Fund, ROM Utrecht Region aims to create a stronger deep tech ecosystem in the region. This move follows the example set by other regional development companies such as Brabant Development Agency (BOM) and Oost NL, which have used similar strategies to stimulate innovation. The investment is expected to help bridge the funding gap for deep tech startups, allowing them to scale and bring their innovations to market. Edgard Creemers, Fund Manager at ROM Utrecht Region, emphasized,
“For ROM, this investment marks a new milestone through a first investment in a fund. VCC has distinguished itself in the past through its results and knowledge of the market. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration in which more resources and expertise will be made available to promising companies in our region.”
ROM Utrecht Region plans to complete at least four fund investments in 2025, indicating a broader strategy to support emerging businesses. The organization currently manages three funds: the Vroege Fase Financiering (VFF) Fund, the Healthy Urban Living Proof of Concept Fund (POC), and the Participation Fund. With this latest investment, ROM Utrecht Region expands its role as a key player in facilitating capital access for local startups.
Deep tech investment has been a growing focus for both private and public investors, yet funding remains limited in the Netherlands compared to other European countries. While regions like Eindhoven have seen significant deep tech investment in the past, Utrecht’s deep tech sector is still developing. The involvement of ROM Utrecht Region in this space could contribute to closing the financial gap for deep tech firms and strengthen the region’s competitive position in science-driven innovation.
Deep tech startups often require long-term investment due to the complexity of their technologies, making dedicated funding essential. With the addition of ROM Utrecht Region’s investment, the VCC Deep Tech Fund could potentially accelerate the growth of early-stage companies working on advanced technological solutions. The success of this initiative will depend on the ability to identify high-potential startups and ensure they receive the support necessary to scale. If effective, this collaboration could serve as a model for other regions looking to enhance innovation through targeted funding.
