New KBC Investment Fund
KBC has introduced a new €50m fund for nanotech and IoT startups called the KBC Focus Fund. “With Belgium as a knowledge centre, European deep tech has the potential to become a worldwide reference, just like the biotech sector.” Koen Schrever, Head of Investment Services at KBC Securities.
The KBC Focus Fund wants to play a central role in building the ecosystem of high-tech startups and businesses that is gradually maturing in Belgium. KBC Securities – KBC Group’s brokerage firm – will oversee the fund. It has the knowledge and the contacts to support entrepreneurs throughout every stage of their venture’s growth. KBC Securities can support firms from initial idea to IPO, allowing it to meet their financial needs faster.
“Thanks to our investments in the university funds and in imec.Xpand, we already have a pretty good idea of what’s going on within the sector. Meanwhile, our analysts are already using their thorough knowledge of the sector to track listed high-tech firms. Our M&A and Corporate Finance departments, lastly – not to mention KBC Corporate Banking – focus on this sector too, which clearly shows what our Belgian SMEs are capable of. So we have deep local roots, which allow us to spot attractive opportunities for our participating interests very quickly.” – Koen Schrever.
“You need three things if you want to develop a promising ecosystem. First and foremost, there have to be outstanding research institutions in place, with which to attract talent from all over the world. Next up, entrepreneurs – preferably serial entrepreneurs – are important when it comes to building the businesses. And the last element is obviously institutions and investors willing to finance this risk.” – Koen Schrever.
If all three of those pillars are present, you have the basis for a promising ecosystem. The life sciences and biotech sectors are excellent examples in Belgium. KBC Securities is convinced that all three ingredients for the deep-tech sector can be found in our region.
“Thanks to imec, the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, and the Belgian universities, the first requirement is certainly met. And the entrepreneurship built up in the life sciences and biotech is also set to extend into deep-tech fields. When it comes to financing, KBC Group can provide the necessary boost.” – Koen Schrever.
