KBC Group Launches €100M Fund to Boost Belgium’s Startups

Belgium’s startup ecosystem is set to receive a significant boost with the announcement that KBC Group will invest €100 million through its accelerator program, Start it @KBC. This funding aims to address the challenges faced by early-stage founders in securing vital investments, a gap that has hindered the growth of many promising companies.

The new initiative includes the establishment of a dedicated Start it Fund, designed to provide top-performing startups with immediate access to capital and hands-on support. This move responds to the requests from founders seeking early-stage financing and aims to facilitate the scaling of their businesses.

Investment Details and Support Structure

The Start it Fund will offer selected startups tailored capital, extensive coaching, and the possibility of follow-up financing. The average investment will be around €300,000, although some startups may secure more based on their specific needs and progress. Importantly, KBC will maintain its “no equity” approach during the initial program year, investing only in the most promising companies afterward.

According to Johan Thijs, CEO of KBC Group, the goal is to guide entrepreneurs from their initial idea to a potential IPO. He noted, “With the new fund, we can now truly guide founders… We support them not only with knowledge and networks, but also with capital tailored to their growth ambitions.”

The initiative aims to cultivate an ecosystem that emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and international aspirations. Founders who receive funding will also benefit from an additional year of support and access to a robust alumni network, enhancing their chances of success.

Follow-up Capital for High-Performing Startups

For the highest-performing startups, the funding could extend to €5 million in follow-up investment through KBC Securities. Tim Derycke, Head of Investment Services & KBC Focus Fund, explained that the new capital is designed to assist these startups in evolving into stable scale-ups.

“Our integrated approach provides founders with not just follow-on financing but also access to our team’s venture capital experience. We aim to help companies grow with M&A advice, financing solutions, and IPO guidance,” Derycke stated. This multifaceted support is presented as a unique offering within Belgium’s investment landscape.

A Proven Track Record

Since its inception in 2014, Start it @KBC has supported over 1,900 startups, resulting in the creation of more than 12,000 jobs and raising in excess of €1.1 billion in funding. The program has achieved a remarkable survival rate of 73% after five years, surpassing international averages.

The initiative has nurtured successful companies, such as Aikido Security, Bolt, and Crazy Games, positioning itself as one of Belgium’s leading startup ecosystems.

As KBC Group rolls out this new fund, the aim is not merely to provide financial backing but to foster an environment where innovative ideas can thrive and develop into significant global players.