KBC Group has announced a €100 million investment to invigorate the Belgian startup ecosystem via its accelerator, Start it @KBC. This initiative includes launching the Start it Fund, a new vehicle providing critical early-stage financing to promising ventures. The fund aims to create a comprehensive support pathway for entrepreneurs, guiding them from initial concept to potential market leadership.
A Strategic Commitment to Belgian Entrepreneurship
The new €100 million fund addresses a long-standing need for early-stage capital in Belgium, empowering founders to accelerate their growth. Managed by Start it @KBC, it provides financial backing, extended mentorship, and access to a vast network. This integrated approach helps top-tier startups navigate the journey from inception to a possible initial public offering.
Johan Thijs, CEO of KBC Group, stated this initiative stems from the bank's entrepreneurial DNA and commitment to innovation. He noted the accelerator has become the country's largest startup ecosystem, and this fund completes its support structure. The mission is to give founders the capital and network needed to become global players of tomorrow.
An Innovative Founder-Centric Funding Model
The Start it Fund uses a unique model that preserves the accelerator's "no equity" philosophy during its initial program. Instead of taking a stake upfront, the fund offers an investment opportunity at the conclusion of the acceleration phase. This founder-centric approach is reserved for the top one percent of applicants based on their demonstrated progress.
Selected startups will be offered an average of €300,000 in early-stage capital, with flexibility for larger sums based on their needs. Founders retain full autonomy, as accepting the investment is optional. Those who accept also receive an additional year of dedicated guidance within the Start it @KBC ecosystem to support their development.
A Clear Pathway from Startup to Scale-Up
Beyond initial investment, the initiative establishes a clear path for growth through a partnership with KBC Securities. The most exceptional companies from the Start it Fund portfolio will be eligible for follow-on financing of up to €5 million. This addresses a critical gap in the Belgian market for scale-up capital, enabling ventures to achieve sustainable growth.
According to KBC Securities, support extends beyond capital, providing access to deep venture capital experience and technological expertise. The integrated offering includes M&A advisory, diverse financing solutions, and guidance for a potential stock market listing. This comprehensive ecosystem offers an unparalleled advantage for ambitious founders in Belgium.
Data-Driven Selection and a Proven Track Record
The selection process uses a data-driven methodology that prioritizes close observation over conventional pitch decks. A year-long monitoring of founders allows the team to identify true predictors of success, such as resilience and learning agility. This approach ensures investment decisions are based on tangible performance, offering opportunities to diverse teams.
The success of Start it @KBC's model is well-documented, with its alumni of over 1,900 startups raising a collective €1.1 billion. The ecosystem boasts a five-year survival rate of 73%, significantly higher than international benchmarks. Successes like Aikido Security and recent exits like Segments.ai to Uber underscore the accelerator's effectiveness in nurturing high-growth companies.
KBC Group's €100 million investment and the Start it Fund mark a pivotal moment for Belgium's technology and innovation sectors. By providing a seamless journey of support from ideation to scale-up, the initiative strengthens resources for the nation's entrepreneurs. This commitment is poised to enhance Belgium's reputation as a thriving European hub for innovation and business growth.