Syndicate One, a network-driven investment firm, has successfully closed an oversubscribed $26 Million fund dedicated to fostering Belgium's next wave of technology entrepreneurs. This new capital injection, raised in a remarkably swift eight-week period, underscores strong investor confidence in the nation's burgeoning tech ecosystem. The fund will continue the firm's mission of identifying and supporting exceptional Belgian founders on a global scale, providing both capital and strategic guidance.
A Testament to a Maturing Ecosystem
Despite a challenging global fundraising climate, the new fund demonstrates significant investor appetite for Belgian innovation, building on the firm's previous $7.6 million vehicle from 2024. The rapid oversubscription signals a pivotal moment for the local startup scene. This capital will enable Syndicate One to expand its support for standout founders across various sectors, helping them become tomorrow's tech leaders.
Laurens De Poorter, founder of Syndicate One, described the fund as a reflection of the ecosystem's compounding momentum and maturation. He highlighted the evolution of a tight-knit network into a powerful flywheel, where successful founders reinvest their capital and expertise back into the community. This virtuous cycle is crucial for building globally competitive companies from day one and fostering sustainable growth.
Broad-Based Investor Support
The fund is uniquely supported by Belgium's four main governmental investment bodies: PMV, SFPIM, Finance & Invest Brussels, and Wallonie Entreprendre. This public-sector confidence is matched by private institutional backers, including anchor investor Sofina and new partners Finhouse and COI. The recommitment from all previous institutional investors showcases sustained faith in Syndicate One's strategy and its impact.
A remarkable coalition of over 120 entrepreneurs, operators, and tech leaders forms the backbone of the fund's investor base. This group includes founders from highly successful Belgian companies such as Collibra, Showpad, and Aikido Security. Significantly, many founders from companies previously backed by Syndicate One have now joined as investors, reinforcing the firm's community-centric model.
More Than Just Capital
Syndicate One provides its portfolio companies with more than just financial backing, offering invaluable access to a network of seasoned entrepreneurs. This community provides direct mentorship on go-to-market strategy, operations, platform development, and sales. Founders can leverage the experience of operators who have scaled globally recognized companies like Deliverect, DataCamp, and N26.
The firm actively contributes to the broader tech landscape through targeted ecosystem-building initiatives. It recently co-published the second "State of Belgian Tech Report" and released an updated standardized convertible loan agreement to simplify early-stage financing. Furthermore, a new video podcast has been launched to showcase top Belgian technology talent to a wider audience.
A Track Record of Success
Since its inception in early 2022, Syndicate One has built an impressive portfolio of early-stage startups. The firm has invested in promising companies such as Aikido Security, Techwolf, Conveo, and Sirona Technologies. These investments span a diverse range of sectors, reflecting the firm's commitment to backing ambitious Belgian founders wherever they are found.
The effectiveness of Syndicate One's model is evidenced by the rapid success of its early investments. Two portfolio companies, Fundamental and Aikido Security, have already achieved unicorn status with private valuations exceeding $1 billion. This track record validates the firm's ability to identify and nurture startups with the potential for significant global impact.
The successful closure of this $26 Million fund marks a significant milestone not only for Syndicate One but for the entire Belgian technology sector. It serves as a powerful endorsement of the ecosystem's growth, collaborative spirit, and increasing self-sufficiency. With this new capital and its robust network, Syndicate One is poised to accelerate the development of the next generation of Belgian-led global tech champions.