
Who can use Zeeuws Participatiefonds?
The Zeeuws Participatiefonds (ZPF) provides venture capital to growing entrepreneurs that have a substantial impact on the economy and employment in Zeeland. There is a strong preference for innovative businesses. We are looking for companies that are in the ‘early growth phase’ or companies that want to continue to expand.
To be eligible for an investment from the ZPF, companies must already be active on the market and have achieved turnover. Entrepreneurs must also be open to feedback from a ZPF expert who acts as a sounding board. Companies are preferably located in Zeeland, or at the very least have a proven impact on the economy and employment in Zeeland.
The ZPF is known for its:
- Pro-active attitude and pragmatic approach with direct lines of communication and fast response times.
- Active role in the strategy development and guidance of the participating companies.
- Knowledge of and experience with innovation and any related challenges.
- Knowledge of the economy of Zeeland, including a broad network (in Zeeland).
How the Zeeuws Participatiefonds works
Preference is given to companies with a proactive attitude and a pragmatic approach that can respond quickly.
An investment trajectory is intensive and requires the entrepreneur to make sufficient time available and provide the relevant information. We strive for a short trajectory. Usually a deal is made within three to four months. Needless to say, this will depend on the quality of the information provided.
The investment by the ZPF takes place through an equity interest, which may be combined with a loan. The maximum investment amount is €1,000,000.
A business plan, approved by a financial expert, including a financial forecast for the next three to five years.
The last two annual statements of accounts.
Recent interim figures.
A quick scan is performed based on the documents provided by the entrepreneur and several interviews with the entrepreneur and their team. This quick scan is presented to the ZPF board and the Investment Committee.
If the quick scan results in a ‘go’, the drafting of the investment proposal can be started. This includes:
Negotiations on the terms sheet (conditions for valuation, control rights, exit, etc.).
Team analysis, interviews and track record analysis.
Due diligence, possibly partly carried out by an external expert.
Finally, the entrepreneur and their team present themselves to the investment committee, after which the decision whether or not to invest is taken. This decision is communicated back to the entrepreneur the same day, after which, in the case of a favourable decision, the funds are usually made available within a week.
Companies that have yet to generate any turnover.
Companies active in real estate, the hospitality industry or retail (B-to-C).
Companies without a sound record keeping and management information system.
Companies that do not consider CSR of paramount importance.
Companies that are in financial difficulties through their own fault.
Companies that are not open to feedback (including in the investment trajectory) and hands-on guidance.
Companies that do not have a demonstrable impact on the economy/employment in Zeeland.
Sole traders.
Companies that do not want a shareholder on board.