PDENH Fund Drives Sustainable Economic Growth in North Holland
Haarlem, Tuesday, 14 October 2025.
The PDENH, managed by ROM InWest, boosts sustainable growth in North Holland by investing early in innovative, socially-focused companies, emphasizing resilience and tough decision-making for green innovation.
Strategic Investment in Green Innovation
The Participatiefonds Duurzame Economie Noord-Holland (PDENH), under the management of ROM InWest since September 2023, is significantly influencing sustainable economic growth in North Holland. By focusing on early-stage investments in innovative and socially-oriented enterprises, PDENH aims to fill the gaps left by traditional markets. This strategy has been pivotal in supporting companies with high potential in green technology sectors, such as energy transition and sustainable mobility [1].
Impact and Achievements
Over the years, PDENH has invested over €70 million in sustainable projects, attracting more than €230 million in co-investments. These efforts have not only enhanced the region’s green credentials but also resulted in substantial economic benefits, including the creation of approximately 566 full-time equivalent jobs. Furthermore, the companies supported by PDENH have collectively achieved a CO2 reduction of nearly 900 kilotons by the end of 2022, demonstrating the fund’s success in driving impactful environmental change [1][2].
Portfolio Highlights
PDENH’s portfolio includes notable investments in Sympower and Dexter, companies specializing in grid balancing, which have expanded their workforce from fewer than 20 to between 150 and 200 employees each. These firms have experienced a 20-fold increase in revenue, showcasing the potential of strategic early investment. Additionally, PDENH’s support for Thorizon, a deep-tech startup in modular nuclear energy, highlights its commitment to long-term, high-risk projects that promise substantial future returns [1][2].
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its successes, PDENH faces challenges, such as the current geopolitical climate which has shifted focus away from sustainability to strategic autonomy in Europe. However, the fund remains committed to its goal of societal betterment through innovation. PDENH’s leaders, Leendert van Waart and Anthony Viellevoije, emphasize the importance of adapting business models to meet evolving societal needs while maintaining a focus on sustainability [1][2].