PDENH Drives Sustainable Growth in North Holland Through Innovation
Haarlem, Monday, 29 September 2025.
PDENH, part of ROM InWest since 2024, invests early in socially responsible enterprises to boost sustainable economic growth in North Holland, despite challenges.
Empowering Innovation in North Holland
The Participatiefonds Duurzame Economie Noord-Holland (PDENH), now integrated into ROM InWest, is at the forefront of supporting sustainable development in North Holland. Since 2024, the fund has emphasized investing in enterprises that address societal challenges, including the energy transition, circular economy, and sustainable mobility. Under the leadership of Leendert van Waart and Anthony Viellevoije, PDENH has been pivotal in transforming innovative ideas into impactful companies, thus fostering sustainable economic growth [1].
Strategic Investments and Impact
PDENH’s strategic investment approach involves early-stage funding and perseverance during challenging periods. This strategy has been crucial in helping companies, such as those with long exit horizons or high deep-tech components, to thrive. Notably, PDENH’s investment in companies like Sympower has led to significant growth, with employee numbers increasing from under 20 to between 150 and 200 full-time equivalents (FTEs) and revenue multiplying over 20 times [1][3].
Nurturing a Sustainable Future
The fund’s involvement goes beyond financial support; it includes providing guidance during subsequent funding rounds or management transitions. This holistic approach attracts other investors and ensures sustained growth for companies within its portfolio. For instance, Sympower, a battery optimizer based in Amsterdam, has expanded its operations across Europe, thanks to a recent €19 million investment from the Dutch healthcare pension fund manager PFZW [2][3].
Long-term Vision for Economic Growth
PDENH’s commitment to sustainable development is aligned with broader European goals of achieving strategic autonomy, especially amid geopolitical tensions. By focusing on socially responsible investments, the fund not only supports economic growth but also enhances societal well-being. This dual focus is evident in the impact of companies like Fairphone, which improve working conditions in supply chains, thereby contributing to a better society [1][3].