ROM InWest Spurs Sustainable Growth in North Holland
Haarlem, Friday, 15 August 2025.
ROM InWest harnesses PDENH’s innovative funding to foster economic growth through high-impact investments in North Holland, emphasizing strategic risks and resilience.
Strategic Funding for Societal Challenges
Since 2024, the Participatiefonds Duurzame Economie Noord-Holland (PDENH) has been operating under ROM InWest to support the vibrant startup ecosystem in North Holland. The fund aims at nurturing early-stage companies tackling societal challenges such as the energy transition, circular economy, and sustainable mobility [1]. Directors Leendert van Waart and Anthony Viellevoije highlight their willingness to take early risks. They emphasize the importance of perseverance through difficulties and the need to make strategic choices when necessary, which are crucial factors in the success of enterprises in these sectors [1].
Empowering Innovation and Sustainable Growth
PDENH’s commitment to sustainability reflects in its choice of investments. The fund has backed companies like Sympower and Dexter, which were both small when PDENH invested but have now grown to employing between 150 to 200 full-time equivalents (FTEs) and have experienced over twenty times revenue growth [1]. Such successes illustrate the significant impact of early and strategic investments on company growth. Another example, Thorizon, a deep-tech startup focusing on modular nuclear energy, is another recipient of PDENH’s high-risk support, underscoring the fund’s dedication to innovative technology solutions despite financial uncertainties [1].
Sustainability and Strategic Autonomy
PDENH is currently focusing on supporting its existing portfolio companies, aiming for strategic exits where the market can eventually support these businesses independently [1]. Amidst geopolitical developments, PDENH is also striving for more strategic autonomy within Europe and the Netherlands. However, there is a noted shift in political priorities, with sustainability receiving less emphasis. Despite these challenges, the fund remains committed to adapting business models that deliver societal benefits [1]. Leendert van Waart encapsulates this vision by stating, ‘Realizing impact is what we continue to commit ourselves to with conviction!’ [1].
Future Prospects and Continued Commitment
Looking ahead, ROM InWest, in collaboration with PDENH, ensures that North Holland remains a hub for impactful and sustainable innovations [2]. Initiatives like the GO!-NH program prepare early-stage and growth-focused companies for market and scaling readiness, promoting a fertile ground for ideas that align with the circular economy, sustainability, and inclusivity [2]. Through dedicated programs and the remarkable success of its investments, the combined efforts of PDENH and ROM InWest promise to propel North Holland to the forefront of sustainable economic development [2].