PDENH Boosts Sustainable Economic Growth in North Holland
Haarlem, Friday, 22 August 2025.
PDENH fuels sustainable growth through early investments in innovative ventures, helping companies scale and thrive in North Holland, aligning with national tech strategies for enhanced competitiveness.
Strategic Investments in Challenging Times
The Participatiefonds Duurzame Economie Noord-Holland (PDENH), integrated with ROM InWest since 2024, has effectively harnessed early investments to support innovative and socially-focused enterprises in the North Holland region. Key figures such as Leendert van Waart and Anthony Viellevoije highlight the need for strategic risk-taking and resilience when making early investment decisions. Their approach emphasizes not only funding impactful companies but also fostering a robust environment for sustainable innovation, critical for the region’s economic vitality [1].
Impactful Growth Through Strategic Support
PDENH’s strategy to invest in companies that lack adequate market support but demonstrate high impact potential has been central to its success. For instance, companies such as Sympower and Dexter, which are active in grid balancing, received early investments when each had fewer than 20 full-time employees. Since then, they have experienced exponential growth, expanding their workforce to between 150 and 200 employees each and multiplying their revenue by more than 20 times [1]. This strategic support aligns with the broader objectives of the National Technology Strategy, which seeks to enhance competitiveness through technological advancements [1].
Examples of Transformative Ventures
Among PDENH’s portfolio, the case of Thorizon, a deep-tech startup focusing on modular nuclear energy technology, stands out. Recognized as a top 10 promising company in its field in Europe, Thorizon’s growth illustrates PDENH’s commitment to backing high-risk, long-term technological ventures [1]. Another significant example is PDENH’s investment in a smartphone maker, now employing 120 full-time equivalents, highlighting the role of strategic funding in enabling companies to establish sustainable growth and development [1].
Aligning with Broader Sustainability Goals
PDENH currently focuses its investments on companies already within its portfolio, with new ventures directed towards the TF and MKB funds. This focus aligns with the European and Dutch objectives for increased strategic autonomy, despite shifting political priorities around sustainability [1]. The fund continues to adjust its business models to contribute positively to society, a commitment that is vital as geopolitical and economic landscapes evolve [1].