On Thursday, ROM Utrecht Region announced that it is investing €2M in the VCC Deep Tech Fund (DTF), managed by Value Creation Capital (VCC) from Bilthoven.
This fund focuses on deep tech innovations — solutions based on advanced scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations that address societal challenges.
Ronald Wissink, managing partner of Value Creation Capital, says, “As a venture capitalist from the Utrecht region, we see great opportunities by supporting technology companies in their growth together with ROM Utrecht through our funding and active guidance.”
In the Netherlands, too little is invested in deep tech, which makes it difficult for companies in this sector to scale up.
ROM Utrecht Region’s investment in the VCC Deep Tech Fund will significantly support the region’s deep tech sector.
It also allows for collaboration with one of the few Dutch venture capital firms dedicated solely to deep tech.
Jeffrey Williams, senior investment manager of ROM Utrecht Region says, “VCC has almost twenty years of experience in investing in (deep)tech companies and a proven track record in recognizing promising technologies. The deep tech focus of the fund fits seamlessly with the three spearheads of ROM – health, sustainability, and digital innovation – and contributes to strengthening and making these ecosystems sustainable in the long term.”
Previously, Invest-NL, Oost NL, TNO, several leading tech investors, and family offices have invested in the fund.
The fund is expected to complete its fundraising in mid-2025.
The fund already has six companies in its portfolio: Optics11, Optics11Life, Delmic, UReason, Fizyr, and Fastmicro.
In the coming years, VCC wants to add six companies, including promising startups and scale-ups from the Utrecht region.
For example, VCC previously invested in Basetime with a fund and achieved a successful exit with MILabs, both located in Houten.
The investment in DTF is the first fund investment of ROM Utrecht Region.
Other regional development companies such as the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) and Oost NL have demonstrated in recent years that fund investments are an important and welcome addition to the instruments of a regional development company.
ROM Utrecht Region aims to realise at least four fund investments in 2025.
About ROM Utrecht Region
ROM Utrecht Region is a social investor that increases access to capital for innovative companies in the region.
The ROM invests in the major transition sectors important for tomorrow’s economy: digital, health, and sustainability.
The ROM has three funds: the Vroege Fase Financiering (VFF) Fund, the Healthy Urban Living Proof of Concept Fund (POC), and the Participation Fund.
Edgard Creemers (Fund Manager ROM Utrecht Region) says, “For ROM, this investment marks a new milestone through a first investment in a fund. VCC has distinguished itself in the past through its results and knowledge of the market. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration in which more resources and expertise will be made available to promising companies in our region.”
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