imec.istart reaches milestone of €1 billion in follow-up funding

We are thrilled to announce a major milestone: the startups we have supported since the launch of our program have collectively raised over €1 billion in follow-up funding. This milestone shows what’s possible when promising ideas meet the right support to spark innovation. 

Our mission at imec.istart goes far beyond providing seed capital. We are committed to helping early-stage tech entrepreneurs build and scale their businesses. Through tailored coaching, an extended network of venture capitalists and strategic partners, and hands-on guidance, we empower startups to refine their business cases, prepare for investor pitches, and tackle the challenges of scaling. Today, we celebrate the collective efforts of our founders and partners as we surpass this €1 billion milestone. 

Building trust with investors around the globe 

This success reflects the trust that local and international investors place in the startups we support.  

“This milestone demonstrates that the startups in our program are generating confidence among financiers from around the globe,” says Sven De Cleyn, program director at imec.istart. “While raising additional funding is not a goal in itself, it is often a crucial step for startups to fund research, development, and market entry. Reaching €1 billion in follow-up funding not only validates our approach but also signals the immense growth potential of our portfolio companies in the years to come.” 

A decade of impactful results 

 
Since launching in 2011, imec.istart has supported over 341 startups, and their impact speaks for itself: 

• 2.800 jobs created 

• €200+ million in combined revenue 

• 63 successful exits via acquisitions or management buyouts 

• 190+ startups entering international markets 

What makes us especially proud is that over 90% of our portfolio companies remain rooted in Flanders, contributing to sustainable economic growth in the region. Take Deliverect, for example, a foodtech unicorn from Ghent that now employs 550 people and has achieved three strategic acquisitions. Or UgenTec, a Limburg-based software company that secured a remarkable €90 million exit. These are just two of many success stories that underline the strength of our ecosystem. 

Strengthening the innovation ecosystem together 

 
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Our partnerships with venture capital firms, business angels, and other collaborators help strengthen Flanders’ role as a hotspot for innovation and support international growth for our startups. Last year, the imec.istart future fund was launched: a €25 million fund focused on seed and Series A financing for tech startups in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. This initiative is already fueling growth and enabling co-investment in larger funding rounds. 

We are beyond proud of the startups in our portfolio, the partners who share our vision, and the incredible community that’s grown alongside us. Crossing the €1 billion mark in follow-up funding is more than a milestone—it’s a springboard for what’s yet to come. Here’s to reaching new heights, together! 

Read the full press release here.

Ready to be part of something big? 

Startups eager to join the imec.istart accelerator program can apply during our Open Call rounds in January, May and September. ➡️ APPLY HERE