Imec.istart, Start it @ KBC & NOA join forces to form The Growth Collective

Belgium’s startup scene is about to get a serious upgrade. Three major players— imec.istart, Start it @KBC and NOA (formerly Netwerk Ondernemen)—are teaming up to create ‘The Growth Collective’. This powerhouse collaboration combines their unique strengths to give startups and scaleups the best possible support. This initiative, prompted by VLAIO, aims to blend the top features of each program to better guide start-ups on their journey to success. Don’t worry, though—each organization will still continue their individual support programs.
 

Backed by VLAIO

VLAIO is backing thirteen partners focused on awareness, guidance, and building networks. These partners will help young companies in four key areas: advice for new entrepreneurs, guidance through critical moments, support for startups and scale-ups, and boosting productivity through digitalization and sustainability. The goal? Make Flanders a top hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Each partner will focus on enhancing startup survival rates, improving business operations, and speeding up growth through sustainable and digital advancements. Among these accelerators is The Growth Collective, a collaboration designed to fast-track growth for startups and scale-ups

Partners in the Ecosystem

Gert Gijbels (NOA), Sven De Cleyn (imec.istart), and Lode Uytterschaut (Start it @KBC) were trailblazers in the Belgian startup ecosystem, each leading their respective programs.The creation of The Growth Collective shows their commitment to collaboration over competition, acting as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for startups and scale-ups. A shared landing page will provide young companies with a clear overview of what each accelerator offers, helping them navigate the landscape more efficiently and get support faster.

“We help start-ups and scale-ups sift through opportunities and distractions. There are many organizations that support start-ups, but with us, you get high-quality programs and mentors. Together, we have a track record of guiding thousands of start-ups,” say the three CEOs behind The Growth Collective.

Collective Power

Lode Uytterschaut, CEO of Start it @KBC, kickstarted the collaboration that led to The Growth Collective. "By bringing Start it @KBC, NOA, and imec.istart together and combining the best parts of our programs, we offer startups and scale-ups a clear overview of support options."

Gert Gijbels of NOA agrees. “We believe in an ecosystem where innovative entrepreneurs always find a suitable place to turn. With our complementary services, shared values, and similar cultures, The Growth Collective forms a natural alliance.”

The Growth Collective: A Dynamic Trio

The three organizations share a common goal: to support startups and scale-ups with a strong focus on their founders. Each offers a network and mentoring program, but they also have unique features that fit together seamlessly within The Growth Collective.

Imec.istart

Imec.istart supports tech startups with pre-seed funding, coaching, access to technology, and a vast network. The accelerator also offers an online Masterclass on Internationalization, aimed at market expansion and international connections as well as several International Missions abroad. Additionally, it hosts biannual ‘co-founder matchmaking events’ to help start-ups find complementary co-founders and partners.

Start it @KBC

Known for its 100% no-strings-attached approach, Start it @KBC focuses on founders and their networks. The accelerator boasts an extensive global community of founders, mentors, experts, and coaches, with a strong emphasis on sales and go-to-market strategies. The program is entirely free for selected start-ups, with no equity taken.

NOA

NOA is founder-centric, focusing on guiding rapidly growing companies. It supports them through the Mentor Me program, where entrepreneurs are mentored for two years by experienced professionals. This altruistic approach, with mentors investing their time without financial compensation or business ties, makes NOA unique in Flanders.

The Growth Collective is a rare example where "more is more." By collaborating, these three entities can offer even more quality support and reach approximately 80% of the start-up market in Belgium.

“We always advise start-ups to look beyond their own backyard. With this collaboration, we’re applying that principle ourselves. Though often seen as competitors, we have much in common and complement each other well. By focusing on our own strengths, we can provide start-ups and scale-ups with the best support and mentors our ecosystem has to offer,” concludes Sven De Cleyn of imec.istart.