Matching Crowdfunding with the Startup Innovation Fund (SIF) and Participatie Fonds (PCP)

ROM Utrecht is exploring an innovative approach to enhance the impact of its regional fund investments by combining the Startup Innovation Fund (SIF) and Participatie Fonds (PCP) with crowdfunding. This initiative focuses on supporting projects in sustainability, health, and digital innovation in Utrecht.

Purpose and Goals

The key objective is to amplify the impact of the proof-of-concept instrument by integrating crowdfunding. This approach aims to:

Augment funding volume: increase the overall funding available by leveraging contributions from the crowd.

Broaden community engagement: involve the broader community in the development of innovative projects, fostering a sense of shared ownership and collaboration.

Support development and growth phases: target projects that often face challenges securing funding during these critical stages.

Through this fund-matching scheme, ROM Utrecht will collaborate with a dedicated crowdfunding platform to extend the reach and effectiveness of its investments.

Benefits of the fund-matching scheme

For ROM Utrecht:

Enhanced investor base: broaden the pool of investors by incorporating crowdfunding, creating opportunities for a more diverse range of backers.

Practical crowdfunding experience: gain valuable insights into crowdfunding mechanics and its alignment with regional funds.

Increased regional capital: attract additional capital to Utrecht by expanding financing rounds for startups and scaleups.

For Beneficiaries (Startups and Scaleups):

Broader community support: engage directly with the public, building awareness and credibility for their projects.

Increased funding opportunities: access additional capital through crowdfunding, matched by regional funds.

Extended financing rounds: benefit from larger funding rounds, ensuring their growth and development phases are adequately supported.