What Horizon Flevoland does

Horizon Flevoland B.V. is the official Regionale Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij (ROM) for the Province of Flevoland in the Netherlands, headquartered at Het Ravelijn 50, Lelystad. Founded in 2004 and recognised as a ROM by the Dutch State Secretary in 2021, the organisation supports innovative entrepreneurs and SMEs in the region through three integrated service pillars: acting as a financier that deploys risk capital through multiple managed funds (Groeifonds Flevoland, Technofonds, MKB Fonds, TMI POC Fonds, and Aanjager); acting as a business developer that connects companies around thematic clusters spanning High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM), AgriTech, Energy (Smart Energy Hubs and the 45-company Flevoland Hydrogen Valley), Digitalisering (including AI and cybersecurity), Circulaire Economie, and the newly introduced Defence theme; and acting as an international expert that attracts foreign direct investment into Flevoland and supports local companies exporting abroad via the Invest in Holland, NFIA, and Enterprise Europe Network channels.

The underlying delivery model is built on direct relationship management by a team of business developers, supported by matchmaking events, trade missions (Poland, London, GITEX Berlin), and knowledge-sharing platforms including the MKB Schakelteam, podcasts (Groeibuzz, Wat vind jij?), and video series (Made in Flevoland, Ondernemen in beweging). The company does not develop proprietary technology products; instead it coordinates ecosystem partners such as Wageningen University & Research (WUR), NLR/MITC, Invest-NL, RVO, NOM, ROM-Nederland, Trade and Innovate NL, and the Economic Board Flevoland (whose programme management is housed at Horizon).

Horizon is a private limited company (besloten vennootschap) operating with public funding under a non-commercial mandate. Its 2026 budget totals €7.217 million, sourced primarily from the Province of Flevoland (€3.372M) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (€739K), with the remainder from separate projects (€1.629M) and fund management fees (€1.477M). Services are provided free of charge to entrepreneurs. The 2026 KPI framework targets €3.5 million committed capital across eight new financing transactions, five operational Smart Energy Hubs, 81 entrepreneur testimonials, and approximately 49 employees. Leadership transitioned at the end of 2025, with Chris van Voorden appointed as the new director, succeeding interim director Marius Prins and former director Marco Smit.

Name

Horizon Flevoland

Legal name

Horizon B.V.

Website

https://horizonflevoland.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Horizon Flevoland is the official regional development company (ROM) for Flevoland, Netherlands, supporting innovative entrepreneurs and SMEs through risk-capital financing, thematic business development across HTSM, AgriTech, Energy, Digitalisering, Circulaire Economie and Defence, and internationalisation services including FDI acquisition and export support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Economic Development Services

NAICS

Other Financial Vehicles (525990)

SIC

International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Investment Promotion & FDI Facilitation (BPADAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

SME & Entrepreneurship Development (Trade-Linked) (BPADAMAE), Development Finance & Blended Finance Facilities (BPADAOAD), Green/Climate Development Banks & Funds (FSABAKAH), Microfinance, Financial Inclusion & Inclusive Markets (BPAGABAM)

Keywords

• Regional development agency
• Venture capital financing
• Business development services
• Foreign direct investment
• Innovation ecosystem support

Headquarters

HQ city

Lelystad

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Funding and Public Grants: Horizon Flevoland receives public funding from the Province of Flevoland and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ) to fund its operations and programs. The 2026 budget shows total revenue of €7.217 million, with €3.372 million from the Province and €739 thousand from EZ.
2. Fund Management Fees: Horizon Flevoland manages multiple investment funds (MKB Fonds, Technofonds, Aanjager, TMI POC Fonds, Groeifonds) and earns management fees from these activities. The TMI POC Fonds generates €152 thousand in management fees and the Groeifonds generates management and administration fees.
3. Investment Returns: Horizon Flevoland invests public capital in innovative startups and SMEs. Returns on investments (interest on loans, exits) contribute to fund performance. They co-finance companies alongside banks, informal investors, family offices, and institutional investors.

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Horizon Flevoland is a regional development company (ROM) that supports innovative entrepreneurs and SMEs in the Province of Flevoland through three integrated service pillars: (1) Financing – providing risk capital and innovation financing via multiple managed funds (Groeifonds Flevoland, Technofonds, MKB Fonds, TMI POC Fonds, Aanjager) to innovative companies where conventional banks are reluctant; (2) Business Development – connecting companies around strategic themes (HTSM, AgriTech, Energy, Digitalisering, Circulaire Economie, Defensie) through cluster coordination, matchmaking, and knowledge brokering; (3) Internationalization – attracting foreign direct investment to the region via the Invest in Holland network and supporting local companies with export development through trade missions and the Enterprise Europe Network.

Product overview

Horizon Flevoland is a regional development company (Regionale Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij - ROM) that supports entrepreneurs in Flevoland through three integrated service pillars: Financing (investing risk capital via funds including Groeifonds, Technofonds, MKB Fonds, and TMI POC Fonds), Business Development (connecting companies around focus themes of HTSM, AgriTech, Energy, Digitalisering, Circulaire Economie, and Defensie), and Internationalization (attracting FDI and supporting exports). The organization operates under a thematic approach, supporting innovative companies in strategic sectors to strengthen the Flevoland economy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Investment and Financing Services Provides risk capital and financing to innovative companies in Flevoland via managed public funds: Groeifonds Flevoland (growth capital), Technofonds, MKB Fonds, TMI POC Fonds, and Aanjager. Offers Groeikapitaal (growth capital) and Innovatiefinanciering (innovation financing) products alongside co-financing with banks, informal investors, family offices, and institutional investors. Target for 2026 is 8 new financing transactions worth €3.5 million committed capital.
• Business Development and Cluster Coordination Connects Flevoland companies around strategic themes: High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM), AgriTech, Energy (Smart Energy Hubs, hydrogen valley FLHY), Digitalisering (AI, cybersecurity), Circulaire Economie, and Defensie. Coordinates matchmaking events, cluster development, and introductions to knowledge institutions (WUR, NLR, MITC). The Flevoland Hydrogen Valley cluster comprises 45 companies focused on hydrogen for maritime, freight, and aviation applications.
• Internationalization Services (FDI and Export) Attracts foreign companies to Flevoland (FDI acquisition) and supports Flevoland companies with exporting. Active in Invest in Holland sector teams, Trade and Innovate NL network, and Enterprise Europe Network. Organises trade missions (e.g., Poland on urban mobility/cycling, London Women in Tech, GITEX EUROPE Berlin startup mission). Supported Fortinet's first European distribution centre in Almere (12,000 sqm, fully operational early 2026).
• MKB Schakelteam (SMB Support Network) Provides low-threshold access to current knowledge, regulations, and practical tools for broad SMB support in Flevoland. Advisors have intensive contact with the business community, participate in relevant events, and organise small-scale meetings. Refers entrepreneurs to expertise centres including EEF (Energy Expertise Centre Flevoland), Hogescholen, BKU, municipalities, KvK, Leerwerkloket Flevoland, UWV, and VNO NCW.

Quantifiable outcome

• 8 new financing transactions targeted for 2026 with €3.5 million committed capital
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon coordinates with RVO on screening for criminal activities and national security risks. In case of suspected malafide practices, Horizon contacts RVO, Justis, or the Province for a formal Bibob investigation. Also coordinates on the Bureau Toetsing Investeringen (BTI) signal function for national security threats.
• NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon actively participates in Invest in Holland sector and focus teams alongside NFIA. NFIA's foreign offices support Horizon's FDI acquisition activities. Horizon maintains close contact with NFIA and its international offices for targeted acquisition of innovative companies in HTSM, AgriTech, Energy, and Digitalisation.
• ROM-Nederland (National ROM Network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon Flevoland is part of the ROM-Nederland network of regional development companies. Horizon collaborates with other ROMs on knowledge sharing, joint HR development, shared data platforms, AI policy, and co-ordinating national programs such as the Technology Hotspots (Technologiebrandpunten) program.
• Trade and Innovate NLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon is an active partner in the Trade and Innovate NL network, which consists of RVO, ROMs, and major Dutch cities. Together they support Dutch entrepreneurs with ambitions to grow internationally. Horizon also participates in the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) through this partnership.
• Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon Flevoland participates in the Enterprise Europe Network, providing international business cooperation and technology transfer services to Flevoland companies. EEN advisors help companies identify international opportunities and form cross-border partnerships.
• NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Centre)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLR in Marknesse collaborates with Horizon on High Tech Systems and Materials. NLR operates the Mobility and Infrastructure Test Centre (MITC) and the Quick Response Drone Facility. Horizon works with NLR on drone testing, autonomous systems, and the digi-city development at MITC.
• MITC (Mobiliteit en Infrastructuur Testcentrum)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMITC at NLR in Marknesse provides testing facilities for autonomous vehicles and digital solutions. Horizon supports companies in accessing MITC's capabilities, including NATO-cleared airspace and specialist testing possibilities for drones and autonomous systems.
• Wageningen University & Research (WUR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWUR has a dependency in Lelystad, providing direct access to knowledge and research facilities for AgriTech innovations. Horizon leverages this connection to strengthen the scientific basis for AgriTech developments in the region, particularly for protein transition and precision fermentation.
• Boerderij van de Toekomst (Farm of the Future)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Farm of the Future in the Noordoostpolder is a key partner for Smart Farming cluster development. Horizon collaborates with this initiative, promotes their voucher scheme among entrepreneurs, and organises joint events such as Smart Agri events that centre digitalization in agriculture.
• Economic Board FlevolandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Economic Board Flevoland has its programme management housed at Horizon Flevoland. The board brings together businesses, knowledge institutions, and governments to strengthen the Flevoland economy. Horizon coordinates and supports its activities, with ambitions for the board to become a more independent entity.
• MKB Schakelteam Network PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe MKB Schakelteam refers entrepreneurs to various expertise centres including EEF (Energy Expertise Centre Flevoland), Hogescholen, BKU, municipalities, KvK, Leerwerkloket Flevoland, UWV, and VNO NCW. This network ensures broad and coherent support for small and medium businesses in Flevoland.
• ROM UtrechtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon collaborates with ROM Utrecht to explore how Flevoland can contribute to defence innovation within the MINDbase concept. This cooperation is part of the exploratory Defence theme for 2026.
• Flevoland Hydrogen Valley (FLHY)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFLHY is a hydrogen cluster of 45 companies that Horizon Flevoland facilitates. The cluster focuses on mutual cooperation and new innovations in hydrogen for maritime applications, freight transport, and aviation. Horizon supports joint investment proposals and practical pilots.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• NOM (Investerings- en Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij voor Noord-Nederland): Dutch regional development company (ROM) for the Northern Netherlands; provides risk capital, business development and internationalisation services to SMEs — directly comparable mandate and structure to Horizon Flevoland. Horizon has co-invested with NOM (e.g., Econogy, HLB Group).
• Oost NL: Regional development agency for Gelderland and Overijssel in the Netherlands; provides investment capital, business development and FDI services to innovative SMEs — same ROM mandate, same triple-pillar model as Horizon.
• InnovationQuarter: Regional development agency for Zuid-Holland; provides venture capital, business development and internationalisation services to innovative companies — directly comparable ROM mandate and portfolio scope.
• LIOF: Regional development company for Limburg; provides venture capital, business development and FDI support — directly comparable ROM mandate and structure.
• ROM Utrecht Region: ROM for the Utrecht region; Horizon is already collaborating with ROM Utrecht on the MINDbase defence concept — same ROM mandate, peer in the national ROM-Nederland network.
• BOM (Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij): Largest Dutch ROM, based in Brabant; invests in innovative SMEs, supports business development and FDI attraction — directly comparable mandate and scale to Horizon Flevoland.

Broad incumbents

• Invest-NL: National Dutch impact investor that co-finances with Horizon in the same startups (e.g., bridge credit for innovative startups); broader nationwide mandate but overlapping investor role.
• NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency): National agency for foreign direct investment; Horizon is a regional partner that operationalises NFIA's FDI leads at the regional level (e.g., Fortinet). Adjacent mandate with strong operational overlap.
• RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency): National agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs; Horizon coordinates with RVO on screening, subsidies and international programmes — broader public development mandate, complementary to Horizon.

Regional players

• NRW.BANK: German state development bank for North Rhine-Westphalia; performs a comparable role of regional economic development financing and SME support in Germany — useful cross-border benchmark for Horizon's regional investment model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/horizonflevoland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/horizonflevoland
• Instagraminstagram.com/horizonflevoland

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments11 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Horizon Flevoland