Innovatiefonds Overijssel

What Innovatiefonds Overijssel does

Oost NL (East Netherlands Development Agency) is a semi-governmental economic development organization commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel to execute regional economic policy. Tracing its lineage to the predecessor organization OOM active since the 1980s, Oost NL delivers free and confidential advisory and facilitation services to entrepreneurs and SMEs across four pillars: Foreign Investment/Internationalization, Development & Innovation support, Capital Investment, and Startup Visa Facilitation. It does not sell a technology product; rather, it operates as a coordination and matchmaking layer that connects companies to regional knowledge institutions (Wageningen University & Research, University of Twente, Radboud University and Radboudumc), industry clusters (Food Valley, Health Valley, MESA+, Battery Valley, Hy East NL), public funding programs (EFRO/ERDF, Interreg, OP Oost), and the national Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA).

Its service portfolio includes 'soft landing' support for international companies, customized fact-finding trips, bidbook preparation, introductions to industry networks, revolving innovation fund deployment, and personalized startup visa support for non-EU founders. The organization works across four priority sectors — sustainable food, smart energy, accessible healthcare, and strong industry & technology — with a documented track record of facilitating foreign direct investments (Fuji Oil, Samyang Foods, Hyosung Heavy Industries, Autocraft, NXP, Aivhy, Manuel, Zeton) and helping regional companies scale. Oost NL is wholly funded by its governmental shareholders and does not charge clients for its services; its "revenue model" is effectively a government budget allocation rather than commercial pricing.

The agency is governed by an executive committee led by CEO Wendy de Jong with functional directors covering International (Fons de Zeeuw), Capital (Freek Welling), Business Development (Liane van der Veen), and Finance, Risk & Operations (Wieteke Numan). It functions as the regional operating arm of Dutch innovation and foreign investment policy in East Netherlands, with deep institutional ties to the European Regional Development Fund and the Province of Overijssel (where the Innovatiefonds Overijssel capital vehicle sits within its broader mandate).

Name

Innovatiefonds Overijssel

Legal name

Oost NL

Website

https://oostnl.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Oost NL is the East Netherlands Development Agency, a government-backed organization that provides free advisory and facilitation services to entrepreneurs and SMEs in Gelderland and Overijssel, supporting foreign investment, innovation, capital access, and startup visa facilitation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Apeldoorn

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Innovatiefonds Overijssel operates through Oost NL (East Netherlands Development Agency), a government-commissioned development agency that delivers free and confidential business support services to entrepreneurs in East Netherlands (Gelderland and Overijssel provinces). Core offerings are organized around four pillars: Foreign Investment/Internationalization (soft landing support for international companies), Development & Innovation (bringing innovations to market), Capital Investment (revolving innovation funds and risk capital for SMEs, including Innovatiefonds Overijssel), and Startup Visa Facilitation for non-EU entrepreneurs.

Product overview

Oost NL (East Netherlands Development Agency) is not a product company but a government-backed development agency offering a portfolio of business support services organized around four core pillars: Foreign Investment/Internationalization, Development & Innovation support, Capital Investment services, and Startup Visa Facilitation. These services are delivered as advisory and facilitation offerings rather than software products, helping (international) entrepreneurs establish, grow, and innovate businesses in the East Netherlands region (Gelderland and Overijssel provinces).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Oost NL Business Support Services Free and confidential services including network introductions, knowledge sharing, premises finding, startup visa facilitation, matchmaking, bidbook preparation, and fact-finding trip organization for entrepreneurs establishing or growing businesses in East Netherlands (Gelderland and Overijssel provinces).
• Internationalization Services (Foreign Investment) Foreign Investment services offering soft-landing for international companies in East Netherlands, including access to regional networks and trade promotion assistance; plus internationalization support for regional SMEs through worldwide partner network matchmaking.
• Development & Innovation Support Supports regional SMEs in bringing innovations to market through knowledge, access to funding (including European-wide funds), networking, and one-on-one contacts; results include fundable business cases, innovation projects, programs, open innovation centers, and campus establishments.
• Capital Investment Services Supports starting and growth-phase SMEs with risk capital from revolving innovation funds, knowledge, networks, and personal contacts; provides direct and indirect investment and fund management; stimulates and supports public and private investors.
• Startup Visa Facilitation Official facilitator for non-EU entrepreneurs providing personalized support during the critical first year, helping startups obtain Dutch startup visas and thrive in East Netherlands.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supported over 1,100 companies from all over the world
• +2 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

46 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FUSE EnschedecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFUSE Enschede is the startup event of the Twente region where startups connect with investors and decision-makers. Oost NL team member Jaap Eijsker serves as advisor for this initiative.
• Future Food-TechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFuture Food-Tech connects 500+ leaders from global food brands, ingredient providers, startups, and investors. Oost NL team member Ansa Wasim represents the organization at this event.
• TechMed Centre (University of Twente)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe TechMed Centre drives healthcare advancements in bioengineering, diagnostics, and medical robotics. Oost NL collaborates with this research facility for MedTech innovation support.
• MESA+ InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMESA+ is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in Europe with 500 researchers. Critical partner for semiconductor and nanotechnology companies in Twente.
• Expat Center East NetherlandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides one-stop shop services for documents that foreign professionals need upon arrival. Available in Enschede, Hengelo, and Zwolle.
• Welcome Center Food ValleyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports expats and companies settling in the Food Valley region with administrative and integration services.
• Food Academy Nijkerk (FAN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration of 25 companies offering practical training to bridge gap between education and food industry employment. Angelique van Helvoort of Oost NL is involved.
• Ministry of Economic AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOost NL is commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs to execute economic policies and support business development.
• Province of GelderlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOost NL is commissioned by the Province of Gelderland and is one of its shareholders, executing regional economic policies.
• Province of OverijsselcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOost NL is commissioned by the Province of Overijssel and is one of its shareholders, executing regional economic policies.
• NXP SemiconductorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry leader in automotive and IoT semiconductor solutions with headquarters employing 1,700+ staff in Nijmegen. Central to the semiconductor cluster.
• ImeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational research and development center for semiconductor technologies. Collaborates with companies in the Nijmegen semiconductor hub.
• LioniX InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading company in integrated photonics based in Twente. Works closely with University of Twente and MESA+ Institute.
• New OrigincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSet to become one of the most advanced photonic chip foundries in Europe. Expected to launch Europe's first pure-play silicon nitride foundry in 2026.
• Novare GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth African investment company that opened European office in Arnhem with Oost NL support. Bridges Dutch investments with African markets.
• Hyosung Heavy IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth Korean technology company that opened European R&D Center at Electricity Campus in Arnhem. Oost NL helped attract the company to the region.
• Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational investment agency that works with Oost NL to attract foreign companies to the Netherlands. Provides soft landing support.
• University of TwentecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey knowledge partner for technology, innovation, and talent. Over 1,000 spin-offs from the university. Partner in MESA+ Institute.
• Wageningen University & ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's top agricultural university. Central to Food Valley ecosystem. Ranked #1 globally for agriculture and forestry.
• Radboud University and RadboudumccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeaders in drug development, microbiology, infectious diseases, and immunology. Key player in Health Valley ecosystem.
• Novel-TcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwente-based accelerator that helps researchers and entrepreneurs turn ideas into successful businesses. Oost NL works closely with this partner.
• StartLifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccelerator for agrifood and health startups. Oost NL works with StartLife to foster innovation in the startup ecosystem.
• Health ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation network in life sciences and health. Oost NL collaborates with Health Valley to support healthcare innovation.
• Manuel (AI startup)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI company based in Winterswijk that developed AI solution for installers. Oost NL supported co-founder Hakan Oz with startup visa.
• AivhyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean technology company establishing Dutch headquarters in Enschede. Oost NL supported integration into regional ecosystem.
• OliviousminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch nutrition company developing drinkable olive shots. Oost NL helped establish company in Food Innovation Campus in Ede.
• Fuji Oil GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapanese company establishing innovation center in Wageningen. Oost NL helped with connections and ecosystem integration.
• Samyang FoodsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth Korean food company establishing European R&D Innovation Hub in Wageningen. Supported by Oost NL and NFIA.
• Qvkdeep FoodsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndian food importer and distributor establishing presence in Wijchen. Oost NL provided regional support for establishment.
• ZetoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanadian company designer/builder of modular pilot factories in Enschede. Oost NL predecessor OOM helped establish the company in 1986.
• AutocraftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based EV battery testing and refurbishment company establishing first European location in Arnhem with Oost NL support.
• City Developer-ScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReal estate developer that made multi-million euro investment in Electricity Campus expansion in Arnhem.
• ConnectrcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Expertise Center for Grid Congestion that collaborates with dozens of companies, startups, and research institutions in the energy transition.
• Skytron EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUS-based medical equipment company manufacturing pendant systems in Zwolle. Collaborates with TechMed Centre and receives OP Oost funding.
• FisiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedTech startup developing handheld point-of-care diagnostic devices. Collaborates with Demcon and Radboudumc.
• DemconcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-tech company and MESA+ spin-off that supports startups like Fisic with software development, quality systems, and production.
• FlowBeamscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartup developing needle-free injection technology. Supported by Novel-T accelerator and University of Twente.
• Battery ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey initiative in East Netherlands for battery technology and energy storage innovation.
• Hy East NL (Hydrogen Valley)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHydrogen valley dedicated to advancing hydrogen technologies in East Netherlands.
• DNV GLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian nonprofit with 15,000 employees in 100 countries. DNV KEMA Laboratories with 2,300 experts located in Arnhem.
• KiwacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational leader in gas and water technology headquartered in East Netherlands with 1,500+ staff worldwide.
• CITCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation center for advanced chip packaging based in Nijmegen semiconductor hub.
• QuiX QuantumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany bringing Dutch expertise in quantum photonics to customers worldwide. Based in Twente.
• PHIXcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany specializing in photonics packaging based in Twente.
• OOM (predecessor to Oost NL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPredecessor organization that helped establish Zeton (then Xytel) in 1986 by linking it to engineering company from Hengelo.
• Professor Bram NautacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld-renowned professor leading Integrated Circuit Design group at University of Twente. Key to Twente's analogue chip design expertise.

Scale indicators20 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Invest in Holland Network: National brand and network of regional development agencies, including Oost NL; comparable positioning for foreign company attraction but at national rather than regional level.
• Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA): National-level foreign investment agency operating under the Ministry of Economic Affairs; Oost NL is a formal NFIA partner. Broader geographic scope but comparable FDI mandate.

Direct peers

• LIOF: Limburg Development Agency; offers identical bundle of internationalization, innovation, and capital investment services. Direct counterpart for Oost NL at smaller regional scale.
• BOM (Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij): Dutch regional development agency for North Brabant; offers identical mix of foreign investment, innovation support, capital (fund-of-funds), and startup facilitation. Directly comparable mandate and services to Oost NL.
• InnovationQuarter: Regional development agency for South Holland covering Rotterdam/The Hague; provides foreign investment, SME innovation support, and risk capital. Closest functional peer in services mix.
• Brainport Development: Eindhoven region economic development organization backed by municipalities and province; deeply focused on high-tech and semiconductor ecosystems, with comparable triple-helix (industry-knowledge-government) operating model.
• NOM (Investerings- en Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij voor Noord-Nederland): North Netherlands regional development agency; comparable in mandate, fund-of-funds operations, and SME/internationalization support. Same shareholder structure (provinces and national government).

Regional players

• Bayern International: State-run foreign investment and internationalization agency for Bavaria; comparable in services to foreign companies and SMEs. Geographic peer in Europe but not directly competing.
• Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen / Saxony Economic Development: German regional development agency for Saxony funded by state and EU; comparable mandate in attracting SMEs, FDI, and innovation support for semiconductor and photonics clusters.

Emerging players

• StartLife: Wageningen-based agrifoodtech accelerator formally partnered with Oost NL; comparable in startup support services but narrower sector focus (food/health only).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oost-nl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Innovatiefonds Overijssel