K.U.Leuven: Benelux-based start-up companies showcase themselves to Europe’s investment community

On May 17th 2011, the 10th edition of the Benelux Venture Forum (BVF) will take place at Provinciehuis in Leuven, Belgium. During the last 10 years, the Forum has established itself as a unique platform promoting a dynamic and professional image of innovative entrepreneurship and venture capital in the Benelux region to the rest of Europe.

Proudly organised by Europe Unlimited, with the kind support of Leuven.Inc, imec, Deloitte, Roche, InnoEnergy, Capricorn Venture Partners and K.U.Leuven Research & Development, the event will showcase the most promising companies of the Benelux from sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies, Life Sciences and Clean Technologies.   The 50 most promising Benelux-based start-up companies have been identified using a mix of quantitative and qualitative evaluations, with active venture capitalists from across Europe providing direct input.

 Now in its 10th year, the Benelux Venture Forum has championed entrepreneurs and brought significant investment into the region from a Europe-wide community of investors. In the region of 200 participants are confirmed for this great networking and business development event with high quality presentations from the most investor-ready high tech companies in the Benelux. The Benelux Venture Forum will showcase 50 of the best entrepreneurs in Cleantech, ICT and Life Sciences following selection by international investors.

BVF Country Representation

• 30 Companies from Belgium

• 19 Companies from The Netherlands

• 1 Company from Luxembourg

BVF Sector Representation

• 23 ICT Companies

• 10 Clean Tech Companies

• 17 Life Science Companies

Winners of the Benelux Venture 50 automatically qualify for presentation slots at the European Venture Summit and if selected, for the European Venture Contest.  The European Venture Summit will take place in Germany in late November/early December, and it will showcase the Top 100 companies from Europe Unlimited’s 2011 calendar of events.  The 25 finalists of the European Venture Contest will be selected in early November.

William Stevens, CEO of Europe Unlimited commented “Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Europe – times may be tough right now but it is the ideas of today that fuel the businesses of tomorrow.  Some of the world’s leading companies were born during challenging times and they grew strong as a direct result.”