This November, eight of the most promising high-tech companies from Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands will join the second overall and first-ever virtual edition of the Benelux Catalyst program. The participating entrepreneurial teams were carefully selected and supported by the different public-private partners, including BelCham (BE), Pulse Foundation (BE), LRM (BE), Volta Ventures (BE), Startup Luxembourg (LUX), Luxinnovation (LUX) and the Ministry of Economy/Consulate General of The Netherlands (NL).
“The power of this initiative lies in the fact that it is organized on account of a transatlantic, collaborative effort, opening up a broader network and knowledge base for the participating companies. It should be noted that even amidst these extraordinary conditions, all partners steadfastly emphasize that the USA remains a distinct and unparalleled destination for international business. The business acumen, preparatory knowledge and connections gained during the program will be invaluable for founders drawing out their expansion horizons in the years to come,” says Valerie Van den Keybus, Co-Managing Director, BelCham.
In its second year, BelCham has developed an intense, digital three-week trajectory tackling the most important obstacles tech startups are facing when scaling. The program combines expert and peers sessions, and strategic workshops allowing for mentorship and in-depth guidance. In 2021, pending health and economic developments, participants will also have the option to benefit from a one-month residency at BelCham Atelier in NYC, focused on business development and immersion within the broader local entrepreneurial network.
“We have carefully selected these participants based on growth stage, traction and motivation. We look forward to providing a strong foundation for US expansion by opening up our network, and giving them access to the local ecosystems, even though from a distance (for now),” says Jorn Poldermans, Senior Economic Advisor for Tech Start-Ups and Scale-Ups at the Consulate General of The Netherlands.
The following high-growth, promising companies were selected to participate:
- EmailTree AI (LUX) helps to reinvent the customer experience with an intelligent end-to- end customer service automation. https://emailtree.ai
- Yotako (LUX) translates designs (PSD, Balsamiq, etc.) into tailor made source code for mobile apps and websites. https://www.yotako.io
- Drillster (NL) introduces a new adaptive learning solution, focused on an increased ROI and predicting future proficiency levels. https://drillster.com
- Extra Horizon (BE) is a digital health company focused on providing regulatory compliant cloud infrastructure and GDPR safe data storage. http://www.extrahorizon.com
- Mobietrain (BE) delivers bite-sized, engaging content through a mobile-first interface that empowers remote, exciting and gamified learning/training. https://www.mobietrain.com
- Omniboost (NL) seamlessly integrates all financial data and automates accounting processes at revolutionary speeds for the restaurant and hospitality industry. https://www.omniboost.io
- Stampix (BE) is a tech- and fulfilment provider of photos, enabling brands to engage new audiences and inspire customers through printing dynamic content. https://stampix.com/
- Th3rd (NL) is revolutionizing product showcasing online and in VR with their 3D SaaS solutions for brands and retailers to digitize their product catalog onsite and at scale. https://th3rd.nl
“The pilot program took place in November 2019, during which four ambitious and innovative scale-ups participated in person. This initial edition was highly successful and lauded by the participants for its tailored format and impactful counsel. The next edition will kick off entirely virtually; the focus areas will evolve to meet the world in flux and give the founders the tools to increase their companies’ business ambitions, validate their expansion plans, interact within a close-knit transatlantic network, and accelerate their understanding of the American market,”
says Jeanne Crauser, Consul General of Luxembourg in New York and Executive Director of the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office.
Throughout the program, mentor and partner introductions will be facilitated. Reach out if you would like to book a 1:1 meeting or get involved.
- BE: Valerie Van den Keybus | valerie@belcham.org
- NL: Jorn Poldermans | jorn.poldermans@minbuza.nl
- LUX: Valentin Rongoni | valentin.rongoni@luxinnovation.lu
You will also be able to get to know the founders better during the last week of the program on November 19 during our virtual pitch event.
Register on Eventbrite here.
About Benelux Catalyst: The Benelux Catalyst is an exciting, collaborative accelerator program for high-growth b2b tech startups from Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg, looking to enter and grow on the US market. The program is a one-of-its-kind collaborative effort between public and private partners from the different countries, providing strategic and financial support to participating companies as they embark in their international adventure. For its second edition in 2020, this program – although taking place virtually – will be hosted live from NYC!