Many startups face the same problem: without funding there is no product, but without a product there are no investors. As a result, many technological innovations remain on the shelf at companies and knowledge institutions for years before reaching the market. 

With the new fund PreSeed XL, TU/e, the Eindhoven University Fund (UFe), and HighTechXL, an organization that supports startups, aim to accelerate that path to the market. The fund was launched on May 8, with support from private investors and five million euros from the Dutch Government (RVO).

The collaboration is based on the vision of Ton Backx, director of UFe. “By joining forces with HighTechXL, we are giving startups not only capital, but also the opportunity to have additional research carried out at TU/e,” said Backx in a press release. “This makes startups technically stronger and therefore more commercially successful. In this way, we accelerate the journey from lab to society.”

The right moment

HighTechXL helps entrepreneurs set up startups through knowledge, technology, and a global network of investors and industrial partners. John Bell, Managing Director of HighTechXL: “Brabant is bursting with technological talent, but the road from concept to market is challenging.” 

PreSeed XL gives startups access to capital, intensive guidance, and a strong network at the right moment, Bell adds. “By linking this to the university, we increase both the chances of success and the societal impact from day one.”

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.