Background stories
Entrepreneurs are at the heart of BOM. On this page, we share their stories: about growth, challenges, innovation, and impact. Discover how Brabant-based companies are building a sustainable future.
Why BOM invests in ecosystems: 'Innovation requires more than just good ideas'
Impact story
Successful innovation often starts with a brilliant idea, but without a well-functioning system for innovation and entrepreneurship, it quickly falters. That is the conviction of Chantal Dietvorst – ten Tije, Managing Director of Ecosystems Development at BOM. Together with her team, she builds ecosystems that help Brabant-based entrepreneurs innovate faster and create real impact.
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How BOM aims to unlock the investment climate: 'It’s gridlocked. Funds are too small'
Impact story
The investment climate is under strain, yet BOM continues to invest in the innovative companies of tomorrow. Managing Director Investments Marc Jansen and his team navigate the space between societal ambition and financial reality.
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Brabant opens doors worldwide, now it’s up to The Hague
Impact story
Uncertainty around grid congestion, nitrogen regulations and the expat tax scheme is holding back investment. Managing Director International Business Daan de Cloe sees ample opportunities for a new cabinet to significantly improve the Netherlands’ investment climate. He calls for stability, clarity and a long-term approach.
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The engine room of BOM: why well-organised data matters
Impact story
For the past six months, Martijn Wagemakers has been part of BOM’s management team. During this period, he has become acutely aware of the significant impact of work that usually takes place behind the scenes. His domain is responsible for, among other things, financial management, IT, administrative processes and a rapidly growing flow of data. “We don’t want AI for the sake of AI,” he says. “But we do want to work smarter.”
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How Thaumatec uses trade missions to accelerate international growth: ‘You can’t do this work from your office alone’
Entrepreneurial story
From Los Angeles to Minnesota: trade missions help Thaumatec better understand and enter the U.S. healthcare market. Thanks to programs organized by the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) and its partners, doors are opened that would otherwise remain closed. Founder Barend Smet explains what these trips deliver in practice for entrepreneurs.
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What investment readiness requires: entrepreneurs share their stories
Impact story
Hard work, building business plans, giving each other critical feedback and, above all, growing as a team. Last week, eight companies completed BOM’s intensive VC Readiness Programme and looked back on their experience. “Had I followed a program like this at the start, we would have had a more defined path and sharper targets.”
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