BOM - Catalyzing change
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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.

Photoshop MT Brigit

BOM Director Brigit van Dijk – van de Reijt: ‘Negativity doesn’t help anyone move forward’

Impact story
Last week, Techleap published the State of Dutch Tech 2026 report. It shows that the number of new startups has declined since 2023, that relatively fewer young companies are scaling up, and that large funding rounds rely heavily on foreign capital. For Brigit van Dijk – van de Reijt, this is no reason for pessimism. On the contrary. “Negativity doesn’t do anyone any good,” she says. According to her, this is precisely the time for regions to build focus, resilience, and strategic relevance, with Brabant as an example.
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Photoshop MT Chantal

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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Photoshop MT Marc

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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Photoshop MT Daan

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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Photoshop Martijn

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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