Curious about leveraging international resources for growth and scaling success? Join our webinar to discover practical strategies for expanding your startup to Asia, optimizing funding, and navigating the international scene. Gain insights from experienced speakers, delve into real-world case studies, and explore global partnership opportunities. Don’t miss out! Join us on March 19!
Topics we will discuss are:
• Crossing Borders: When and How to Take Your Startup to Asia (without relocating) • Maximizing Funding Efficiency using international resources • International Trends • Local Partnership showcase • Case Study: Navigating International Waters in MedTech/High Tech
Speakers
Pjotr Steinmetz, The Docks, International Accelerator Expert
Roland Rutten, The Docks, Investor validator
Maria Sucgang, Founder and CEO at Remotify (Philippines)
Edward Tsai, Head of Business Development Asia Pacific at Andetta Private Equity (Taiwan)
Please note this webinar will have restricted numbers to ensure positive discussion and the opportunity to ask questions.
Location Online | Webinar (link will be provided prior to the event date)
Good to know The webinar is facilitated in English and free of charge. Please note this webinar will have restricted numbers to ensure positive discussion and the opportunity to ask questions.
The workshop is meant for startups & SME’s in the following sectors: MedTech, Life Sciences & Health, (High) Tech and cross-overs. To prepare for this wokshop we will ask you to answer some questions in advance to get a feel of knowledge/expectations.
What’s the value of your company? Valuation of a company is almost always hard. Sentiments play a role, but also the fact that there are many alternative ways to look at the value of a company. This is of course even more true if you run a start-up as the past offers little foundation to determine future performance and worth. But for all growth stages valuation is immensely important since external financing is in most cases the only way to grow. Therefore, it’s necessary that you understand how valuation works, that you know how best to prepare for negotiations and how to determine the conditions. This is what this workshop offers. It helps create a better understanding of company valuation and investment terms as well as the process to reach an investment deal.
Understanding the other site of the table Investors and entrepreneurs both want a deal that makes them happy. In order to have fruitful discussions about the valuation of your company, it’s therefore important for both sides of the table to have a good understanding of each other’s perspective. What does an investor look for in a business case? What is expected from you as an entrepreneur? But also, what can you expect from an investor? Now during the deal making phase, but also later on as a shareholder in your company? Instead of looking for a bigger slice of the pie, the goal should be to make the pie bigger for everyone at the table.
Legal issues regarding the participation of investors When an investor and entrepreneur cooperate, in principle, they have the same objectives. But that’s not the case on all aspects of the cooperation. For instance regarding an exit or the relationship between the management board and the general meeting of shareholders. These are some of the most important issues in the cooperation between an entrepreneur and an investor. Thorough thought on these issues upfront contribute to a smooth cooperation between entrepreneur and an investor.
Noviotech Campus, building M, Transistorweg 5, Nijmegen
Good to know We finish off with drinks & bites. This workshop is free of charge and facilitated in English. Please register upfront!
Participation in the workshop is free for everyone, including drinks and bites. However, for cancellations within 24 hours prior to the event, we will charge a fee of 15 euros (excluding VAT) to cover incurred expenses.
We look forward to meet you!
The workshop is meant for investment seeking start-ups/ scale-ups; entrepreneurs that are either in or approaching the phase to find and contract investors. There is a maximum of 16 participants. And to prepare for this wokshop we will ask you to answer some questions in advance.
Many people who have undergone rehabilitation are familiar with the loss of muscle mass. But it’s also a common problem for older people. Healthcare startup HapticLink has the solution: its Reforter is an investment in rehabilitation innovation. We spoke to CFO Matthijs Stevens about the medical innovation and their entrepreneurial tales.
“My journey with HapticLink started in 2021”, recalls Matthijs. “My friend and the inventor of the Reforter, Peter Martens, approached me with this fascinating device. I immediately saw its potential and knew I had to join this venture.”
“With HapticLink, we aim to offer advanced and efficient solutions for assessment, treatment and prevention of physical impairment – for everyone”, Matthijs explains. “That’s how the idea of the Reforter was born. It’s an intelligent muscle strength assessment and training device. We are currently testing the prototype and are trying to medically certify the machine. Which I am sure we will succeed in!”
Electricity’s advantages
The Reforter is like a pole, with a handle at training height that you can pull. At the top of the device is a built-in electric motor. This motor calculates the power, force and speed at which the patient pulls. Matthijs explains: “When you exercise, you can see exactly what you do with feedback on the screen. With the help of smart technology, you get to see reports, and you can see your progress. Moreover, the Reforter continuously measures what you are doing and adjusts the resistance accordingly.”
The Reforter is very suitable for rehabilitation. Because it can also handle low forces. You don’t have to adjust the device, but the patient decides how much force to use. “If you have had shoulder surgery, for example, and want to start training again to increase your muscle mass, then strength training is necessary. But you can’t apply too much force right away because it hurts. As a patient, with the Reforter, you can easily create an optimal load yourself in the different recovery phases.”
The Reforter also brings innovation to eccentric training. Matthijs explains: “Every exercise has two phases: the concentric phase (shortens your muscles) and the eccentric phase (lengthens your muscles). In that second phase, you bring the resistance back down with your arm. You are stronger compared to the first phase. But if you train with weights, you only train your muscles in the first phase, not when you lower the weight. The Reforter solves that by providing resistance in the eccentric phase as well.”
Strength training for older people
Sooner or later, many older people suffer from sarcopenia, a condition in which muscle is lost faster than it is made. As a result, muscle strength decreases and your physical function deteriorates. “It is important to recognise the loss of muscle mass at an early stage. That’s the best way to prevent falling. The Reforter can also play an essential role by starting with the right training to avoid injuries.”
“For example, when older people go to the physiotherapist for strength training with our device, their muscle mass won’t decrease further. If older people can move independently for a longer time, they can also stay fit and mobile for longer, without falling. We additionally want to achieve that with the Reforter: provide an easy and accessible way to stay active.”
The tales of a startup
“Many people see similar equipment in the gym and do not immediately see the benefit of our innovation,” explains Matthijs. “But it has many benefits. Especially when it comes to rehabilitation; that’s why we also do demos for physiotherapists. That way, they can see and experience for themselves what the Reforter can do. So far, the response has been enthusiastic: no less than 17 out of the 20 physiotherapists we visited wanted one immediately! We have also received a lot of useful feedback on the performance of the Reforter. This makes my entrepreneurial heart beat faster.”
Of course, entrepreneurship has its challenges, such as finding funding. “Fortunately, we also get help from Briskr with their seminars on various topics with excellent speakers. But also with their annual Investment Day event in cooperation with Radboudumc, Radboud University and Oost NL. This has been a great opportunity for us to expand our network and present our product.”
At HapticLink, they dare to dream of the future. “Our ultimate goal? A Reforter in every physiotherapy practice and nursing home. That way, we can help people to (re)gain mobility and therefore remain independent & healthy for a longer time!”
Plus Ultra Leiden | Leiden Bio Science Park | Emmy Noetherweg 2
Looking to deepen your understanding of microscopy, specifically tailored for experts in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries? Join us for our exclusive workshop, collaboratively organized by Nikon and Kadans.
Designed to cater to a wide range of enthusiasts in the field of microscopy, Sharper Insights highlights Nikon’s innovative smart assays and advanced image analysis software. During the workshop, we offer an engaging and educational experience, specifically designed to enhance your knowledge of the latest developments in microscopy technology.
Of course we will close off this interesting afternoon with a networking session where you can enjoy some good food and interesting conversations. Can’t make it to the workshop? You are also welcome to join this networking drinks at 17:00 hours.
Health Valley | Health~Holland Regional Session Internationalization
Are you ready for the next step and are you curious about how to implement your healthcare innovation abroad? Then register for this physical event on Tuesday, February 6th focusing on the process of internationalization. You will be informed on how to make sure your organisation is well prepared and aware of all the available support and (financial) instruments by the Topsector Life Sciences & Health, the Task Force Health Care and Health Valley.
Boost your international journey Expand your international horizon and let Health~Holland, Task Force Health Care and Health Valley share their knowledge and experiences with you. They can offer you the support and tools to shape your international activities and ambitions in a sustainable manner. Curious how you can strengthen the international position of your organisation? Then register now!
What to expect? An interactive session at the Novio Tech Campus in Nijmegen. During this event, the new Health~Holland International Strategy, TFHC’s activities for 2024 and available public-private support will be presented. Ask any questions you might have on your international ambitions. Share your own experiences and be inspired by those that have gone before. It promises to be a tailormade session based on the topics and countries suggested by you and the other participants.
Programme • Welcome and Introduction of participants • Introduction new Health~Holland International Strategy • THFC’s agenda 2024 and public-private support options • Entrepreneur sharing practical experiences • Q&A • Opportunity for one-on-one conversations and networking during the networking reception
Registration You don’t want to miss this event packed with valuable information! So, register now by completing the Dutch form in this link.
Do you want to learn more about large molecule drug development? Dive into the complexities of first-in-human trials for biologics at this Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS program tailored for biotech startups. Join R&D experts from J&J as they cover crucial aspects including Preclinical Development, CMC, Clinical Trial Designs, and Regulatory Strategies.
Startups, early innovators and entrepreneurs are welcome to register here https://jji.jnj/roadtofih. We also welcome stakeholders supporting these startups.
Are you a Company, Start-up or Public Administration and in need of high performance compute power?
The purpose of this Call of EuroCC Netherlands is to offer access to High-Performance Computing, Machine Learning (or general Artificial Intelligence), and Data Analytics resources (consultancy and infrastructure) to commercial partners (SMEs or corporates).
Deadline: the open call applications will close on Dec. 31, 2023
The Call for Proposals is continuously open, with a reviewing period of maximum two (2) weeks and immediate access to resources upon successful evaluation. The allocations are granted for one (1) year with the option for projects to apply for a continuation.
This continuation shall be duly justified, limited to a maximum of one (1) additional year, and will depend on an assessment of the ongoing awarded project.
Applicants can only have one Regular Access awarded at any given time.
The computer system provided for the Regular Access call by EuroCC Netherlands is Snellius, hosted by SURF in Amsterdam.
This Regular Access mode offers three distinctive application tracks:
Technical Consultancy
Access to HPC infrastructure
Both Technical Consultancy + Access to HPC Infrastructure
Je doelgroep steeds weer raken, met unieke posts en een sterk verhaal
Wil je dat jouw klanten jouw merk online gaan herkennen?
Jouw sterke bedrijfsverhaal vertalen in pakkende posts?
Relevante artikelen op je website, om je klanten écht te helpen?
In de workshop Contentmarketing en Social Media leer je in 2 uur de basisideeën van contentmarketing. We bespreken verschillende soorten content en hoe je die inzet om jouw bedrijfsdoelen te halen. En we gaan praktisch aan de slag: met een contentkalender of het schrijven van je eigen posts. Je leert hoe je jouw verhaal voor je kunt laten werken én kunt laten aansluiten bij je doelgroep. Laagdrempelig en inhoudelijk.
Get inspired and discover how to make AI work for you:
Do you want to find out how to use AI tools in your daily work?
Curious about both opportunities and pitfalls of working with ChatGPT?
Do you want practical tools and get started right away?
During the 2-hour workshop, Els Hekkenberg from copywriting agency Letterdesk will immerse you in the world of ChatGPT, Bard and other AI tools. You’ll learn where to start, why you should (or should not) use the tools and how to get the best results.
We’ll bring theory into practice during the interactive workshop, allowing you to quickly master the AI tools. Get inspired by the possibilities!
About Els
Els is founder and senior copywriter at the Nijmegen-based Letterdesk. She has over 15 years of experience in marketing and communication and has been exploring AI tools for copywriting for years. With a background in Communication Science, she knows what makes a story pop – whether it’s AI-generated or human-written.
Currently, we have reached the maximum of 20 participants. If you would like to register for the waiting list, please email info@briskr.nl. Should anyone drop out, we will contact the next person in order of entry on the waiting list.
Please note this webinar will have restricted numbers up to 20 participants. Bring your laptop and make sure to register for a free ChatGPT account upfront to explore the tool during the workshop.
Participation in the workshop is free for everyone, including drinks and bites. However, for cancellations within 24 hours prior to the event, we will charge a fee of 15 euros (excluding VAT) to cover incurred expenses.
Shipping companies all want to become more sustainable, but the question is: how? Dirk Degroote of the Nijmegen-based company Cognauship inspires captains to reduce their emissions and costs by mapping out the fuel consumption of ships. “Using energy more sparingly is the only real lifeline we have left to reach the short term climate targets.”
The demand from the market was clear: tugs want to sail more sustainably and more cost effective. But they often struggle on how to do it. In his previous job, Dirk noticed the demand, but couldn’t offer an easily applicable solution. So, he decided to set sail for new horizons. Together with Noud Seegers, he founded the company Cognauship. “My work comprised of many meetings, away from home, long days and regularly travelling. I wanted to get my hands dirty again, and at the same time, spend time with my family.”
And that is exactly what he got, albeit in a different way than he anticipated. “In February 2020, we officially started working at the Noviotech Campus. That lasted for about a month, and then we went into lockdown. When everything came to a halt, my thought processes continued. Of course, it wasn’t what I had in mind, but it gave me the time and space to spend time with my children without responsibilities to an employer. It also allowed me to think long and hard about how to realize the solution I had in mind. All in all, it was exactly what I needed.”
Sailing sustainably
All the thinking led to a unique Internet of Things (IoT) solution, based on monitoring and thoroughly analyzing the movements and exhaust sounds of the ships’ engines, resulting in the identification of potential savings. It sounds simple, but behind the scenes there are a lot of steps to be taken, as it is a long way from sensor data to insights. “Think of data like Lego blocks. When the data comes from the ship, the blocks are scattered all over the place. I use specially developed algorithms for ships to sort them by size and color and then use these blocks to build a house that fits the customer’s needs, which is easy to understand and provides actionable insights. They just see the house, but it took a lot of steps to get there.” We distinguish ourselves by covering this complete path, where most of the competition just offer the raw data and the platform. Let’s say they provide the box of Lego, whether sorted or unsorted, but the customers have to figure out themselves how to build the house. And they lack the personnel and experience to do that.
“It’s no longer about a lack of desire to become more sustainable. Companies often just don’t know how to go about it or cannot figure out a solid business case. We don’t do it for them, but we empower them to become more sustainable and determine the business case, so they can move on. For most ships, it’s not even a major intervention. A few small changes can improve operational efficiency with fuel consumption savings of 10 to 30%. This often involves sailing at lower speeds or adopting different sailing techniques, but also logistic integration and optimization. A few years ago we had this campaign for more sustainable driving in The Netherlands; Het Nieuwe Rijden, which can be seen as a similar solution. But we focus on water.”
Important connections
Dirk was already quite knowledgeable in his field, but starting a business is a different ball game. “In the early stages, I benefited from Briskr’s help in finding other entrepreneurs and experts to exchange ideas with. A critical, outside view can help so much. It’s a reality check: is what we’re doing really relevant? When the answer is ‘yes’, it boosts your confidence to keep on going.”
Dirk is well-known in the towage industry, so his first assignment was with an important player. “We were able to test our prototype at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. And when that went well, other companies were inspired, too. The Municipality of Nijmegen also made enquiries about our services to get a better understanding of emissions of ships passing The Waal in Nijmegen and wanting to boost a Nijmegen-based company.”
The municipality’s investment turned out to be worth its weight in gold, as many other companies followed suit. “The events of Briskr and Oost NL and our offices at Noviotech Campus contributed to success as well. This is where we can build our network.”
A sustainable future
“We are quite the odd one out at the Noviotech Campus. Before we arrived, there were no companies representing the maritime industry, even though the industry is quite present in Nijmegen. We started with tugs and now, due to market demand, we also help inland vessels. In our backyard, The Waal, some 300 ships pass by every day, making our work highly relevant here.”
As far as Dirk is concerned, his job is not meant to be relevant forever. “My dream is that everyone in the barging and towing industry becomes aware of how to sail sustainably and act on it by 2030. Preferably with our help, because that would mean we can make impact. If everyone chips in, the climate goals for our sector will be within reach. And that is the goal right now.”
