Syndicate One is an introductory investment entity based in Belgium that has secured a capital pool of €6.5 million to support Belgian entrepreneurs and new ventures. Though this sum is modest, it holds importance as it represents the inaugural Belgian fund endorsed by all four federal regions of the nation. This achievement occurs in a country renowned for its regional separations and even occasional periods without an established government. 

The fund, initiated in 2022, has received backing from over 100 entrepreneurs and startup operators. It has invested in initial-stage companies such as TechWolf, Aikido Security, Sirona Technologies, Donna, Cosmic Aerospace, Vendorvue, SAPI, Powernaut, Kennek, among others.

Backers from companies like Collibra, Deliverect, DataCamp, Showpad, Qover, Cowboy, and Go Vocal, are part of the fund’s founder-backed pool.

The governmental funding entities supporting the initiative include PMV (Flanders), SFPIM (federal), Finance&invest.brussels (Brussels), and Wallonie Entreprendre (Wallonia). 

Belgium, although a compact nation, is increasingly making its mark in fostering new ventures within Europe.

Based on the State of Belgian Tech Report 2024 (prepared by Dealroom), during the first half of 2024, the investment total in eight Belgian tech firms nearly reached €500 million, compared to €424 million throughout the complete year of 2023.

From 2018 to the first half of 2024, preliminary-stage investments represented about 77% of all funds raised by Belgian tech enterprises, while in Europe, this figure was just 42% within the same duration. This variation has remained steady over the past five years, as per Dealroom.

Throughout the initial half of 2024, AI businesses comprised over 70% of the entire investment, while international investor involvement has averaged around 66% since 2020.

Laurens De Poorter, the creator of Syndicate One, mentioned in a declaration: “By bringing together investors, operators, and innovators, we’ve established a platform that not only finances aspiring ventures but also delivers the mentorship and connections essential for success.”

Participants in the fund encompass TechWolf co-founder Andreas De Neve; Aikido Security co-founders Felix Garriau, Roeland Delrue, and Willem Delbare; Botanix Labs founder and CEO Willem Schroe; Holly co-founder Boris Gordts; and Vendorvue co-founder Michiel Bearelle.