【Dealroom_Ghent】2024根特创业生态系统状况报告_34页_15mb

The State of Ghent's Startup Ecosystem 2024 Summary

Core Content

Ghent has emerged as one of Europe's fastest-growing tech ecosystems, with a strong focus on healthtech, biotech, digital tech, and cleantech. The city is recognized as a science and innovation hub, supported by Ghent University and a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and investors. The ecosystem is characterized by a high success rate for startups transitioning into established businesses and a robust network of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces.

Main Points

• Growth and Value:

  • Ghent's tech ecosystem is valued above €34B.
  • The city ranks 10th in Europe for Health investment in 2023.
  • Health startups alone account for 82% of total VC investment in 2023, with an enterprise value of over €1.8B.

• Startup Activity:

  • Over 920 startups and scaleups are active in Ghent.
  • 310 of these are VC-backed, with 110 in health and 70 in foodtech.
  • 70+ startups have been funded since 2023.

• Key Sectors:

  • Health: Dominates the VC investment landscape, with notable companies like AgomAb, AmphStar, and Sequana Medical.
  • Enterprise Software: Includes companies like Lighthouse, Aikido Security, and Lansweeper.
  • Foodtech: Companies such as Protealis and Aphea.Bio are driving innovation in this sector.
  • Transportation & Mobility: Startups like Mazaro and QARGO are gaining traction.
  • Gaming & Hosting: Triangle Factor and Team.blue are part of the growing scene.
  • Event Tech & Travel: Nexxworks, Funkey, and Showpad are key players.
  • Semiconductors & Cleantech: QustomDot, EnergyVision, and others are leading in these emerging areas.

• Investment Trends:

  • VC investment has stabilized since 2021, with 2024 showing promising growth.
  • Early-stage investment remains relatively stable, while breakout stage investment has increased by 92% in 2024 compared to 2023.
  • Domestic investors are dominant in early-stage rounds, while foreign investors are more active in late-stage rounds.
  • Local VCs have substantial dry powder, with new funds totaling over €590M since 2021.

• Notable Exits:

  • Several significant acquisitions have occurred since 2022, including SilverFin by VISMA, Realo by IMMOWEB, Benchman by LexisNexis, Contractify by AXI, and Cloudalize by Radianarc.

• Support and Community:

  • Ghent fosters a collaborative culture, with a pay-it-forward mentality that encourages reinvestment in the community.
  • The city provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, offering access to talent, funding, and infrastructure.
  • Ghent University is a major contributor, with over 150 spinouts and 3,500 jobs at Ghent-based spinouts.

Key Information

• Ghent's Ecosystem Strength:

  • The ecosystem is reinforced by a strong presence of both local and international investors.
  • The city's unique blend of scientific research and entrepreneurial drive has led to a flywheel effect, accelerating innovation.

• Investor Landscape:

  • The top investors in Ghent since 2019 include PMV, Qbic Fund, V-Bio Ventures, and VLAIO.
  • Most are based in Belgium, with a few foreign entities.

• Data and Methodology:

  • The report is based on Dealroom's proprietary data, which includes public information, user-submitted data, and data engineering.
  • The data is verified and curated manually.
  • Only companies founded since 1990 are included.

• Future Outlook:

  • Ghent is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with a promising funnel of startups, breakouts, and scaleups.
  • The city is positioning itself as Europe's Technology Capital, attracting both talent and investment.

Supporting Infrastructure and Ecosystem

• Incubators and Accelerators:

  • Ghent offers state-of-the-art incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces that support tech ventures.

• Networking Opportunities:

  • A strong community of entrepreneurs and investors fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Talent Pool:

  • The city benefits from a rich talent pool, including graduates from Ghent University and professionals in various tech fields.

Conclusion

Ghent's startup ecosystem is at a critical inflection point, driven by a strong focus on healthtech and supported by a robust network of investors and research institutions. The city's unique combination of scientific expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and supportive infrastructure positions it as a leading tech hub in Europe. With continued investment and collaboration, Ghent is poised to become a major player in the global tech landscape.