ROM Utrecht Region invests in fintech Eyevestor to boost access to capital for local entrepreneurs

ROM Utrecht Region and the Utrecht-based fintech platform Eyevestor are joining forces to expand financing options for entrepreneurs in the region. 

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ROM Utrecht Region has joined forces with the Utrecht-based fintech platform Eyevestor to make financing more accessible for local entrepreneurs.

As a part of the partnership, the regional development agency is investing in Eyevestor. The funding was made possible in part by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Based out of Utrecht, ROM Utrecht Region is a social investor that increases access to capital for innovative companies in the region.

The regional agency invests in the major transition sectors crucial to the economy of the future: digital, health, and sustainability.

To secure financing for these companies, ROM Utrecht Region collaborates with numerous partners both within and outside the region.

At present, ROM Utrecht Region has two funds – the Startup Innovation Fund (SIF) and the Participation Fund.

Eyevestor x ROM Utrecht Region

Through this partnership, ROM is also exploring further collaboration to help businesses in the Utrecht region secure equity-based funding.

The investment comes at a time when the platform is raising funds to expand its services for entrepreneurs and investors.

This additional capital injection will enable Eyevestor to scale faster and provide more innovative companies with access to capital.

The primary goal of the funding round has now been achieved, but the round will remain open until the end of October to raise additional funding and enable further acceleration.

Eyevestor says that this partnership is strategically important for the ROM Utrecht Region.

It specifically focuses on addressing an under-researched part of the region’s financing landscape.

“Equity financing gives entrepreneurs more time and space to innovate and work on sustainable growth,” says Arjan van den Born (Director of ROM Utrecht Region). “Eyevestor creates a more comprehensive financing offering for ambitious Utrecht companies, not only for startups but also for innovative SMEs.”

At present, the alternative financing market is growing rapidly.

In the Netherlands, approximately €1.14B was raised through crowdfunding in 2024, a growth of almost 20 per cent compared to the previous year.

In Europe, the crowdfunding market is expected to grow at an estimated annual rate of 17.4 per cent until 2030.

Eyevestor: Providing alternative financing

Founded by Gijs Dalen Meurs, Eyevestor‘s platform offers entrepreneurs alternative financing through share issuances through its Sharefunding platform.

In addition to private and professional investors, employees, customers, and other stakeholders can participate.

The Dutch company distinguishes itself through its focus on the entire lifecycle — from startups to established SMEs. Eyevestor has held a European Crowdfunding Service Provider license since 2023.

The company has already supported several successful financing rounds, including those for SharePeople, LABFRESH, European Sleeper, Blue Current, OnWine, CODE49, and Suncom Energy.

As per the company’s claims, Utrecht-based companies have collectively raised over €25M through their platform in recent years.

Gijs Dalen Meurs, CEO and founder of Eyevestor, says, “Thanks to the partnership with the ROM, we can give even more entrepreneurs access to shareholder capital, often largely sourced from their own network of customers, employees, and partners. This increases engagement and leverage.”