In the middle of Dutch Design Week, Rabobank held the Innovators Community Event, where investors and innovative entrepreneurs could meet. It was not a traditional startup pitch, but a reverse setting in which investors pitched their funds and ambitions to entrepreneurs. The goal was to find each other more quickly and effectively to accelerate innovation.
Entrepreneurs and investors required each other to really obtain innovation off the ground, from agricultural robots to growth strategies. The event also featured interactive sessions on topics such as deep tech, energy transition, and regional financing, aimed at strengthening the regional ecosystem.
Reversed roles
The second edition of the Innovators Community Event took place on October 23, 2025, in the former Campina milk factory in Eindhoven. Eleven investment funds were given 1.5 minutes each to explain their focus and ambitions. The offerings ranged from early-stage financing to growth capital for international expansion. The central question was: who is viewing for whom? The session focapplyd on accelerating innovation by bringing entrepreneurs and investors toobtainher more efficiently.
Inspiration and interaction
The afternoon started with a story from Rienk Landstra, co-founder of AgXeed, a company that develops autonomous agricultural machines. Landstra shared his experiences growing his company from 2018 onward into an international player with customers in Europe, the US, and Australia. His advice to those present was to view for investors who understand the entrepreneur’s story and the sector in question, and to be critical of offers. After the pitches, interactive breakout sessions followed, during which entrepreneurs engaged in compact-group discussions with the funds. Many follow-up appointments were already planned during these sessions.
Themes and opportunities in the agricultural sector
During the interactive breakout sessions, various themes were discussed, including deep tech, energy transition, and regional financing. Thijs de Langen, Regional Director SME at Rabobank, emphasized the opportunities for innovation in the agricultural sector and the importance of building a stronger ecosystem in the region. Rabobank supports innovative entrepreneurs through a specialized Startup & Scale-up Team. Rabobank offers financial solutions, access to a network of investors and experts, advice, and connections with other entrepreneurs.
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