Oost NL

Oost NL serves as the premier development agency for East Netherlands, boasting a 50-year legacy of empowering regional entrepreneurs to accelerate innovation and market entry. With headquarters in the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel, this organization operates under the mandate of both provincial governments and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate. Their comprehensive approach encompasses three strategic pillars: innovation development, venture capital investment, and internationalization efforts—all designed to cultivate a fertile ecosystem for forward-thinking businesses in the eastern region.

As an early-stage venture investor, Oost NL provides critical financial backing to promising startups and scale-ups, particularly those aligned with the region's core strengths. Their investment strategy targets companies demonstrating innovative solutions in priority sectors, offering not just capital but also strategic guidance to navigate growth challenges. This investment function represents a cornerstone of their economic development mission, enabling emerging businesses to secure the resources needed for sustainable expansion while remaining rooted in East Netherlands.

The agency's strategic focus encompasses five key innovation domains where East Netherlands demonstrates particular strength: sustainable food systems, healthcare accessibility, advanced technology, smart energy solutions, and circular economy initiatives. By cultivating specialized business clusters and knowledge networks within these sectors, Oost NL facilitates collaborative innovation that addresses pressing societal challenges. Their approach to foreign direct investment is similarly targeted, attracting international companies whose activities complement and enhance these regional specializations while creating high-quality employment opportunities.

Beyond traditional economic development, Oost NL distinguishes itself through its commitment to societal impact and sustainable transitions. The organization actively pursues partnerships that drive technological renewal addressing climate change, healthcare accessibility, and food security challenges. By connecting regional innovators with national and international stakeholders, Oost NL amplifies the reach and influence of East Netherlands' entrepreneurial ecosystem. This holistic approach—balancing economic growth with environmental and social responsibility—positions the agency as a catalyst for creating both commercial success and meaningful contributions to a more sustainable and equitable future.