Investor Readiness Programme
After two successful Programmes, the Investor Readiness Programme (IRP) is happening again in 2024. The IRP is designed to accelerate the number of financeable propositions of SMEs in the Dutch water sector, especially within the technological field.
The IRP is an initiative of the Netherlands Water Partnership, Wetsus, and Financing Tables Friesland that helps entrepreneurs in the Dutch water sector develop concrete financing requests to attract financiers. The participants widen their knowledge about the landscape of financial options for start-ups, have the opportunity to make valuable connections with financial sector actors, and can pitch their case to a group of financiers to accelerate their business.
The Programme is based on three pillars:
- financial literacy amongst Dutch start-ups and scale-ups in the water technology sector through an intensive two-day programme and individual guidance;
- expansion of the participants’ network in the financial field by actively bringing them into contact with potential financiers; and,
- financial pitching at the ‘Financing Tables’, an event in which the participating entrepreneurs pitch their specific financing needs to a group of financiers.
The IRP is supported by the Dutch Top Consortium for Knowledge and Innovation Water Technology (cluster of the Dutch Top Sector Water & Maritime), and Water Campus Leeuwarden.
Knowledge sharing and capacity building
The IRP is made possible by the organisers’ strategic partners who contribute to broadening the financial literacy and skills of the selected entrepreneurs through two masterclasses and 1-on-1 guidance.
Among the topics addressed by the masterclasses are: exploring the financing landscape for water technology companies and the subsidy options for start-ups; pitching proposals to financiers; and negotiating with financiers. The 1-on-1 guidance provides each individual participant with a fresh pair of eyes from an expert to delve into their specific situation and give concrete advice.
After the masterclasses and individual guidance, entrepreneurs are ready to draft their financial pitch.
