Fundraising FoxLeuven · Pre-Seed–Seed · 2 people tracked
Find your way into imec.istart
305 people in our graph share verified history with the imec.istart team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.
Investment thesis
imec.istart is the acceleration and venturing arm of imec, the R&D and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. The program supports early-stage tech entrepreneurs by providing pre-seed funding, a year of industry-specific and personal coaching, access to imec's deep-tech expertise, technology and infrastructure, and connections to a broad network of business partners and investors. Selection happens through an open call held three times a year. The program has a strong deep-tech and semiconductor orientation, backing startups across areas such as hardware, sensing, health technology and AI-driven applications.
Source: firm website, verified Sep 26, 2026.
Team · 2 people
from curated & public directories
What they invest in
from 72 of 371 portfolio companiesSaaS ×35AI & Machine Learning ×30Enterprise Software ×16Data & Infrastructure ×10Healthtech ×10Digital Health ×9Hardware ×9Fintech ×8
HQs:Belgium×24United States×6United Kingdom×1Netherlands×1
Portfolio companies · 371 tracked
alumni founders can tell you what the program is really likeBy year:2026 · 12024 · 12023 · 12022 · 32021 · 22019 · 19 dated
Yields provides software for managing risks and compliance in traditional and AI models across their entire lifecycle, serving regulated organizations like financial institutions and companies preparing for AI regulation.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFintechSaaSFlanders, BE
Jos Gheerardyn(CEO and Co-founder)inSébastien Viguié(Head of Regulatory Affairs & Co-founder)in
Co-investorsPamica NVVolta VenturesG+D Ventures
AI-Blox provides modular hardware and software infrastructure for edge AI applications, enabling companies to deploy AI solutions locally without relying on cloud infrastructure.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningHardwareLogistics & Supply ChainRobotics
Hans StevensinJeroen PlasmaninLukas van NuneninPieter Bastiaensin
Co-investorsSmartFin
AirShaper offers a cloud-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool with an automated workflow, AI-driven shape morphing, and wind-tunnel-validated simulations for analyzing aerodynamics and hydrodynamics.
Cloud ComputingDeep TechSaaS
Aloxy develops industrial IoT solutions including sensors, gateways, and middleware for the chemical, oil and gas, and process industries.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechEnterprise SoftwareHardwareIoTAntwerp, BE
Maarten WeyninGlenn Ergeertsin
Co-investorsImec.xpandQbic FundDow Venture CapitalInnovation Fund sa/nv
Ambassify offers an employee advocacy platform that helps companies get their employees to share company content from their own social accounts, with built-in training, gamification, activation, and reporting to sustain participation over time.
Future of WorkMarketing TechSaaS
An open-source design editor that allows developers and AI coding agents to collaborate on creating, modifying, and deploying UI components in real time, with changes directly converted to production code.
Advanced ManufacturingDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareRoboticsSan Francisco, US
Perbhat Kumar(Founder)in
Co-investorsPioneer Square LabsY CombinatorAbstract Ventures
Azumuta offers a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that manages shop floor operations including digital work instructions, quality checks, production orders, traceability, and machine and ERP integrations.
Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkIoTSaaSGhent, BE
Batist Leman(CEO)in
Co-investorsCapricorn Venture PartnersKeen Venture PartnersAngelwisePMV
BloomUp is a Belgian online mental wellbeing platform that matches individuals with psychologists for coaching and therapy via video, alongside self-guided growth programs.
Digital HealthMental HealthWellness & Fitness
BookWidgets is a platform for teachers to create interactive quizzes, worksheets, and educational learning games with over 35 question types and auto-grading.
EdTechSaaS
Borro provides a reusable cup system for large venues such as sports stadiums, aiming to make cup reuse fast and reliable.
Circular EconomySports Tech
Kasper Albers(Founder)in
Co-investorsSeeder FundAugmentum CapitalCanaan PartnersOurCrowdRibbit CapitalRocket Internet SE
Ambassify (formerly BuboBox, founded 2012) is a SaaS platform for employee advocacy and engagement, enabling companies to turn their employees into brand ambassadors who amplify the brand online.
HR TechMarketing TechSaaS
Cascador Health provides real-world data analytics and clinical research services to pharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations, focusing on market access, clinical evidence generation, and therapy adoption in healthcare.
BiotechData & InfrastructureDigital HealthHealthtechMedical Devices
Philip Taillieu(Founder & CEO)
Co-investorsPMVQbic FundVolta Ventures
Clouds of Care develops EEG and electrophysiology-based digital health technology and software (including FDA-cleared/CE-marked SaMD) to provide meaningful endpoints for clinical development in CNS disorders such as epilepsy and sleep disorders.
AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtechMedical Devices
Co-investorsNovalis BiotechPMVWhite Fund
CrowdScan builds a wireless sensor network using low-energy radio waves to measure and predict crowd density and movement in real time for public transport, city centers, and events.
GovTechHardwareIoT
Anton Dierickx(Founder)in
Co-investorsQbic Fund
Cybernetic Walrus is a video game studio that develops simulation-based games, including card collecting, co-op, and horror titles.
ConsumerGaming
DataCamp is a learning platform for teams that teaches data and AI skills through hands-on coursework accessible via web browser and mobile app.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEdTechNew York City, US
Jonathan Cornelissen(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)inDieter de Mesmaeker(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)inMartijn Theuwissen(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)in
Co-investorsCOTU VenturesSpectrum EquityTechstarsAccompliceArthur Ventures
Deliverect operates a platform designed to support the food service and restaurant industry worldwide, facilitating growth and digital operations through integration with major food delivery and point-of-sale partners.
E-commerceEnterprise SoftwareFoodTechRetail TechSaaS
Zhong Xu(Founder)inJerome Laredo(Founder)in
Co-investorsAlkeon InnovationCoatue ManagementNewionOMERS VenturesRedpoint VenturesSmartFin+2 more
DEO.care builds an AI-backed digital twin of the operating room, collecting OR activity data to provide analytics, benchmarking, and predictive workflow modeling for hospitals, surgeons, and healthcare industry leaders.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureDigital HealthHealthtechBelgium, BE
Jeroen Dille(CEO)inTim Clijmans(CFO)in
Co-investorsKarista
Dockflow is a logistics enablement platform that uses AI and IoT to give supply chain teams real-time container visibility, cargo monitoring, and automated tracking across ocean carriers.
AI & Machine LearningLogistics & Supply ChainSaaS
EDGX builds in-orbit compute hardware for satellites, including an AI computer that enables real-time onboard data analysis and decision-making.
AI & Machine LearningHardwareSpace Tech
Equicty provides all-in-one management software for equestrian businesses, including large equestrian centres, studs, private stables, and riding clubs, with tools for scheduling, horse and stable management, finances, and European electronic invoicing.
AgTechSaaSSports Tech
ExchangeRobotics develops generative AI applications and infrastructure for financial innovation, focusing on workflow automation, unstructured data processing, and decision-making tools for organizations.
AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFintechRoboticsNew York City, US
Co-investorsTechstars
ExpectMe is a room allocation platform for the hotel industry that lets guests select and guarantee their preferred room from a hotel floor plan before arrival, along with optional upsell services.
PropTechSaaSTravel & Hospitality
Roeland Verhamme(Founder)in
Co-investorsSeeder Fund
Fan Arena builds turnkey fantasy sports and prediction game software that sports leagues, media companies, and betting platforms use to run fantasy competitions, sponsored leagues, and premium contests.
GamingSaaSSports Tech
FibriCheck is a certified medical smartphone app that measures heart rhythm by placing a finger on the phone camera for 60 seconds, using a medical algorithm to detect atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias and generate reports patients can share with their doctors.
AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthMedical Devices
Maeve is an AI assistant for fashion retailers that analyzes product data from multiple sources—including Shopify, PLM systems, reviews, and customer service tools—to optimize decisions around pricing, sizing, returns, and range planning.
AI & Machine LearningRetail TechLondon, GB
Phoebe Gormley(CEO)in
Co-investorsEntrepreneur FirstSie VenturesAlbionVCInnovate UKJanuary VenturesSuperSeed+1 more
FixForm provides software solutions for facility management operations, enabling maintenance teams to focus on core work while the platform handles operational complexity.
Enterprise SoftwarePropTechSaaS
Co-investorsPitchdrive
Fluves uses fiber optic distributed sensing and monitoring software to track the health of water, energy, and pipeline infrastructure in real time, supporting predictive maintenance and reduced downtime.
Deep TechEnergyIoT
Fuse provides a single API layer that connects to multiple bank data providers like Plaid, MX, and Teller, automatically routing each bank to its most reliable provider and normalizing data across them.
FintechSaaSNew York City, US
Boateng Opoku-Yeboah(Founder)inLandon Vago-Hughes(Founder)inTunde Alao(Founder)in
Co-investorsY CombinatorAgrolimen VenturesBBQ CapitalCommerce VenturesFootworkFour Cities+7 more
Geosparc develops geographic information system (GIS) software aimed at helping public-sector and policy organizations understand and predict the impact of their policies.
Data & InfrastructureGovTechSaaS
Go Vocal (formerly CitizenLab) is a B Corp certified SaaS company that builds a community engagement platform used by governments and organizations to run participatory decision-making initiatives such as urban planning, climate action, and participatory budgeting.
AI & Machine LearningGovTechImpact & Social GoodSaaS
Co-investorsCapital Mills
Hylyght offers a science-based platform for capturing physical test data, benchmarks, and reports, with over 650 validated tests plus custom test batteries.
HealthtechSaaSSports Tech
IntelliProve provides a software-only solution that turns any camera into a contactless health assessment tool, using AI to analyze a 30-second face scan and generate validated biomarkers such as heart rate, blood pressure and stress indicators.
AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtech
Kadonation offers a platform for employers to manage and send corporate gifts and gift cards to employees and clients from a single system, with HR integration, approval workflows, and reporting.
Enterprise SoftwareHR TechSaaS
Karomia develops ESG reporting software that helps sustainability leaders create insights and manage corporate responsibility reporting with greater efficiency.
AI & Machine LearningClimate TechEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
Luc M.(Founder)in
Co-investorsEntourage Ventures
Belgian company behind A-Inside, an AI-driven customer data platform for life sciences, acquired by DLI Market Intelligence.
Co-investorsVolta Ventures
Limecraft provides a media asset management and production platform for TV producers, broadcasters, and video content owners, offering AI-assisted tools for content organisation, remote collaboration, subtitling/localisation, archiving, and content delivery.
AI & Machine LearningMedia & EntertainmentSaaS
Luzmo IQ is an AI-powered analytics tool that enables software companies to embed natural language data querying and visualization capabilities into their products.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareSaaS
KarelHaroen
Co-investorsAxeleo CapitalSmartFin
LynxCare enables hospitals and life sciences organizations to generate clinical insights from harmonized real-world health datasets.
AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureHealthtechBrussels, BE
Co-investorsHeran PartnersMatterwave VenturesElaiaFlare Capital Partners
Minze Health develops solutions for diagnosing and managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as those caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or overactive bladder (OAB).
Digital HealthHealthtechMedical Devices
Co-investorsCapricorn Venture PartnersPMVWhite Fund
Mobito provides anonymized, high-frequency vehicle data sourced from over 8 million connected vehicles for use cases such as smart city planning, mobility analytics, and traffic management.
B2B MarketplacesData & InfrastructureMobility & Transportation
MOLECUBES builds compact benchtop preclinical in-vivo imaging systems, offering micro-PET, micro-SPECT and micro-CT scanners for small-animal (mouse and rat) molecular imaging.
BiotechHardwareMedical Devices
myJobbox is a job-search organization tool that lets candidates save vacancies from platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, VDAB, Jobat and Careerjet, track application progress across a single dashboard, manage their CV and preferences, and stay in contact with recruiters.
Future of WorkHR TechSaaS
Other
Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.
3State8SecondsAbelcareAddrelevanceAdshotAdunioAeroCountAetechAiRobotAlexandriaAmeratatAortexArcanixArcher & SummitAscensciaAsylia DiagnosticsAtSharpAuraSensaeAva & TrixAxsmatebingliBiotacticalBjörnboxBobby NeonatalBrailsportsBrainphonicsBrighterBinsBufflBuildEyeBusonlineCallticCalqiCamargusCaramblaCavenCerebroCeriterChestnoteChuuchuuCitylegendsClickCareClipidoClonableCloud NinjasCloudknifeCo-medicCodeGlassCommon Sense RoboticsCompanionComprovedConductivConstell8Contour LabContractoConversation StarterCoryCreative Therapyd!NKDatachaperoneDatavillageDaymakerDELTARAYDeonticDetecteDexrDiGiConsulDigital Driving PassDimension4DissoDitarDjubbleDrobotsdScribeDYAMANDE-TorchEarn-eEcomoniEctosenseEdufaceEisphorIAEndareEnfoilepconepic blueEpihunterEVappeXiaExsensiaExtra HorizonFarmDeskFarowFavsyncFermetFinvictumFirmalyzerFlockscoreFoamPrint3DForcebitForesighteeFullupG-FluxGloria NovaGraphineGratiagoGrizitHappyClientHealth BimefyHealthblocksHelloMyDearHelloTriangleHerontrackHippocreatesHooblerHyghlyneidronectIMChipImplicitMeasuresInLableInnofluidicsInspectigenceInstadealIntuoIP MetroIQ RoomJ58Jump EnergyKaramelKaratonKnowledgeFlowKNR BiotechKOIOSLedsReactLevels DiagnosticsLevelUP SportsLibaroLindaCareLinguineoLocaNestLoposLucidWebLuxeedLynqoM3NephronmaikyMarpleMatvisionmealheroMedical RobotsMetagemMindSpellerMoonbirdmosathermmyClustersMyelin-ZMyGamePlanMypitch
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Nebula4neoScoresNephroFlowNeuroventisNextbookNextDSDNGraveNoisyChannelsNotebleNova SportNovableNovio SoundNowMaxNuclivisionNutrinomicsNXGSATO-boyOctaveOctopinOKeezOn-HertzOnlinewerkroosterOntoforceOntracxOptiBuildOptioryxOrbion TechnologiesOTIVPathomationPayflipPeakyPermission MachinePieSyncPillasPingPricePlann3rPlanOpSimPlay it SafePolyPerceptionPOSIOSPreAccPrediCubePrismosPrixoPronectProteoFormiXPUFormQ 1QualenicaQuamotionQviroRaceAlertsRada-HRRaymonRebinRedBeaver MediaReeplyRentagaReply ModelReqConRevisionRewingRisoltoRobosanRotionSalesflareSaplySAVRSCARAB SportsSCIMMSDNsquareSeatersSemacticSenciliaSenhiveSetleSewermapperSfinx insideShavatarShaypSign2PaySitemanagerSkinetixSmall TeaserSmall Town HeroesSmart SymbolsSmartgrid OneSmartSpokensmashvisionSmoovedsnapTonicSNEEZZSolutioSolviceSoulCenterSoundsafe CareSparkerSpecifixSpectarSpineWiseSpottStarWardenStimaliaStolpStreetwavesSummoSurgiprintSwaveswugoSymplSyncroT-MiningTactsimTaglayerTagTagCityTalentguideTaxeoTeachBuddyTelemediTenguThe RightsTinkerListTinkerTouchTiroTokenPKIToolmasterToquaTouchwavesTrack4CTrackboxTractonomy RoboticsTreeSpokeTrickleTripfairTripodmakerTurbulentTwente Medical OpticsTwikitUgenTecUltra PicturaUmaumanUnblndUXprobeUZEValid8FoodVenlyVenlyVeowareVicancyVilocVolcainoVoxelSensorsVyuuWalklywaylayWee CareweGroupWenetWeniteWestrayWheelkeepWhizzgolfWintroWirelensWobbyWUKXR4IndustryYeatZeal RoboticsZeticon
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companiesDockflow · dockflow.com · Jan 12, 2026
azumuta · azumuta.com · Nov 13, 2025
Luzmo · luzmo.com · Nov 5, 2025
Fit Collective · eu-startups.com · Nov 4, 2025
NXGSAT · satcom.digital · Oct 21, 2025
EDGX · tech.eu · Aug 11, 2025
Frequently asked questions
- How many investments has imec.istart made?
- imec.istart has 371 tracked investments, 2 of which have exited, including 1 dated in the last 24 months.
- What stage does imec.istart invest at?
- imec.istart invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
- What is imec.istart's typical check size?
- imec.istart typically writes checks of $100K – $300K.
- What sectors does imec.istart focus on?
- imec.istart focuses on AgTech, AI & Machine Learning, Climate Tech, Crypto & Web3, Deep Tech, Energy, Hardware, Healthtech, Sector Agnostic, Semiconductors.
- Where is imec.istart located?
- imec.istart is headquartered in Leuven, BE.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamSuperHero Conversations EP3 | Sven De Cleyn - imec.istart & Niels Van Damme - OTIV
SuperNova · Sven De Cleyn
Sven De Cleyn, Program Director of imec.istart welcomes everyone to WIS23 Part 1
UBI Global - Interactive Learning Community · Sven De Cleyn
Images
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