Funding you first.
Supporting you always.
imec.istart is imec’s accelerator and fund for tech startups.
Since 2011, we’ve helped more than 350 startups go from first funding to international growth, with local teams across Europe and the expertise of a world-leading research centre behind us.
Capital can get you started, but it takes more to go global.
The right expertise, sharp guidance and connections at the right time can make all the difference. That’s why we back ambitious tech founders from day one, with funding, hands-on coaching and a network that reaches across Europe and beyond.
And we stay involved. Challenging assumptions, sharing experience and helping founders make every next move count.
Great technology can start anywhere. Scaling it takes connections across borders. We bridge ecosystems, expertise and opportunities across Europe to help founders build globally competitive businesses.
From first backing to big breakthroughs, we’re in it together.
Portfolio companies
350+
Startup survival rate
81%
€ follow-up funding
1B+
€ portfolio revenue
240M+
European hubs
6
What we stand for
Startup first
Always in service of the startup
Every move starts with one question: what’s best for the startup? If it doesn’t move you forward, it doesn’t make the cut. We stay agile, curious and focused on action, so you keep your momentum.
Thrive together
No founder builds alone
You’re backed by the full imec.istart team as a long-term partner, and by a network where doors open and calls get answered. We push you to keep learning, take feedback and grow as a leader as your company grows.
Your trusted partner
Expertise you can count on
We combine entrepreneurial know-how with imec’s technology insights, for guidance that’s sharp, practical and easy to act on. We’ve seen it, scaled it and solved it, so you get advice that works in practice.
Candor with care.
We don’t sugarcoat, we sharpen
Honest, clear feedback is what we do. We get straight to the point and help you turn hard truths into better results, always with your success in mind.
Meet our team
Our core team is there when you need them.
Open vacancies at imec.istart
Access to Finance Expert
Meet the startups we back
Explore the companies we’ve invested in and helped grow.
Ready to start with us?
Take our readiness test to see if your startup fits, or go straight to your application.
