Tree Composites wins KVK Top 100

Tree Composites wins the KVK Top 100

The Delft-based Tree Composites has won the KVK Top 100. This was announced on November 14 during the KVK entrepreneurs days. The company won the overall prize and in the Energy Transition category. Tree Composites may call itself the most innovative SME in the Netherlands for a year. A session by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) provided many insights.

The company developed an innovative composite-based replacement for welded steel connections in offshore wind turbine foundations. This invention is called the202fTC-joint and provides a significant extension of the lifespan (up to 5,000 times longer) and a halving of material usage. This leads to lower costs and lower CO2082 emissions.

Praise from the jury and minister

The jury praises the company for its deep technological approach, proven impact on sustainability, and potential for international growth. The Netherlands is full of smart and brave entrepreneurs, as Tree Composites shows, says Minister Karremans of Economic Affairs. From innovative energy solutions to new ways of producing: we dare to develop technologies that really make a difference.

Support from RVO

RVO supported Tree Composites with a wide range of services, from advice and help with subsidy applications to establishing contacts in other countries. The company receives an IP check-up from the Netherlands Patent Office, which addresses the entrepreneurs needs regarding their IP strategy.

Relationship with RVO opened opportunities

Ellen Jacobs, Director Innovation & Entrepreneurship RVO

During the RVO session ‘The government invests in your growth’, Ellen Jacobs, Director Innovation & Entrepreneurship, spoke with two entrepreneurs who used RVO’s services: Francois Schockaert (Outlander Materials) and Emily Jacometti (Hackshield). They both shared how their companies started and the challenges they faced during growth. There are different paths leading to RVO, it appears.

Francois Schockaert explained that they initially used many regional instruments and ended up at RVO through the municipality. The relationship with RVO opened opportunities: the company appreciated the interview practice for the European EIC accelerator program. The company also used the WBSO, which, due to its fiscal nature, combines well with subsidies and other financing schemes.

Emily Jacometti indicated: entrepreneurs want to do business. It is indeed a challenge to find what you are looking for in the subsidy landscape, also at RVO. Ideally, an entrepreneur wants someone to guide them immediately through the available options. Her tip is: just contact RVO. The advisors really help you further.

Needs change during growth phase

Another important insight from these entrepreneurs was that a company’s needs change during growth. So look critically at which schemes fit the company and growth phase. Don’t shoot blindly, but use your network/ecosystems. There is really a lot possible regionally, nationally, and internationally, but choose what fits. RVO can help, not only with financing but also with knowledge and network.

Need for guidance

Questions from the audience made clear that many entrepreneurs find the number of options offered by RVO overwhelming. There is a clear need for guidance, someone who helps them find what fits their company and what else is possible after that step. Visitors indicated at the end that they were much wiser. Afterwards, our stands received many visitors and questions.