our vision

The Sustainable Scale-Up Foundation (SSF) is the answer in a world where social, ecological, and technological challenges demand a new approach. Although innovative entrepreneurs often have groundbreaking technological innovations, the collaboration of the established with innovative SMEs remains a challenge.

SSF is a broker for purpose-driven business development. We serve as the vital link that binds innovative entrepreneurs with governments, investors, universities, and industries, bridging the gap in a way that breaks tradition. Through our mission - to be the super glue to innovative entrepreneurs and their stakeholders - we want to be a driving force for change. 

SSF was established by the Ideas from Europe programme running since 2013. It brought the TEDx talks to the Netherlands and then expanded to other European countries to put innovative entrepreneurs into the spotlight. 

our activities

We help innovators define their mission, expand their networks and develop impactful projects. We build quadruple helix networks around entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to global challenges (SDGs) and link these networks to the Dutch and European entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems.

Our expertise spans the entire project journey, from identifying funding opportunities and securing investments to successfully implementing the projects and exploiting their results.

  • First, we specialise in building strong networks, hosting matchmaking sessions, and fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders. 

    Then, we provide access to capital. We develop projects and actively seek funding via public tenders, private and institutional investors, and other finance opportunities to unlock the necessary capital for growth. 

  • Once the project is shaped and funded, we provide hands-on support for its implementation, such as handling administrative tasks and communication and dissemination activities.

  • Our focus is on ensuring the success and sustainability of every initiative, guiding the exploitation of project results to maximise their impact.

OUR IMPACT

OUR IMPACT

from 2022-2024

6,362

entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in our networks:

161

target sessions/meetings with entrepreneurs, investors and governments

events

19

events

from 2022-2024, the organised events and sessions consisted of:

36% entrepreneurs

26% government

9% investors

29% other stakeholders

co-created

23 consortia

in 11 networks

37 publications

  • facilitating collaboration & data sharing

  • energy transition

  • carbon removals & bioeconomy

  • biodiversity & wildlife forensics

524

entrepreneurs were introduced to vital stakeholders

1,857

participants

89 plans

including business plans and go-to-market strategies

194

entrepreneurs were introduced to new markets of which 86 to international markets

30%

underrepresented groups

21 recommendations

for policy-makers

7 investor schemes