Organization · Grant Maker

LIOF

LIOF is the regional development agency for Limburg, Netherlands, focused on strengthening the local economy by supporting innovative entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs. It provides advisory services, financing, and networking opportunities across various sectors.

Grant MakerFunderGrantorCommunityEvent hostPublisher

Overview

What LIOF does

What LIOF is

LIOF is the regional development agency for Limburg, Netherlands, focused on strengthening the local economy by supporting innovative entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs. It provides advisory services, financing, and networking opportunities across various sectors.

How it participates in the startup ecosystem

The current public profile supports funder and grantor and community and event host and publisher capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.

Operational profile

Organization status and context

Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.

Operational status
Active
Organization type
Grant Maker
Founded
Founded in 1975
Approximate age
About 51 years
Structured capabilities
Funder · Grantor · Community · Event host · Publisher
Last reviewed
March 28, 2026

Official channels

Find LIOF elsewhere

Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.

Capability profile

LIOF as a funder

Investment thesis

LIOF aims to strengthen the economic structure and promote sustainable growth in Limburg by supporting innovative entrepreneurs through advice, networking, and financing.

Focus narrative

LIOF invests in various sectors including agrofood, smart services, chemistry and materials, life sciences/health, logistics, and tourism. The organization focuses on startups, scale-ups, and SMEs with innovative ideas or business plans, while also assisting foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Limburg.

Value beyond capital

LIOF adds value to portfolio companies by providing access to financing, expert advice, and networking opportunities, helping them to grow and succeed in their respective markets.

Availability

Currently deploying
Not published

Portfolio and track record

Portfolio context

LIOF has partnerships with numerous companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include Gaston Holding B.V., which provides software solutions for the medical sector; Psylaris, which aims to make psychological help more efficient and accessible through virtual reality; and Matisse Pharmaceuticals, focusing on developing treatments for sepsis.

Capability profile

LIOF as a grantor

Grant thesis

LIOF aims to strengthen the economic structure and promote sustainable growth in Limburg by supporting innovative entrepreneurs through advice, networking, and financing.

Focus narrative

LIOF invests in various sectors including agrofood, smart services, chemistry and materials, life sciences/health, logistics, and tourism. The organization focuses on startups, scale-ups, and SMEs with innovative ideas or business plans. Additionally, LIOF assists foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Limburg and promotes cross-border collaboration and international business.

Value and support

Beyond funding, LIOF provides advice and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the business landscape in Limburg and connect with potential partners and resources.

Grant economics

Dilutive
No
Nonprofit only
No

Eligibility and fit

Stages
Seed · Seed+ · Series A
Audience
Founders
Inclusion focus
immigrant-founder
Regions
Europe

Process and recipient context

Application process

LIOF offers several funds and programs to support entrepreneurs, including participatory financing, loans for SMEs undergoing transitions, and capital for startups. Entrepreneurs can apply for funding through these programs, which are designed to foster innovation and growth in various sectors.

Recipient context

Notable portfolio companies include Gaston Holding B.V., which provides software solutions for the medical sector; Psylaris, which aims to make psychological help more efficient and accessible through virtual reality; and Matisse Pharmaceuticals, focusing on developing treatments for sepsis.

Capability profile

LIOF as a community

Community overview

LIOF is the regional development company for the Province of Limburg, Netherlands. It was established to strengthen the economic structure and promote sustainable growth in Limburg. LIOF supports innovative entrepreneurs by providing advice, networking opportunities, and financing.

Community focus

LIOF invests in various sectors including agrofood, smart services, chemistry and materials, life sciences/health, logistics, and tourism. The organization focuses on startups, scale-ups, and SMEs with innovative ideas or business plans. LIOF also assists foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Limburg and promotes cross-border collaboration and international business.

Member value

Members benefit from access to various funds and programs, networking opportunities, and advice tailored to their innovative business needs.

Membership

Pricing models
free

Format and cadence

Modality
online
Schedule
rolling-admissions
Commitment
light

Availability

Membership state
Accepting

Audience and fit

Audience
Founders · Investors · Corporate Innovators
Benefits
network-access and mentorship
Program types
community and other
Selection criteria
open

Community activity

Events and activity

LIOF organizes various events, including 'Niederlande Tag 2021', a digital event focused on opportunities in the Dutch market for German entrepreneurs, and 'Business Week Central Eastern Europe', discussing business opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe.

Notable members

Notable portfolio companies include Gaston Holding B.V., Psylaris, and Matisse Pharmaceuticals.

Capability profile

LIOF as an event host

Event focus

LIOF invests in various sectors including agrofood, smart services, chemistry and materials, life sciences/health, logistics, and tourism. The organization focuses on startups, scale-ups, and SMEs with innovative ideas or business plans. LIOF also assists foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Limburg and promotes cross-border collaboration and international business.

Format narrative

LIOF organizes various events, including digital events and webinars aimed at providing insights and opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Participant value

LIOF provides advice, networking opportunities, and financing to strengthen the economic structure and promote sustainable growth in Limburg.

Format and cadence

Modality
online
Startups can present
No

Availability

Registration state
Not currently accepting

Audience and fit

Audience
Founders · Investors

Speakers and past editions

Past editions

Notable past events include 'Niederlande Tag 2021', a digital event focused on opportunities in the Dutch market for German entrepreneurs, and 'Business Week Central Eastern Europe', discussing business opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe.

Capability profile

LIOF as a publisher

Editorial focus

LIOF is the regional development company for the Province of Limburg, Netherlands, established to strengthen the economic structure and promote sustainable growth. It supports innovative entrepreneurs by providing advice, networking opportunities, and financing, focusing on startups, scale-ups, and SMEs with innovative ideas or business plans.

Audience value

LIOF provides essential support to entrepreneurs in Limburg through financing, advice, and networking opportunities, fostering innovation and sustainable growth in the region.

Format and cadence

Content formats
newsletter

Availability

Guest pitch state
Not currently accepting

Audience and focus

Audience
Founders · Investors
Regions
Europe

Flagship work and coverage

Flagship properties

LIOF publishes a newsletter titled LIOF Nieuws to inform about current developments, trends, and events relevant to entrepreneurs in Limburg.

Common questions

What to know about LIOF

Upseed classifies LIOF under the Grant Maker organization type. Its current public profile includes funder, grantor, community, event host, and publisher capabilities.

Next step

Keep comparing startup organizations

Return to the organization index or continue through a verified sector, place, peer, or program connected to this profile.

Source and update disclosure

Know what this page is based on

Source basis

Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.

Last reviewed

March 28, 2026

Known limits

Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.

Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.