Gemma Frisius Fund

Gemma Frisius Fund is a seed capital fund created by a partnership of KU Leuven, KBC Private Equity and BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity. It supports spin-offs built on university research.

Products and services

• Seed investment: money in the earliest stage, mainly first-round financing.
• Follow-on funding: second-round support with outside partners when growth requires it.
• Active guidance: the fund normally joins the spin-off's board of directors.
• Investor network: KU Leuven Research and Development helps bring in business angels and other investors.

Customers and markets

Any spin-off using KU Leuven knowledge, technology or intellectual property can qualify, in any technology field. Capital is invested in exchange for shares, over a period typically of seven to ten years.

Key facts

• Founded: 1997
• Fund type: evergreen, acting as a long-term shareholder
• Governance: an advisory board reviews ideas and a board of directors approves business plans