Start it @KBC launches Scale it Agro with support from AIF, Arvesta, Boerenbond, Cera and KBC
New agro-tech accelerator to foster sustainable agricultural solutions
Ghent, January 16, 2025 – With the support of multiple partners, Start it @KBC is launching Scale it Agro, a new acceleration program aimed at helping scale-ups bring sustainable and innovative solutions to market more rapidly for agriculture and horticulture. Backed by the expertise and resources of Agri Investment Fund (AIF), Arvesta, Boerenbond, Cera, and KBC, this program establishes a robust ecosystem to maximize the success of growing companies providing solutions for the agricultural and horticultural sectors.
A sustainable and profitable future for farmers and horticulturists
Producing food sustainably and with a forward-looking approach by respecting the natural balance of soil and aquatic life, reducing emissions, and minimizing climate impact, all while ensuring sustainable and economically viable agricultural practices, is the shared ambition of the Scale it Agro initiators.
“Belgian agriculture and horticulture are already global benchmarks in terms of productivity and sustainability. However, faced with current challenges, we aim to go further. Whether through the agro-investor AIF, the full-commercial-service provider Arvesta, or the membership organization Boerenbond, our group pursues the same goal: to strengthen the sector and increase its sustainability for the benefit of farmers. We are excited to bring our passion and expertise—along with that of our partners, Cera and KBC—to support the selected companies,” explains Patrik Haesen, CEO of AIF and program coordinator for the Boerenbond Group.
Accelerating innovation in agriculture
In response to the major challenges facing the sector, the program focuses on companies capable of making a real impact on the ground in the short term. It targets scale-ups that already have concrete solutions and ideally generate initial revenue, aiming to deploy their innovations more quickly to farmers and horticulturists in Belgium and beyond.
“Start it @KBC has supported more than 1,600 start-ups over the past decade, becoming the largest accelerator in Europe. By combining the strength of this program with the expertise of all partners involved and by opening the program to entrepreneurs with innovative solutions for agriculture and horticulture, we offer a proven, targeted approach to accelerate their growth and success in this complex sector. The network and expertise are in place; all that’s needed are scale-ups ready to take on the challenge,” concludes Kjell Clarysse, Program Director of Scale it Agro.
The partners already boast an impressive track record. For example, in a previous program, Start it @KBC supported Frolight, which developed sustainable and cost-effective infrared crop protection against frost. Arvesta successfully launched Euroclim, a livestock feed that reduces methane emissions. Boerenbond actively contributes to Djustconnect, a farmer-friendly data-sharing program. AIF invests in companies like Protealis, which develops improved protein crops for the European market. Meanwhile, KBC Bank finances companies leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as integrated water management. These examples illustrate the successful innovations launched within the Scale it Agro partner network, now open to third parties.
Diverse expertise for successful growth
Selected scale-ups will integrate into the extensive Scale it Agro partner network and benefit from nine months of tailored coaching and support from experts with specific market knowledge, particularly in sales, recruitment, and fundraising. Individualized support will also focus on the learning curve and personal development of the founders.
Notably, Scale it Agro is an equity-free program, meaning no company equity is required in return. The program is open to international companies, provided they commit to developing solutions adapted to local needs.
Interested companies can apply for the program via this link by no later than March 5, 2025.
About AIF
Agri Investment Fund BV (AIF) is the private investment and venture capital fund of the Boerenbond Group. Through its investments, AIF aims to directly or indirectly strengthen and ensure the sustainability of agriculture and horticulture in Flanders and the Eastern Cantons. With a particular emphasis on Agro-Tech and Agro-Food, AIF fosters innovation to contribute to a stronger agricultural future, enabling farmers and horticulturists to produce high-quality products at fair prices.
www.aifund.be
About Boerenbond
Boerenbond is an agricultural organization dedicated to promoting dynamic and sustainable agriculture and horticulture in collaboration with society. This sustainability spans four dimensions: ecological, economic, social, and societal. Boerenbond acts as a partner, recognizing the crucial role of innovation in strengthening and sustaining the agricultural sector.
www.boerenbond.be
About Cera
With nearly 400,000 enthusiastic members, Cera is Belgium’s most involved and community-focused cooperative. Together, members achieve more, share more, and invest in initiatives that create positive change and foster connections. Cera supports projects that benefit its members and broader society.
www.cera.coop
About KBC Group
KBC is one of Europe’s largest financial institutions, operating as a multi-channel banking-insurance group with a geographic focus on Europe. Primarily serving individual customers, SMEs, and mid-sized businesses, KBC is a market leader in the agricultural and horticultural sectors in Flanders, employing 70 experts in these fields. Globally, KBC Group serves 13 million customers and employs around 41,000 people. KBC Group SA is listed on Euronext Brussels under the stock symbol ‘KBC’.
www.kbc.be/agro
About Start it @KBC
Start it @KBC is a platform for start-ups with scalable business models. The program offers entrepreneurs a unique one-year journey and access to an international ecosystem to support rapid, sustainable growth. Through its extensive network of partners and mentors, Start it @KBC provides access to expertise, an international community, corporate facilities, mentoring, and the Start-up Academy.
The selected start-ups join a no-strings-attached, founder-centric community. With support for nearly 1,400 start-ups in Belgium and over 1,600 globally, Start it @KBC is Europe’s largest accelerator.
startit-x.com
Contact :
AIF/Arvesta/Boerenbond - patrik.haesen@aifund.be - +32 477 27 68 24
CERA - lieven.vandeputte@cera.coop - +32 478 26 62 35
KBC - ilse.demuyer@kbc.be - +32 470 99 28 10
Scale it Agro - kjell@startitx.com - +32 476 48 81 41
Start it @KBC - lode@startitx.com - +32 499 54 04 02