FIT launches start-up platform Startup.Flanders

The Flemish export agency Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) is launching Startup.Flanders, a platform for Flemish start-ups interested in foreign markets and for foreign start-ups interested in Flanders. 

With the platform, FIT wants to assert its position among the start-up platforms that other tech nations, regions and cities are increasingly setting up. Examples include the Dutch platform Techleap.nl, La French Tech in France and Startup Berlin. 

"With a unique global presence in more than 70 markets, FIT is the only actor in Flanders ideally placed to connect Startup.Flanders in depth with start-up ecosystems worldwide," FIT said.

Flanders is home to around 2,500 start-ups, according to a new report. Together, they account for a business value of 36 billion euros, almost three times the value in 2018. The report says innovation remains the spearhead of Flanders' start-up ecosystem and highlights the importance of venture capital for Flemish start-ups. 

Joy Donné, CEO of FIT, stressed the importance of the new platform but also expressed concern about tax reforms being discussed at the federal level in Belgium. The venture capital plans contained in the reform could be "very detrimental to the international strength of startups", said Donné.

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