Why did we create Flanders' Care Invest?
By 2030 more than 25% of the Flemish population will be aged 65 or more. Moreover, even the elderly population is ageing. The very old (80+) are increasing their number as well. In order to meet the ever changing needs of the elderly population, the Flemish government launched the Flanders’ Care project. It wants to stimulate innovative breakthroughs in all aspects of care.
Innovation and entrepreneurship are vital in attaining that goal. After all, entrepreneurs and capital are two scarce elements within the health care sector, at least for projects that linger in an early stage. By creating the investment fund Flanders’ Care Invest, PMV wants to accommodate the capital needs of the sector.
It specifically targets:
• Prevention
• Health management
• Screening and early diagnosis
• Quality and efficiency improvements in homecare and primary care
• Innovative solutions to prolong people’s ability to live independently
Prof. Dr. Em. Francis Colardyn
On May 17th, 2011 PMV organized a seminar on the future of health care in Flanders for its team of investment managers. Prof. Dr. Em. Francis Colardyn, former head of the Academic Hospital in Gent, provided chapter and verse on the challenges within care.
What are the objectives of Flanders' Care Invest?
With Flanders’ Care Invest, PMV wants to invest in companies at a moment when commercial investors still exhibit qualms. The fund provides leverage for accelerated growth. However, one of the conditions is that the companies concerned have an operational seat in Flanders and that they can provide a detailed business plan that outlines their vision on product development, their commercial approach, regulatory compliance, and an estimate of financial needs.
How do we invest?
With Flanders’ Care Invest PMV teams up with co-investors to provide equity capital to companies. Each investment has to create added value. The fund may provide a maximum of two million Euros per company.
The fund aims for yields that correspond to the risk taken. Returns flow back to the fund and are re-invested. The maximum investment horizon does not exceed seven years.
Which domains are covered by Flanders' Care Invest?
Flanders’ Care Invest has the following strategic objectives:
• Prevention, diagnosis, and monitoring
• Solutions to augment the quality, durability, and efficiency in homecare and primary care
• Solutions that augment the care recipient's independence and quality of life, including people with restricted abilities, so as to improve their social inclusion.
Important elements in the analysis of investment applications
When analyzing investment applications Flanders’ Care Invest pays particular attention to the following elements:
• The innovation proposed creates sufficient added value to enable the establishment of new and profitable economic activities
• The product offers a solution to real and common needs
• The intended market has growth potential
• The company possesses a sustainable competitive advantage
• The company has a dedicated and competent management team
• There is a sustainable and realistic business model
• There is a detailed business plan available
• The company contributes to the development of quality care, as defined by internationally recognized criteria for care. These concern effectiveness, efficiency, patient focus, timeliness, accessibility, safety, continuity, relevance and sustainability.
How to apply?
You may contact PMV directly at info@pmv.eu . When doing so, please mention the reference “Flanders’ Care Invest".
Your application for venture capital may also be forwarded to PMV by the people of Flanders’ Care themselves. You may reach them at flanderscare@vlaanderen.be or call them at +32 (0)800 97 200.