VIVES Partners

VIVES Partners is an early-stage capital fund initiated by UCLouvain that invests in companies developing disruptive innovations with a positive societal impact. With over 15 years of experience, VIVES invests across all technological sectors. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing support, strengthening networks, and ensuring long-term vision for its portfolio companies. Their DNA includes challenging projects to confront them with the market, offering advice and support, strengthening credibility through their network, and ensuring quality exits that suit all stakeholders. VIVES operates through multiple funds, including VIVES Inter University Fund (VIVES IUF), an early-stage and multisectoral fund with €75M capacity. VIVES IUF focuses on spin-offs from UCLouvain and its partner universities (KULeuven, University of Paris Diderot Descartes, University of Wageningen, University of Luxembourg) and start-ups located in the EU. The fund invests at seed, start-up, and growth stages, leveraging a network of multisectoral experts to access high-quality innovations. VIVES IUF aims to accelerate research for the benefit of society, transforming scientific results into high-potential entrepreneurial projects with strong societal impact. Historically, VIVES II - Louvain Technology Fund, closed its first round of financing at €43M in September 2011. It was the first European investment fund of its size initiated by a university, backed by leading national and European investors. The firm's strategy involves early-stage investment, collaboration with other investors, and acting as a local partner that advises and supports companies throughout their development. VIVES strives to connect universities to create world-class spin-offs from research, aiming to strengthen its societal impact at the local and European levels.