From Ideas to Impact: The Entrepreneurial Journey at Nyenrode
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Exploring the Entrepreneurial Spirit at Nyenrode: The Nyenrode Incubator
At Nyenrode Business Universiteit, we are deeply committed to the values of Entrepreneurship and Stewardship. This commitment is embodied in the Nyenrode Incubator, located in the vibrant city center of Amsterdam. Our incubator provides a dynamic space and community for aspiring entrepreneurs to "test the waters" and see if entrepreneurship suits their profile and if their ventures can gain market traction. Importantly, we require all ventures to include societal goals in their mission, ensuring they provide value beyond just financial gains.
Unique Support for Student Businesses
The Nyenrode Incubator stands out by providing a community of like-minded, creative, and eager entrepreneurs. We do not limit ourselves to a particular industry, resulting in a diverse portfolio of ventures. However, all ventures share the commonality of being early-stage, facing challenges in areas such as go-to-market strategies, marketing, and legal issues. Entrepreneurs in the Nyenrode Incubator work together to address these challenges, helping each other and obtaining external support when needed.
Success Stories from the Nyenrode Incubator
One of our earliest successes is Fixico, a digital car repair management platform that helps users find the best repair solution. Fixico is now active in 10 countries across Europe, the USA, and Africa, collaborating with over 3,000 certified body repair shops and more than 200 business partners. They have raised over €14,000,000.
Another notable venture is Farmbrothers, which makes delicious, organic (and vegan!) cookies with a mission. Their "Soil Matters" initiative aims to improve soil health, the foundation for everything we grow. Farmbrothers sells its cookies worldwide, supplying many food retailers such as Carrefour, Rewe, AH, Coop, Spar, Picnic, Delhaize, and Crisp.
Lastly, Plantible, originally started as Aquible in the Nyenrode Incubator, commercializes a patented approach to extract nutrients from duckweed. After securing funding from a US venture capital firm, they moved to swampland in California to further develop their offering. Two years later, Kellogg's corporate venture capital fund invested in them, allowing expansion to Texas, where they continue to grow the business.
Evolution of the Nyenrode Incubator
While our core mission remains unchanged—supporting students and alumnae in their entrepreneurial aspirations by connecting the art and science of growing ventures—the Nyenrode Incubator has evolved over time. We have expanded our reach within Nyenrode to include students from all programs and locations, as well as alumnae. Externally, we have collaborated with other incubators and accelerators and involved alumnae more extensively through initiatives like Nyenrode MEETS.
Join Us at Nyenrode
The Nyenrode Incubator is more than just a space—it's a thriving community where entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas flourish. If you're a prospective student looking to make a mark in the business world, Nyenrode offers the perfect environment to nurture your ambitions and turn your ideas into reality.