Press release
ROM Utrecht Region invests in Eyevestor funding platform
Utrecht, 9 October 2025 – ROM Utrecht Region and Utrecht-based fintech platform Eyevestor are joining forces to broaden financing opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region. The regional development agency is investing in Eyevestor and will explore further collaboration in financing Utrecht-based companies.
Investment in growth
This investment coincides with Eyevestor’s current growth phase. Eyevestor is raising funding to expand its services and support more entrepreneurs and investors. The additional capital will accelerate scaling and give more innovative companies access to equity capital. The primary target of the funding round has already been reached; the round remains open until the end of October to enable further acceleration.
Eyevestor’s platform enables alternative financing through equity issuances, allowing not only private and professional investors but also employees, customers and other stakeholders to participate. Eyevestor distinguishes itself by supporting the full equity lifecycle—from startups to established SMEs.
Strategic value for the region
For ROM Utrecht Region, the partnership is strategically important. It specifically addresses an under-served segment of the regional financing landscape. Through this investment, ROM helps strengthen the regional capital supply and supports entrepreneurs in raising equity.
“Equity financing gives entrepreneurs more time and space to innovate and pursue sustainable growth,” says Arjan van den Born (Managing Director, ROM Utrecht Region). “Through Eyevestor, the financing offer for ambitious Utrecht companies becomes more complete—not only for startups, but also for innovative SMEs.”
Impact and market opportunity
The market for alternative finance is growing rapidly. In the Netherlands, about €1.14 billion was raised via crowdfunding in 2024—an increase of nearly 20% year-over-year. In Europe, the crowdfunding market is projected to grow at an estimated 17.4% CAGR through 2030. Equity crowdfunding—Eyevestor’s specialty—shows the strongest global growth.
Eyevestor has supported multiple successful funding rounds, including for SharePeople, LABFRESH, European Sleeper, Blue Current, OnWine, CODE49 and Suncom Energy. Utrecht-based companies have collectively raised over €25 million via Eyevestor in recent years.
Gijs Dalen Meurs, CEO & founder of Eyevestor: “Thanks to our collaboration with ROM, we can give even more entrepreneurs access to shareholder capital—often largely sourced from their own networks of customers, employees and partners. That boosts engagement and execution power.”
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About Eyevestor
Since 2019, Eyevestor’s Sharefunding® platform has enabled entrepreneurs to raise alternative finance through equity issuances, inviting participation from investors such as employees, customers and other stakeholders. Since 2023, Eyevestor has held a European Crowdfunding Service Provider (ECSP) license. Eyevestor differentiates itself through its platform and its focus on the complete equity lifecycle, from startups to established SMEs. See the website or the funding page for more information.
About ROM Utrecht Region
ROM Utrecht Region is a public impact investor that expands access to capital for innovative companies in the region. ROM invests in key transition sectors for tomorrow’s economy: digital, health and sustainability. To realize these financings, ROM works with many partners inside and outside the region. ROM has two funds: the Startup Innovation Fund (SIF) and the Participation Fund. The investment in Eyevestor is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Press contacts
- Gijs Dalen Meurs, CEO, Eyevestor: +31 (0)6 23336967 / gijs.dalenmeurs@eyevestor.com
- Annelies Putman Cramer, PR agency Fair Focus: +31 (0)6 53215475 / annelies@fairfocus.nl
