Horizon Flevoland

Marco Smit serves as Managing Director and leads the agency's investment activities. He operates under the strategic oversight of the Province of Flevoland, which is the primary shareholder and founder. Investment decisions balance regional economic development goals with venture-style return expectations.

Deal flow originates through the province's economic development networks, the Smart Innovation Hub in Almere, and partnerships with organizations like the Economic Board Flevoland. Co-investors such as NOM and Invest International also serve as sourcing channels for companies scaling within or beyond the region.

It operates as a hybrid. Legally and economically it is an asset manager owned by the Province of Flevoland, but it takes direct equity positions in private companies rather than disbursing grants. This structural posture distinguishes it from traditional government grant agencies.

The mandate covers early-stage startups, including those at the seed and pre-revenue phase, through expansion- and late-stage companies. The common thread is alignment with Flevoland's sectoral priorities in agrifood, water, renewable energy, and logistics.

Yes. Confirmed co-investment relationships include NOM, the investment and development agency for the Northern Netherlands, and Invest International, the Dutch government-backed financier. These partnerships allow Horizon to participate in larger funding rounds while leveraging national networks.

The primary focus is the province of Flevoland, including the cities of Lelystad and Almere. However, through Invest International and Trade and Innovate NL, the agency supports portfolio companies with international growth ambitions, particularly those exporting Dutch agritech and water management expertise.

The Province of Flevoland is the primary shareholder and founder, indicating that committed capital originates from provincial government resources. Whether the agency raises external limited partner capital is not publicly disclosed, but its core structural identity remains anchored to public regional development mandates.