Investment level Écart invests for its own account and risk. In combination with share capital, we provide subordinated loans to optimize the capital structure of the company. Our investments range from EUR 2.0 to EUR 8.0 million per participation. If necessary, multiple rounds of financing are among the possibilities.
Investing with third parties The prospect of fulfilling the role of independent investor, is most important. Whether or or Écart invests with other parties depends on the extent of added value to the company. In the past Écart has acted as lead party for other investors.
Towards a partnership If you and Écart agree on participation, a Letter of Intent (LOI) will be drawn up. In this LOI, both parties will define the principles for future cooperation. Next, the investment proposal will be submitted to the Supervisory Board of Écart for approval. If the outcome is positive, agreements will be recorded in a socalled participation agreement, being the basis for future cooperation.
In most cases, a due diligence research will be part of the process. The accuracy of commercial, financial, legal and/or fiscal data provided by the enterprise, will be verified.
Both the management and Écart appoint a Commissioner. The articles of association will me amended, so as to determine that important decisions will be made jointly. Between the management, the company and the shareholders clear agreements will be made, so as to create the conditions in which the management and Écart will optimal use their expertise for the benefit of the company.
Growth Facility In the context of the Growth Facility Scheme (Regeling Groeifaciliteit), the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs came to an agreement with a number of financiers who provide venture capital to SME’s. Écart is one of the financiers who makes use of the Growth Facility. The Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO.nl) is responsible for implementing the Growth Facility Scheme.
When selecting investment proposals, we will operate carefully. The position of your enterprise, the quality and commitment of the management and a relationship based on mutual trust are key.
During discussions with you, Écart will form an opinion about the participation, the potential of the product or service, market developments, the organization, the management and the financial position. In case of participation, the rate of return needs to be good. The management has a proven track record in the sector involved. In addition, the management is willing to invest a substantial amount in cash or has already done so.
In order to assess whether discussions on a possible participation are worthwhile, we will ask you to provide information about the company: