Wim De Waele, CEO of iMinds, stands up for more internationalization in today’s edition of De Tijd: “Flemish startups must be internationally relevant, or not exist at all.” In this he follows Participiums’ vision, because Participium wants to give companies a European dimension from the start.
Tuesday 30/9 Participium is a guest at businessrooms in Zottegem
On Tuesday 30 September, our first share#square takes place. Guest speaker is Frank Demets, former editor-in-chief of newspaper ‘De Tijd’ and strategic communication advisor at Febelfin. Years of talking with business leaders and entrepreneurs, helped Frank to build a strong vision on corporate finance. And as a keen observer, he knows how to put his finger on the tender spot. On the other hand, he also has suggestions and advice on how companies in Flanders may look forward to a bright future in these tougher (but all the more fascinating) times.
This first share#square takes place in the business center where Participium also has its registered office. BusinessRooms Zottegem receives us in a homely atmosphere, which characterizes the building since it was recently converted into an office. It is located in Zottegem, a 10-minute walk from the station and easily accessible from the N42 towards Geraardsbergen.
For whom?
- potential directors and interim managers
- professional investment companies
- entrepreneurs, managers and business angels
- banks and financiers
- potential partners and external consultants
- representatives of government and civil society
Program of share # square Tuesday, September 30, 2014
- 17:30 Reception and snack
- 18:00 Herman Demarbaix (Participium): short presentation
- 18:15 Frank Demets (ex-Time): corporate financing in 2014
- 19:00 Jan Lagast (Forte / Participium): successful growth
- 19:30 questions
- 20:00 networking drink
Guest speaker
- Frank Demets is the former editor-in-chief of newspaper ‘De Tijd’ and the former strategic communications advisor at Febelfin. Frank is now active as an independent consultant investor communications and also provides the reality check of the files at Participium.
Participation is free. Please do register in advance via e-mail.
After the registration, you will receive a notification of participation and the directions.
On 23/10, share#square is a guest at Forte in Melle
On Thursday, October 23, share#square is invited at Forte, a specialist service provider that provides management advice and marketing services to companies with a focus on technology. Forte ensures that its customers achieve great growth and has achieved many successes throughout the world with its own methods and management concepts.
Forte is located in Ghent near the R4, in a beautiful building that was renovated by the renowned architect Glenn Sestig. The location alone is worth the trip to Melle.
For whom?
- potential directors and interim managers
- professional investment companies
- entrepreneurs, managers and business angels
- potential partners and external consultants
- representatives of government and civil society
Program Thursday, October 23, 2014
- 17:30 Reception and snack
- 18:00 Herman Demarbaix (Participium): short presentation
- 18:15 Jan Lagast (Forte / Participium): success factors and scenarios for growth
- 19:30 questions
- 20:00 networking reception
Guest speaker
- Jan Lagast is a partner and senior advisor at Forte. He regularly gives keynote sessions about growth based on his experience. Together with his team, he has realized growth doublings for numerous references.
Participation is free. Please do register in advance via e-mail.
After the registration, you will receive a notification of participation and the directions.
Financial participation is taking part in the adventure
The name Participium refers to participation. You might already have understood that. But it was never properly explained what that participation exactly means. For many, participation only means a contribution in capital. And that is not the intention of Participium. Quite the opposite.
Participating in the adventure
For us, even participating with capital means more than a financial transaction. It should mean taking part in an adventure. Whether it concerns a growth company or a starter, a growth spurt is the least predictable period in a company’s life. At the same time, it is the most fascinating period. These are the times where entrepreneurs are distinguished from managers. At this point, insight, experience, gut feeling and drive are more important than spreadsheets.
Therefore, Participium advises growth companies to attract more than one investor in their search for capital. And by involving those investors enough to being able to take part in the adventure. This way they get the chance to help and contribute where they can. They could open doors… or provide hints.
Attract several investors
By attracting several investors, you avoid that one large investor-owner dominates the team of entrepreneurs. A broad group of investors allows the entrepreneurs to do their business. It gives them the opportunity to realize that adventure together and to develop the necessary drive to achieve success. It also opens up opportunities for employees and partners to participate in that success.
Meanwhile, Participium wants to help. Helping to manage. Helping to win. That also is participation. Participium supports growth companies to fully realize their potential in a well-founded way.
That is what Participium stands for. Jan Lagast hopes that many are willing to help Participium realize this beautiful adventure. He thanks you in advance for your participation.
Matchmaker becomes company builder
Participium organized various Investor Nights during the first months of 2014. One of the most important lessons from these sessions was that they have to try to be more than just a matchmaker between an entrepreneur on one side and potential capital and directors on the other side. Our role must be more active.
As a test case, we have started to make an active commercial contribution to one of the projects and we have noticed that this is paying off. We have also seen that specialists and engineers with excellent ideas are usually unable to do it alone. They often don’t even want to do it alone, but are forced to do it alone because of a lack of resources. The entrepreneur with the golden idea turns out to be a rare combination. Some entrepreneurs do not have good ideas at all, but they are brilliant entrepreneurs when someone else brings them those ideas. Others have an idea, want to undertake, but do not have the guts or the experience to do it alone.
Team-team-team
This is still ranked in the top 3 of reasons for success. One of our contacts put it firmly: “I believe in the survival of the fittest”. Well, we believe that the “fittest” include exactly those technological companies in which the technical specialist with the golden egg is supplemented by co-entrepreneurs with additional expertise, such as marketing, sales, HR. And those fellow entrepreneurs? That’s what we’re going to take care of.
How we will make this tangible, we will explain to you in a next update.
Participium 