€100K, No Equity Upfront: imec.istart Changes the Game

As part of the development of the Belgian startup ecosystem, the imec.istart program has recently announced a major update to its investment model. Starting from the next summer cohort, each selected startup will receive an initial funding of €100,000 through a single Convertible Loan Agreement (CLA).

This new approach replaces the previous model, which combined equity participation and convertible financing, including a standard 6% equity stake at intake. From now on, no upfront equity is required, allowing founders to retain greater ownership of their company at an early stage.

The objective of this change is to simplify investment conditions, accelerate collaboration with startups, and improve alignment with other investors during future funding rounds. By offering a more flexible and attractive framework, this initiative aims to strengthen support for innovative startups and enhance their growth potential within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.