Rabobank strengthens Wageningen’s startup ecosystem with donation
On 1 October, Wageningen University & Research received a cheque of €20,000 from ‘Rabobank Vallei en Rijn’ through the Wageningen Impact Catalyst Voucher Fund of University Fund Wageningen. This is not an ordinary donation, but an investment in early-stage startups in the Wageningen ecosystem, made possible through a unique financing mechanism: Pay-it-Forward vouchers.
How does it work?
A Pay-it-Forward voucher is neither a loan nor a grant. Startups are not obliged to repay, but once a startup is financially sustainable, founders are encouraged to voluntarily donate the same amount back into the fund. In this way, the recipients of today become the supporters of tomorrow’s innovators.
– One voucher helps one startup.
– One successful startup gives back to fund another.
– Together we create a self-sustaining engine for purpose-driven innovation.
Why does this matter?
These vouchers enable mission-driven startups to take crucial validation steps: prototyping, laboratory testing, or filing for a patent. This reduces risks, accelerates market readiness, and provides entrepreneurs with a significant confidence boost. Above all, it fosters a community of reciprocity and regeneration rather than a one-off financial instrument.
This donation from Rabobank will directly benefit (student) startups affiliated with WUR being active in the Ede-Wageningen region.
Catalysing innovative solutions
To accelerate and strengthen global transitions, Wageningen University & Research and University Fund Wageningen support talented pioneers with bold ideas, technologies or initiatives. Under the banner of Wageningen Impact Catalyst, a suite of tailored support programmes is offered to WUR students, scientists and alumni up to two years after graduation. These programmes help transform early-stage ideas into real-world impact, with funding resources and expert guidance.
On behalf of Wageningen University & Research and the Wageningen University Fund, we sincerely thank Rabobank, Ellen Verhoeven and Berend Nannes for this investment in Wageningen’s knowledge and talent for sustainable, healthy and fair solutions.
For more information about Pay-it-Forward vouchers, please contact Gitte Schober. Interested in donating to the fund? Please get in touch with Lies Boelrijk. E-mail: ufw@wur.nl
