Every company and every entrepreneur is different. For that reason, SBIC is constantly looking to expand its network of partners and, in doing so, provide additional benefits to its community. We are now thrilled to announce that Wecountancy has joined as the new incubation partner of SBIC Noordwijk. The financial firm offers a customised portfolio that appeals to startups and entrepreneurs. This new partnership will see Wecountancy making knowledge-intensive services available for access by the SBIC community and the incubatees and alumni of ESA BIC Noordwijk. To find out more, we caught up with Martín and Willem Verhoeff, who are two of the founding partners at the firm.
The Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk (SBIC Noordwijk) inspires and supports startups that use space technology in new and innovative business ideas. These companies might be working on terrestrial applications or a product/service for the space industry as participants in the Dutch business incubation programme of the European Space Agency. Or they might be a startup located at SBIC simply to soak up the atmosphere that comes from working right in the heart of the Dutch space ecosystem. Either way, SBIC offers benefits and services through its network to all the companies in its community from its location close to ESA/ESTEC. In particular, SBIC helps facilitate their transition from fledgling new startup to successful venture.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem
The SBIC building is a destination for entrepreneurs from across the Netherlands, thanks to is a state-of-the-art co-working space and the well-established community located within this business hub on NL Space Campus. The largest tenant in the building – taking up the entire top floor – is Wecountancy and this close proximity to tech startups is one that the team relishes.
“Ultimately, coming on board as an incubation partner of SBIC is very interesting for us. We already work with various external startups, across multiple locations in the Netherlands, so we are familiar with the entrepreneurial needs of startups – especially those moving from abroad. One of the key areas for Wecountancy is the Expat Services* that we offer,” comments Willem Verhoeff. “It is fantastic that in this community at SBIC, companies can experience to the fullest how assistance, learning and contagious enthusiasm from each other can be an inspiration and will lead to better results.”
*Tip: Wecountancy’s Leo Oudshoorn has a monthly column in the local free paper The Local Expat covering lots of relevant topics for startups; see the recent edition here or pick up your copy at SBIC reception!
Incubation partnership
Through this new partnership with SBIC, Wecountancy will have a seat on the selection committee for the ESA BIC Noordwijk programme – called the Tender Evaluation Board – alongside the three other incubation partners: ESA, the Netherlands Space Office and Rabobank (good to know: the ESA BIC programme is currently welcoming applications; the next TEB will happen soon after the fall selection deadline of 16 October).
Additionally, Wecountancy is now also a community partner and media partner of SBIC. All of this offers the team a multitude of opportunities to share trusted knowledge and be a sparring partner for entrepreneurs – whether it is financial advice or wider services that are required when starting out as a new business. The firm’s scope covers a full range of customised services including accounting, tax, payroll and an assortment of offerings applicable to new entrepreneurs just landed in the country.
SBIC COO Martijn Leinweber sees this cooperation as an important one for the space businesses in Noordwijk. “Wecountancy has expert knowledge, an extensive network and an entrepreneurial focus. The team’s innovative approach is a perfect fit for the tech startups in our hub. That’s why we are so excited about this partnership.”
Innovative developments
Wecountancy is constantly striving to develop new tools and work in a progressive way that creates novel possibilities. Martín Verhoeff says, “It’s hugely appealing and beneficial for us to be an incubation partner. One of our core values is innovation and so we are immediately drawn to this community.”
“We offer the full remit of financial services that helps you go from A to B, so that covers everything about day-to-day accounting – but it’s much more than that. We are also about innovation in helping startups with coaching and strategy, thanks to our bespoke dashboard,” he continues. “This new, innovative software is vital for any entrepreneur as it helps with milestones and aligning the core values, mission and vision. It can help them with creating a SWOT analysis and setting short term goals and objectives, as well as long-term planning. It is all in there.”
Martín concludes: “What our dashboard helps to emphasise is that finance shouldn’t be thought of as ‘stand alone.’ Financials need to be an integral part of the wider strategy from the outset.” Startups can get real benefit from gaining access to an innovative dashboard such as this one. It can help provide much needed structure during the hectic early days of establishing a successful tech company.
Looking to the stars?
Before we finish, it’s always fun to find out what sparks people’s interest in space. It seems that celestial bodies have been attracting a fair bit of attention. Willem says: “Two years ago, a client was announcing a rebranding and this announcement actually took place at ESA/ESTEC. I had worked on the financials for the company, as a ‘thank you’ I received a certificate that indicated that there is a star that has my name now. So, I am in space on a star!” For Martín, it’s the pull of the moon: “I really enjoy grabbing glimpses of the full moon and capturing it in photos, especially in places where there’s dark sky. I also like sci-fi movies.”
Meet Wecountancy at SBIC Noordwijk
Wecountancy is looking forward to being involved at the upcoming TEB and, alongside that, the team is eager to get out and meet the space business community at SBIC. This could be in the atrium during the community lunch, in the Spark Hub for a partner-in-residence meeting or at an info session as an opportunity to explain more about the company. Additionally, the staff in the Expat Services team are getting ready to offer a workshop/masterclass – which could cover anything from auditing, accounting, HR, tax or payroll to expat themes, strategy, financial planning or corporate finance. Do you have a preference? Get in touch! Anyone interested should sign up for SBIC news to be alerted about any upcoming events.
GETTING IN TOUCH
Contact: Leo Oudshoorn
Email: mail@wecountancy.com
Website: wecountancy.com
ABOUT WECOUNTANCY
As a sparring partner for entrepreneurs, the Wecountancy team works to find the best solutions, especially when they are not obvious. The firm has a strong focus on innovation and developing tools that help its customers move forward. Wecountancy was created in 2023 from the merger of the Activa Group and the Zirkzee Group, two experienced organisations with a shared passion: helping entrepreneurs to let their passion flourish.
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