LRM is a return-driven investment company that unlocks and stimulates sustainable economic growth in and from Limburg. LRM is the driving force in a unique regional ecosystem, providing risk financing and expertise to companies and projects that contribute to prosperity and well-being in Limburg and Flanders.
About LRM
Together, we are writing a sustainable success story.
Our mission
Our strategy
LRM, with the Flemish Region as its shareholder, leaves its mark on the economic and social growth of Limburg through the following core activities:
- Financing companies with a Limburg connection: providing loans and capital for start-ups, scale-ups, and mature companies.
- Development of innovative real estate: infrastructure for economic activities (e.g., incubators and campuses).
- Conversion of old mining sites: giving new purpose to former mining sites.
- Realization of ambitious strategic projects: LRM takes a leading role in current topics such as sustainability, mobility, climate, etc.
- Building a regional ecosystem: fostering a strong network and vibrant start-up community.
Strong international partnerships
LRM also focuses on internationalization to strengthen the business fabric of Limburg. We primarily aim to establish a good relationship with the USA through a partnership with the Belgian-American Chamber of Commerce, Belcham. Furthermore, we bridge the gap between Asia and Limburg through a collaboration agreement with Budding Innovation, fostering international startup connections.
We also prioritize opportunities in the Euregion (Dutch Limburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Liège, and Wallonia) by collaborating with LIOF and NRW.BANK. Finally, as one of the very first official SDG Ambassadors in the world, we are deeply committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), seeking information, awareness, and inspiration through UNITAR and Cifal Flanders.
Our Team
Behind all our projects, sites, incubators, investments, transformations, and achievements are exceptionally talented teams. Colleagues who, with unbridled enthusiasm, foster the growth and flourishing of Limburg.
Our Board of Directors
LRM’s Board of Directors Composition: Frederick Vandeput / Tom Vanham / Jules Noten / Mark Maesen / Peter Vavedin / Karlien De Turck / Gert Vandewaerde / Frieda Brepoels / Kristof Schiepers / Hans Wilmots / Hilde Essers / Laura Olaerts
LRM group structure
Campuses
Mining sites
Incubators
Key figures
LRM closed 2023 with a consolidated profit of 5.844 million euros. LRM injected 49.2 million euros annually into 78 companies and projects. LRM’s equity increased to 536 million euros in the 2023 fiscal year, partly due to a capital increase of 30 million euros from the Flemish government to help companies transition to sustainability following the energy crisis.
Social projects
Over the past 30 years, LRM has achieved an excellent track record. The social impact of LRM is particularly noteworthy. The dividend counter, an important measure of our social impact, currently stands at 402 million euros. The LRM dividends, channeled through Flanders and the LSM foundation, fully benefit projects in Limburg related to education, nature, culture and tourism.
Investment volume
Since 1999, LRM has invested a total of 1.1 billion euros in Limburg. Two-thirds of our investments went to corporate financing and one-third to real estate. We always invesy together with banks, entrepreneurs, or consortium partners, allowing us to proudly state that LRM has contributed to over 3 billion euros in investments in Limburg.
Portfolio companies
- 109 Venture capital
- 104 KlimOp loan
- 58 Breakthrough, Plus- or customized loan
3 campuses, 7 incubators
LRM develops and manages a network of seven incubators and three campuses (Corda Campus, Thor Park, and DronePort) and invests in the transformation of industrial estates to create sufficient space for entrepreneurship.
With pride, LRM can state that its real estate portfolio has moved more than one stone in recent years. In 2024, after years of preparation, construction will begin on the Corda Arena, the first digital arena on the European mainland. This groundbreaking initiative will put Corda Campus, Hasselt, Flanders, and Belgium in the international spotlight.
In Genk, LRM, the City of Genk, and KU Leuven officially launched ‘Thor Park nv’ and committed to investing €40 million in the further development of Thor Park. At the end of 2023, the smart manufacturing building ‘the FacThory’ was put into use, where companies and knowledge institutions collaborate on smart manufacturing.
DronePort, on the other hand, has a strong strategic partner in Brussels Airport Company, which takes a stake of approximately 30% in DronePort.
At Kristal Park III in Lommel, new companies were attracted in collaboration with FIT and VLAIO. These companies will invest hundreds of millions of euros in Lommel and will create more than 1,000 new jobs combined. And that’s just the beginning, as there is still plenty of available space for entrepreneurship there.