Making the transition from academia to entrepreneurship isn’t easy. Doing this while moving to another country is even more challenging. Irina Iankelevich, founder of LabeBook, did exactly that at Campus Groningen with the Dutch Startup Visa. This program is initiated by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency of the Dutch government. It provides entrepreneurs from outside the EU with a residence permit for a year to start a business, under the guidance of a Dutch facilitator. The Startup Visa NL crew helps entrepreneurs land their visa and find a facilitator. In Irina’s case, Ronald Hesse, business developer at Campus Groningen, functions as her facilitator.
Irina, a Russian based scientist, made a clear choice for Groningen: "Groningen's strong university, especially at life sciences and community links on Campus Groningen made it the perfect match for me.”
Founding LabeBook
Originally from an academic background with a PhD in Biochemistry and Pathophysiology, Irina shared her motivation behind LabeBook, a platform born out of the necessity she experienced while navigating through the labyrinth of experimental information during her research career. “During my academic work, I experienced the problem of searching for information on experimental methods for the life sciences. Therefore I decided to build a solution for it, LabeBook.”
LabeBook is a hybrid concept, both a knowledge base and a practical resource for life science researchers, aiming to revolutionize the accessibility of experimental information. Irina: “It provides various types of information, from theory to protocols and materials needed, catering to researchers' needs for experimental approaches."
“During my academic work, I experienced the problem of searching for information on experimental methods for the life sciences. Therefore I decided to build a solution for it, LabeBook.”
Ideal breeding ground for startups
Having travelled from Russia with her husband and two children, Irina found the Netherlands, particularly Groningen, to be the ideal ground for her startup. "I realized that the Netherlands is a great country to build my company because I want to launch it globally someday." Her strategic choice of Groningen was fuelled by its vibrant ecosystem and conducive environment for startup growth.
Ronald Hesse: “Campus Groningen and other partners such as Founded in Groningen work continually to strengthen the startup ecosystem. We welcome aspiring entrepreneurs with a drive to make their idea into a success. And of course we look for serious commitment and interesting technology. Irina’s application hit all the right notes.” After the one-year runway of Startup Visa, successful candidates can transition to a self-employed visa, subject to appraisal.
Invaluable ally
With academia as her primary target audience, Irina intends to collaborate closely with researchers within the University of Groningen and the UMCG to fine-tune LabeBook's offerings before expanding into the corporate sector. Through the Startup Visa program, she found an invaluable ally in Ronald Hesse, who provided strategic guidance and facilitated vital connections within Groningen's vibrant ecosystem.
Irina explains: “Ronald's assistance is twofold: he provides invaluable business development advice and facilitates essential connections for project development. His guidance not only aids in formulating strategic plans but also ensures access to a diverse network of professionals crucial for success."
Goals
Looking ahead, Irina's goals for her Startup Visa project include launching a demo version of LabeBook, securing funding, and fostering partnerships with local research institutions. She also explores avenues for student involvement, recognizing the potential for fresh perspectives and broader outreach. There is no doubt in her mind about the value of the Startup Visa Program: “I highly recommend it. Especially because of all the support I received here in Groningen. But it is vital to remember that although you've got opportunities, you as an entrepreneur need to take action. You need to work hard to succeed.’
Ronald can only agree with this: “Keep the Dutch startup and entrepreneurial culture in mind when you consider embarking on a Startup Visa journey. We facilitate driven entrepreneurs who have a good idea of the opportunities and challenges in the Startup Visa project. And who don’t mind hard work. The startup scene on Campus Groningen is thriving: we love to help you succeed here and add to it.”
The Startup Visa NL organisation helps entrepreneurs outside the EU with innovative ideas or businesses who are looking to move or expand their startup in the Netherlands. Besides meeting regular visa criteria, your product or service has to be completely new or disruptive, in order for you to be eligible for the program. You also have to meet these four criteria:
- You require a product or service that’s innovative to the Dutch market
- You have enough funds to sustain yourself in the Netherlands for a year
- A facilitator who believes in your startup
- You have to sign up your company at the Chamber of Commerce
The Startup Visa NL crew conducts the initial pre-selection when you submit your application and assists you in finding the right facilitator. More info: rvo.nl and startupvisa.nl
We facilitate driven entrepreneurs who have a good idea of the opportunities and challenges in the Startup Visa project. And who don’t mind hard work. The startup scene on Campus Groningen is thriving: we love to help you succeed here and add to it.”
Source text: Campus Groningen, author Marlies Schipperheijn
Photo: Irina Iankelevich, photographer Kelly Kroeze
