Sint-Niklaas, 29/09/2010. LRM, PMV-Vinnof and Gemma Frisius will invest 1,500,000 euros into D square. Existing shareholders PMV-Vinnof and Gemma Frisius will each inject 250,000 euros into the spin-off of the Catholic University of Louvain. Investment company LRM adds 1,000,000 euros via its ARKIV subsidiary.
Process optimisation
D square was established in 2007 as a spin-off of the Catholic University of Louvain. The software company focuses on the processing market, catering for a spectrum of companies ranging from petrochemical enterprises to the food industry. Its impressive customer base includes companies such as Borealis and Eval Europe.
Application of extensive mathematical and statistical techniques enables D square to optimise process management as well as error message analyses. In addition, the application of a prediction model for better assessment of the most suitable time for machine maintenance considerably simplifies management of the entire machine fleet. D Square realises these objectives by inter-relating all the available measurement and process data and then processing them collectively. As a result, not only are companies informed about whether or not their manufacturing process runs smoothly, the procedure also provides suggestions for process improvements and generates alarm signals when things threaten to go wrong. The active learning component included in the software allows for its application into several processes without the need to rely on expensive tailored operations.
GPS
The final goal is to develop a “factory GPS” that compares with a car GPS in terms of functionality. Clients choose the parameters for their manufacturing processes themselves, e.g. optimum energy efficiency or highest possible production volume. This principle runs parallel with a car navigation system that allows the driver to choose between the fastest and the shortest route.
Ambition
The processing market implies a presence in chemical clusters around the globe. Activities will unfold on the German, UK and French markets in the short to medium term. Through extensive product development and internationalisation, D square is aiming at significant turnover growth in the coming years. Staff in Belgium is expected to increase to 20 in due time.
To realise these plans, an additional capital increase was an absolute necessity. LRM, PMV-Vinnof and Gemma Frisius therefore decided to invest 1,500,000 euros in D square to help the company fulfil its ambitions.
Research Campus Hasselt
Given the current activities in Antwerp and Limburg as well as the first steps into Germany, Hasselt is the ideal centre point for software development as well as project and consultancy activities. D square will shortly move into the offices at the Research Campus in Hasselt, where it will find all functionalities and the right environment necessary for an innovative ICT enterprise.
According to Noël Jans, CEO and founder of D square NV: ‘We are delighted with LRM’s entry into the shareholder structure. Not only do they and the other investors provide the oxygen that is required for the further growth of our company, they also add considerable experience as well as an extensive network. We consider those to be welcome benefits in this period of growth’.
For more information contact
D square NV
Noël Jans, CEO
t +32 476 780256
e noel.jans@dsquare.be
About LRM
LRM is a profit-driven investor that offers entrepreneurs a unique combination of venture capital and real estate. LRM's activities contribute to the economic development and the general employment in Belgian Limburg. LRM is oriented towards all sectors and companies, from start-ups over growing SMEs to large enterprises. Today, LRM is active in five domains: ICT & Media, Life Sciences, Cleantech & Energy, SMEs & Large enterprises.
www.lrm.be
About PMV-Vinnof
Vinnof (short for Het Vlaamse Innovatiefonds or Flemish Innovation Fund) provides seed capital to young, innovative companies and starting enterprises in Flanders. The Vinnof fund is a subsidiary of PMV NV, the investment company for Flanders. For further information about Vinnof please visit www.vinnof.be
About the Gemma Frisius Fund
The Gemma Frisius Fund of the Catholic University of Louvain is a seed capital fund established in 1997 as a joint venture between the Catholic University of Louvain, the KBC Group and the Fortis Group. The fund seeks to promote the establishment and growth of the spin-off companies associated with the Catholic University of Louvain by
- freeing seed capital in the very first phase of research-based spin-off companies;
- combining the university’s expertise in transferring research and technology with the financial and investment-related know-how of the financial partners.