The Faktory
The Faktory is a venture capital firm and accelerator based in Angleur, Belgium, specializing in the incubation and early-stage funding of startups, particularly in the broadcasting and business-to-business sectors. Founded in 2013 by Pierre L’Hoest, the firm focuses on innovative technologies, emphasizing the Internet of Things and connected devices. The Faktory invests between €0.2 million and €1 million per transaction, typically acquiring a minority stake of around 30%. With over €4.5 million in capital under management, it has supported 11 companies in markets such as consumer electronics, high-technology, gaming, and SaaS. The firm employs a structured approach to nurturing startups, utilizing methodologies like Lean Startup and Business Model Canvas to ensure thorough market analysis and customer validation. Additionally, The Faktory collaborates with Boldstart Ventures to leverage their extensive experience in venture capital and successful exits.
Foobot, operated by Airboxlab S.A.S., specializes in the development and manufacturing of indoor air quality monitoring devices aimed at enhancing household environments. Founded in 2013 and based in Sanem, Luxembourg, the company provides a mobile application that displays real-time data collected by its monitoring devices, allowing users to actively manage their air quality. Additionally, Foobot’s platform leverages artificial intelligence to optimize HVAC system control, making predictions based on indoor conditions and weather forecasts. This approach not only helps improve the indoor climate but also enables users to achieve energy savings in their spaces.