Vlerick Group

CorWave is a company focused on developing innovative implanted cardiac support devices aimed at improving the quality of life for patients suffering from heart failure. Its flagship product, the CorWave LVAD, employs a unique undulating disc wave pumping mechanism, which replaces traditional high-speed impellers used in current continuous flow rotary pumps. This design significantly reduces trauma to blood, thereby minimizing complications such as clotting and bleeding. The CorWave pump generates a pulsatile flow that closely resembles the natural heartbeat, addressing a key limitation of existing LVADs that provide only continuous flow. Additionally, the device's low power consumption and compact size facilitate its potential for complete implantation, enhanced by a wireless energy transfer system. Through these advancements, CorWave aims to alleviate the burdens associated with heart failure and invasive surgical procedures.

Onto Ltd is a Birmingham-based electric vehicle subscription service founded in 2017. Originally known as EVezy, the company rebranded in July 2020. Onto offers an all-inclusive solution for driving electric cars, allowing customers to subscribe to a vehicle without the burdens of ownership. The subscription covers essential services such as insurance, breakdown support, wear and tear repairs, servicing, charging solutions, and road tax. This model enables users to enjoy the benefits of driving an electric vehicle while avoiding long-term commitments, making the transition to electric driving more accessible and hassle-free. Co-founders Rob Jolly and Dannan O’Meachair established Onto to facilitate a seamless switch to electric mobility.

Magnax is a company that specializes in yokeless axial flux technology, which is used to create high power density motors for electric powertrains and aerospace propulsion systems. Their innovative motors are designed with a patented cooling system that maintains low stator temperatures, enhancing robustness and efficiency. This technology reduces core losses through the use of oriented electrical steel, allowing manufacturers in the e-mobility sector to develop lighter and more energy-efficient vehicles. Magnax operates through strategic subsidiaries, such as Traxial, which focuses on ground-based e-mobility applications, and Axyal, which targets the aerospace market, each requiring tailored approaches to effectively serve their respective industries.

Ninepointfive is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Belgium, founded in 2017. It specializes in co-investing with corporate partners to support technology-based startups from pre-seed funding through to maturity. The firm collaborates with established brands to help founders maximize the value of corporate acceleration. Ninepointfive employs a proprietary methodology that emphasizes speed, growth, and active engagement, ensuring a pragmatic approach to investment. The firm's focus spans various sectors, including energy, financial services, healthcare, information technology, and both B2B and B2C markets.