In Belgium, early-stage founders often struggle to secure pre-seed funding because larger funds want to see results first. 100IN aims to fill this gap by investing €100,000 in 100 startups worldwide from a €12 million fund. The founders are putting in 60% of the capital and have set aside money for follow-on investments.
Jorn Vanysacker and Gilles Mattelin, founders of Ghent-based Henchman, are now working with industry leaders like Jonas Dhaenens (team.blue) and Louis Jonckheere (Showpad, Wintercircus).
Providing funding and sharing the practical experience
Jorn Vanysacker and Gilles Mattelin grew Henchman into a LegalTech company that was acquired, scaled Intuo and Tout Bien Pils, and invested in over 20 startups, such as Axe AI and Aikido. After selling Henchman in 2024, they noticed founders needed more early funding and practical advice on scaling, so they started 100IN with operations lead Julie Capiau.
They want to help ambitious founders by offering both funding and hands-on experience in building companies. 100IN provides simple support: €100,000 investments at low valuations, no location restrictions, a steady stream of deals, and extra funds for follow-on rounds.
The team invests their own money (including Wouter Van Respaille) and partners with experienced professionals such as Siska Lannoo (formerly of Henchman) and Matthias Geeroms (Lighthouse). They take a hands-on approach, guiding founders from the beginning to exit, and want to do better than traditional micro-VCs by focusing on early-stage startups and using their own experience.
Looking Ahead
They plan to make 100 investments quickly across Europe and beyond, focus more on standout startups, and work with top people in the ecosystem. With strong roots in Ghent, they bring a Belgian perspective but are looking for global opportunities, aiming to find the next big successes like Fyxer AI.
