Dutch Agencies and Invest International Collaborate to Boost Startups
The Hague, Wednesday, 1 January 2025.
Dutch regional development agencies and Invest International partner to enhance startup growth by sharing insights and facilitating export financing, supporting innovation in the Netherlands.
Strategic Partnership Details
Regional Development Companies (ROMs) and Invest International have formed a significant partnership, bringing together substantial financial resources to support Dutch innovation. The ROMs, which manage a total fund capital of €2.3 billion, invested €219 million in 372 startups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs in 2023 [1]. This collaboration is particularly timely, as Dutch startups attracted $3.5 billion in funding during 2024, positioning the Netherlands as Europe’s fourth best-funded startup ecosystem [2].
Focus Areas and Investment Strategy
The partnership specifically targets startups addressing global challenges, including climate-neutral energy solutions, sustainable food production, and healthcare innovations [1]. Invest International, with its €833 million investment capital, will provide follow-up investments for scale-ups ready for international expansion [1]. This structured approach comes at a crucial time, as evidenced by recent major funding successes in the Dutch ecosystem, including Nebius’s €700 million and Picnic’s €388 million rounds in 2024 [2].
Knowledge Sharing and Export Support
The agreement extends beyond direct investments, incorporating knowledge sharing initiatives, particularly in areas such as green hydrogen [1]. A key feature of the collaboration is the mutual referral system - while ROMs handle early-stage regional investments, Invest International focuses on international expansion financing [1]. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen the Netherlands’ earning capacity abroad, as stated by Brigit van Dijk-van de Reijt, General Director of the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) [1].
Future Impact and Market Position
The collaboration comes as the Dutch startup ecosystem demonstrates remarkable resilience, having secured $1.1 billion more in 2024 compared to 2023 [2]. According to Eelco Benink, Head of Equity at Invest International, this partnership is crucial for optimally supporting Dutch companies in their international growth [1]. The initiative is expected to enhance the Netherlands’ competitive position and contribute to a sustainable, progressive economy, building on the country’s strong performance in climate tech and biotech sectors [1][2].