Dutch Government Launches €100M Fund for Cybersecurity Startups
The Hague, Thursday, 3 April 2025.
The SecFund, launched by Dutch ministries, aims to bolster national cybersecurity by funding startups with dual-use tech in civil and defense sectors, first investing in Tective Robotics.
Strategic Investment in Defense Innovation
The SecFund represents a significant commitment from the Dutch government, with State Secretary of Defence Gijs Tuinman emphasizing the critical need to equip military personnel with cutting-edge technology. ‘To give our people the best stuff, we need the most innovative people and companies in the Netherlands,’ Tuinman stated, highlighting how the fund will accelerate the deployment of innovations to frontline forces [1]. The initiative aligns with European Investment Bank guidelines for dual-use technology investments, ensuring developments benefit both civilian and military applications [1].
First Investment and Eligibility Criteria
The fund has already made its inaugural investment in Tective Robotics, a Delft-based drone manufacturer developing solutions for both defense and agricultural sectors [1]. Companies seeking funding can apply for investments up to €5 million, with potential for additional funding based on progress and Defense ministry interest [1]. Since its announcement in October 2024, more than seventy companies have expressed interest in the program [1]. To qualify for funding, companies must meet strict criteria including maintaining both legal and physical headquarters in the Netherlands and having no connections to designated ‘risk countries’ [1].
Growing Cybersecurity Ecosystem
The launch of SecFund comes at a crucial time for the Dutch cybersecurity sector, as exemplified by recent success stories in the industry. For instance, Florbs, a Dutch cybersecurity startup, recently secured over €1 million in seed funding from prominent investors including former executives from Booking.com and Adyen [2]. The company has demonstrated strong market traction, serving over 40 enterprise customers and reaching more than 300,000 users across 25 countries [2].
International Context and Future Prospects
The timing of SecFund’s launch aligns with broader international initiatives in AI and cybersecurity. Just days before the fund’s announcement, Geneva hosted the Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2025, where international experts discussed the intersection of AI and security [3]. This positioning suggests the Netherlands is taking proactive steps to establish itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of defense technology and cybersecurity innovation [1][3].