Dutch Agencies and Invest International Join Forces to Boost Startups
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 18 December 2024.
A new partnership aims to enhance the Dutch startup ecosystem through joint investments, knowledge sharing, and export financing, focusing on startups addressing global challenges like sustainable energy and healthcare.
Significant Investment Capacity
The Regional Development Companies (ROMs) have demonstrated substantial financial muscle in the Dutch startup landscape, with a total fund capital of €2.3 billion. In 2023, they invested €219 million across 372 startups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs [1]. This reach is significant, as more than 50% of companies attracting venture capital in the Netherlands do so with support from a regional development fund [1]. The partnership is strengthened by Invest International’s investment capital of €833 million [1], creating a robust financial foundation for startup growth.
Focus on Global Challenges
The collaboration specifically targets startups and scale-ups working on critical global challenges. These include companies developing climate-neutral energy solutions, sustainable food initiatives, and healthcare innovations [1]. The partnership establishes a clear pathway for growth: ROMs will identify promising portfolio companies ready for international expansion, while Invest International will provide follow-up investments for their global scaling efforts [1].
Strategic Knowledge Exchange
According to Brigit van Dijk-van de Reijt, General Director of the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), speaking on behalf of ROM-Nederland, ‘Internationalization, alongside innovation, is the pillar supporting the Netherlands’ current and future earning capacity’ [1]. The agreement includes provisions for knowledge sharing between parties, particularly in emerging fields such as green hydrogen [1]. Additionally, Invest International will explore opportunities to provide export financing, addressing the risky upfront investments required when companies enter foreign markets [1].
Supporting International Growth
Eelco Benink, Head of Equity at Invest International, emphasizes that this collaboration is crucial for supporting Dutch companies in their international growth [1]. The partnership leverages the ROMs’ strong regional connections while utilizing Invest International’s expertise in financing international expansion and trade. This complementary approach aims to strengthen the international position and competitiveness of Dutch companies while contributing to a sustainable and progressive economy [1]. The Netherlands’ commitment to innovation is further evidenced by recent initiatives such as the ChipNL Competence Centre, launched on January 1, 2024, demonstrating the country’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in key technology sectors [2].