Invest-NL Launches €50 Million Program to Boost Diversity in Venture Capital
Brussels, Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
Invest-NL’s new initiative with €50 million aims to close the gender gap and promote diversity in venture capital, enhancing Europe’s competitive edge by leveraging diverse teams.
A New Era for Venture Capital
Invest-NL’s Diverse Manager Programme has been launched with a focus on enhancing diversity within the venture capital landscape across the Netherlands and Europe. The initiative, unveiled on 3 November 2025, signals a robust commitment to increasing representation in fund management teams by allocating €50 million to this cause. This strategic move was announced at the European Commission in Brussels, in conjunction with the presentation of the ‘Gender Gap in Investments’ report, highlighting the gender disparities prevalent in investment management [1][2].
Addressing the Gender Gap
The programme aims to address the persistent gender gap in venture capital by fostering inclusive practices and broadening access for underrepresented groups. According to Ulrike Kostense, Invest-NL’s Investment Principal, diversity in investment management is not solely about fair representation but also about enhancing performance and driving innovation. By leveraging diverse perspectives, the programme seeks to build a more robust and future-proof economy [1][2].
Strategic Objectives and Impact
Invest-NL’s initiative requires participating funds to invest at least double the capital committed by Invest-NL within the Netherlands, ensuring a significant multiplier effect on the local economy. This strategic requirement not only aims to increase diversity but also to stimulate economic growth and innovation within the venture capital sector. The programme echoes previous initiatives by Invest-NL, such as supporting the Gender Smart Equity Investment Programme of the EIF, further reinforcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion [2].
The Role of European Women in VC
The launch event in Brussels was supported by European Women in VC, a nonprofit initiative advocating for increased female representation in venture capital. This organization, comprising nearly 600 senior women professionals from over 28 European countries, plays a crucial role in mobilizing support for diversity in the investment sector. By aligning with such influential groups, Invest-NL underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting gender-responsive investment strategies and addressing systemic disparities [3].