Investment in Dutch Startups Plummets 59% in Q1 2025
Amsterdam, Tuesday, 15 April 2025.
Dutch startup investments dropped to approximately €460 million in Q1 2025, a 59% decrease from the previous year, raising concerns about the ecosystem’s vitality.
Investment Landscape Details
The latest figures reveal that Dutch startups secured approximately €429 million in investments during Q1 2025, with total funding estimated at €460 million when including unpublished amounts [1]. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of declining deal activity, with the number of transactions dropping from 89 deals in Q1 2024 to 79 deals in Q1 2025, representing an 11% decrease [1]. Notably, large-scale investments exceeding €100 million were conspicuously absent this quarter [1].
Shifting Investment Patterns
A significant transformation is occurring in the investment landscape, with seed-stage deals (€1-4 million) gaining prominence. These early-stage investments now constitute 47% of all investments, increasing from €50.6 million in Q1 2024 to €58.4 million in Q1 2025 [1]. The top 10 largest investments dominated the quarter, accounting for more than 75% of the total funding at €320 million [1]. Leading these investments was Mews with $75 million, followed by Leyden Labs at $70 million, and Alesta Therapeutics with €65 million [2].
European Position and Market Impact
The Netherlands has experienced a notable decline in its European standing, falling from fourth-fifth place to seventh-eighth position, while countries like Spain, Sweden, and Ireland have successfully attracted multiple large investment rounds [1]. This shift occurs against a backdrop of broader European tech investment activity, where quantum hardware and AI technology continue to attract substantial funding. For perspective, in the wider European context, six companies raised at least €100 million in Q1 2025, with three focusing on quantum hardware development [5].
Expert Perspectives
Industry leaders express measured concern about this trend. Lucien Burm of the Dutch Startup Association warns that while immediate alarm isn’t necessary, the situation demands attention: ‘We are not yet sounding the alarm, but standing still means going backward. Not only did we lose our position as Europe worldwide, but within Europe, the Netherlands is now losing importance’ [1]. However, Myrthe Hooijman from Techleap offers a more optimistic view, highlighting successful investments in companies like QuantWare, Thorizon, and LeydenLabs as evidence of continued confidence in Dutch technology [1].