Dutch Government Boosts Invest-NL with €900 Million for Sustainable Innovation
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 18 September 2024.
Invest-NL, the Netherlands’ impact investing firm, secures €900 million in additional funding until 2029. This capital injection aims to propel startups, expand blended finance activities, and safeguard national economic security, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a sustainable and innovative future.
Strengthening Core Capital to Support Startups
The Dutch government has allocated €600 million to bolster Invest-NL’s core capital. This funding is designed to aid startups and scale-ups, particularly those developing complex and innovative technologies. By providing much-needed financial support, Invest-NL aims to turn groundbreaking ideas into viable businesses that contribute to the country’s sustainable future. Established in 2020 and headquartered in Amsterdam, Invest-NL has a workforce of 51-200 employees dedicated to making the Netherlands more sustainable and innovative[1].
Expanding Blended Finance Activities
An additional €250 million will be directed towards expanding blended finance activities. This approach aims to attract private capital for high-risk projects that offer significant social value. By leveraging both public and private funding, Invest-NL can support ventures that might otherwise struggle to secure traditional financing. This strategy not only mitigates financial risk but also amplifies the impact of each euro invested. According to recent updates, Invest-NL has already made 143 investments in companies and funds, focusing on sectors like energy, circularity, healthcare, agrifood, and deep tech[2].
Economic Security Protection Facility
The Economic Security Protection Facility (BEV) will receive €50 million to safeguard national security against foreign investment threats. This funding will help ensure that strategic investments are protected, maintaining the integrity and security of the Dutch economy. The BEV aims to shield critical sectors from potential vulnerabilities that could arise from foreign acquisitions or investments. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to preserving the country’s economic sovereignty while fostering innovation[3].
Prominent Investments and Collaborations
Invest-NL has been actively involved in various high-impact projects. For instance, it has invested €8.2 million in Battolyser Systems, a company specializing in green hydrogen production. This investment supports the development of an electrolyser with battery functionality, which is expected to accelerate the transition from grey to green hydrogen markets. Additionally, Invest-NL collaborates with organizations like Metabolic and Circle Economy to promote sustainability in the textile sector, aiming to reduce the industry’s substantial waste and CO2 emissions[4].
Future Plans and Integration
Looking ahead, Invest-NL is exploring a potential integration with Invest International, with an expected completion date of February 2025. This merger aims to enhance policy goal achievement and streamline efforts towards sustainable innovation. Furthermore, the Dutch government has reserved €1 billion for Invest-NL, with €100 million set to be released in 2026 to support the international Dutch business community. These initiatives underscore the long-term vision of creating a radically different economy by 2050, driven by sustainable and innovative practices[5].