Dutch Innovation Platforms Collaborate to Boost Startup Funding
The Hague, Wednesday, 25 December 2024.
Regional development corporations in the Netherlands and Invest International join forces to support startups, boosting knowledge sharing, export financing, and international trade missions.
Major Investment Commitment
The Dutch startup ecosystem is receiving a significant boost through a new partnership between Regional Development Companies (ROMs) and Invest International. In 2023, ROMs invested €219 million in 372 startups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs from their total fund capital of €2.3 billion [1]. This collaboration is further strengthened by Invest International’s investment capital of €833 million [1], positioning the Netherlands as Europe’s fourth-best funded startup ecosystem with $3.5 billion raised in 2024 [3].
Strategic Focus on Global Challenges
The partnership specifically targets startups and scale-ups addressing worldwide challenges, including climate-neutral energy solutions, sustainable food production, and healthcare innovations [1]. This strategic focus aligns with the Netherlands’ growing strength in climate tech and biotech sectors [3]. The collaboration enables ROMs to refer promising companies to Invest International for international expansion, while Invest International directs early-stage companies to appropriate regional ROMs [1].
Enhanced International Growth Support
According to Eelco Benink, Head of Equity at Invest International, this partnership is crucial for supporting Dutch companies in their international growth [1]. The collaboration includes knowledge sharing initiatives, particularly in areas such as green hydrogen, and explores export financing opportunities for companies entering foreign markets [1]. This support structure has contributed to the Dutch startup ecosystem’s rise from sixth to fourth place in European funding rankings, now only trailing the UK ($17 billion), Germany ($7.9 billion), and France ($7.7 billion) [3].
Future Economic Impact
Brigit van Dijk-van de Reijt, General Director of the Brabant Development Company (BOM), emphasizes that internationalization alongside innovation forms the foundation for the Netherlands’ current and future earning capacity [1]. The ecosystem has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with funding increasing by $1.1 billion compared to 2023 [3]. This growth is supported by an active investment infrastructure including major venture capital firms and institutional investors, positioning the Dutch startup ecosystem for continued expansion in biotech, AI, and semiconductors [3].