Your Guide to Venture Capital in the Netherlands: Leading Firms, Trends, and Tips
The Netherlands has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most vibrant hubs for innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. With its strategic location, highly educated workforce, and culture that embraces new ideas, the Dutch startup ecosystem is attracting founders and investors from across the globe. Whether you’re building a fintech disruptor in Amsterdam, a health tech pioneer in Rotterdam, or a sustainability-focused startup in Eindhoven, the Netherlands offers a fertile ground for ambitious entrepreneurs.
Understanding the local venture capital landscape is crucial for founders actively fundraising. The Dutch VC scene is dynamic and diverse, with a mix of established funds, sector specialists, and international players all seeking the next breakout success. However, navigating this landscape can be challenging, especially for first-time founders or those new to the region.
This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for fundraising in the Netherlands. We’ll introduce you to the top venture capital firms investing in Dutch startups. Check out their profiles, which include up-to-date information on what they seek in the startups they fund. Beyond the list, you’ll find actionable insights on approaching local investors, the latest fundraising trends, key networking opportunities, and essential resources available to founders in the Netherlands.
Top VCs in the Netherlands
Peak Capital
About: SaaS / Platforms / Marketplaces opportunities with multiple co-founders
Sweetspot check size: $ 1.50M
Thesis: We are an early-stage venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, Berlin, and Stockholm. We invest Europe-wide and have active investments in the Benelux, DACH, and Nordic regions. We are fully funded and ran by experienced entrepreneurs.
NP-Hard Ventures
About: We support early teams in Europe and the US to build the infrastructure, tools, and decentralized platforms that simplify the way we work, by making technology more accessible and unlock creativity.
Sweetspot check size: $ 250K
Thesis: We are backing founders that make tech more accessible and let technology work for everyone. From the tech stack like the infrastructure and developer tools, to the creative tools and platforms to allow people to monetize their skills and creativity. We want to help create the Building Blocks of Tomorrow.
BOM Brabant Ventures
About: BOM Brabant Ventures invests in innovative start-up and growth companies, to improve the economic structure in the province of Brabant.
4impact
Thesis: As a digital tech4good investor we empower ambitious entrepreneurs who accelerate the transition to a sustainable world while delivering robust financial performance.
Sweetspot check size: $ 1M
Curiosity VC
Thesis: Curiosity aims to support founders in Europe, building AI-first B2B software companies that serve the world, not eat it
Sweetspot check size: $ 750K
Traction metrics requirements: €100,000 ARR
DFF (Dutch Founders Fund)
About: The Dutch Founders Fund (DFF) is an early-stage VC that primarily invests in marketplaces and network effects across Europe. Our fund is founded by founders, for founders. We look beyond spreadsheets and resolve early-stage growth-pains with lightning speed. Ready to scale together? Submit your pitch deck to basrieter@dutchfoundersfund.com
Sweetspot check size: $ 1M
Thesis: We invest in vertical SaaS solutions and B2B marketplaces in legacy industries globally. We partner with founders with tickets as early as 250k and as late as 3m.
SET Ventures
About: At SET Ventures we help Entrepreneurs build companies that Impact the global Energy System Transition. We leverage our Experience and Network to actively grow companies to generate Great Returns.
Sweetspot check size: $ 3M
Thesis: Digitial technologies for a carbon-free energy system
River Venture Partners
About: River Venture Partners is an angel syndicate that focuses on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in digital media, marketing, e-commerce, entreprise and education technology.
Sweetspot check size: $ 150K
Traction metrics requirements: Live product with initial customer metrics
Thesis: Supporting ambitious entrepreneurs in building digital businesses that change people's lives.
Revo Capital
About: Established in 2013, Revo Capital is Turkey’s largest and one of its pioneering venture capital firms, dedicated to empowering the startup ecosystem across Turkey and Central Eastern Europe (CEE).
Rabo Food & Agri Innovation Fund
About: Rabo Food & Agri Innovation Fund invests seed and early growth capital in innovative Food & Agri companies from farm to fork.
Sweetspot check size: $ 2.50M
Prime Ventures
About: Prime Ventures invests in technology and leverages its capital, experience and network to actively guide them into global category leaders.
Sweetspot check size: $ 20M
Thesis: Revenue generating companies with strong KPIs, a strong team and the outlook to become a global leader in attractive markets.
Keen Venture Partners
About: Keen Venture Partners is a radically human venture capital firm based in Amsterdam and London. We back exceptional teams at the Series A and Series B stage and aim to begin relationships by investing time first, money later. Our approach is to start by sharing our network, experience and capabilities well before any investment possibility arises.
Fashion for Good
About: Fashion for Good is a 12-week startup accelerator that focuses n social and environmental impact within the fashion industry.
Domino Ventures
Thesis: DOMiNO Ventures is a venture capital fund focusing on high-tech, pure-digital and first-day global startups.
Pymwymic
About: The Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Community of families, philanthropists.
Why the Netherlands is a Hotspot for Startups
Strategic Location and International Connectivity
The Netherlands’ central position in Europe makes it a gateway to the continent’s 450+ million population. With world-class infrastructure—such as the Port of Rotterdam (Europe’s largest) and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport—startups can efficiently access global markets and logistics networks. This connectivity is a major draw for founders looking to scale internationally, and it’s one reason the Netherlands is consistently ranked among the top startup destinations in Europe.
Supportive Government Policies and Incentives
The Dutch government is highly proactive in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Key initiatives include the Dutch Startup Visa, which allows non-EU founders to launch businesses in the Netherlands, and the fast-track immigration scheme for highly skilled workers. Tax incentives such as the Innovation Box regime and R&D tax credits (WBSO) reduce the cost of innovation. Government-backed programs like Techleap.nl and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) provide mentorship, funding, and international market access.
Thriving Innovation Hubs and Talent Pool
Major cities—Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven—are home to vibrant startup communities and top-tier universities. The Netherlands boasts 12 universities in the Times World University Rankings top 250, ensuring a steady pipeline of highly educated, multilingual talent. The country’s open culture and English proficiency make it easy for international founders to build diverse teams. Leading research institutions and university-linked incubators, such as Yes!Delft and Amsterdam Science Park help commercialize cutting-edge research.
Collaborative Ecosystem and Access to Capital
The Dutch startup ecosystem is renowned for its collaborative spirit. Founders benefit from a dense network of accelerators, incubators, co-working spaces, and regular events like Amsterdam Fintech Week and The Next Web Conference. In 2024, Dutch startups raised a record €10 billion, with strong investor confidence in sectors like green tech, healthtech, and fintech. Local and global VCs are active, and government-backed funds such as Invest-NL further boost access to capital.
Focus on Sustainability and Social Impact
The Netherlands is a global leader in sustainability, circular economy, and social innovation. In 2024, green tech startups alone raised €4 billion, with government policies like the National Climate Agreement driving investment in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate tech. The ecosystem is especially welcoming to founders building solutions for a better world, with strong public and private sector support.
Quality of Life and Work-Life Balance
Beyond business, the Netherlands offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and a famously healthy work-life balance. This makes it easier for founders and their teams to attract and retain top talent from around the world.
Overview of the Dutch Venture Capital Ecosystem
A Maturing and Resilient VC Landscape
The Netherlands has established itself as the fourth-largest startup hub in Europe, trailing only the UK, Germany, and France. In 2024, Dutch startups raised a record €10 billion, a 20% increase from the previous year, even as overall European startup investment declined. This resilience highlights the strength and maturity of the Dutch venture capital ecosystem.
Types of Investors and Funding Stages
The Dutch VC scene is diverse, featuring a mix of local funds, international investors, corporate VCs, and government-backed initiatives. Early-stage funding is robust, with a 25% increase in seed and Series A investments in 2024. However, late-stage funding remains a challenge, with Dutch investor participation in Series B rounds dropping from 61% to 15% last year. This has led some scale-ups to seek international capital as they grow (I amsterdam – State of Dutch Tech 2025).
Key players include regional VCs like Peak Capital, global giants such as Sequoia Capital and SoftBank, and government-backed funds like Invest-NL and the Dutch Future Fund II. Corporate venture arms from companies like Philips and ING are also active, particularly in healthtech and fintech.
Sector Focus and Investment Trends
Dutch VCs are increasingly focused on high-growth sectors such as deep tech (AI, quantum computing, semiconductors), green tech, healthtech, and fintech. In 2024, deep tech startups accounted for 35% of the Dutch tech ecosystem, with significant investments in AI and quantum computing. Green tech, healthtech, and fintech collectively attracted 70% of total VC funding.
Amsterdam remains the epicenter for tech and VC activity, but other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven are gaining prominence, especially in logistics, medtech, and high-tech manufacturing.
Government and Institutional Support
The Dutch government plays a pivotal role in supporting the VC ecosystem. Initiatives like Techleap.nl, the Dutch Startup Visa, and the National AI Strategy provide funding, mentorship, and access to international markets. Government-backed funds such as Invest-NL and the Health Innovation Fund help bridge funding gaps, especially for early-stage and impact-driven startups.
Internationalization and Cross-Border Collaboration
Dutch startups and VCs are increasingly global in outlook. Over 100 Dutch startups expanded internationally in 2024, and cross-border collaborations—especially in green tech and healthtech—are on the rise. International VCs are also more active in the Dutch market, bringing additional capital and expertise.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the Dutch VC ecosystem is thriving, challenges remain. Competition for top talent is intense, and late-stage funding can be limited. However, opportunities abound in emerging sectors like quantum computing, hydrogen energy, and robotics. The government’s continued emphasis on R&D, sustainability, and talent development is expected to drive further growth in 2025 and beyond.
Connect With Investors in the Netherlands Using Visible
At Visible, we often times compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors.
With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible.
- Find investors at the top of your funnel with our free investor database, Visible Connect and find a filtered list of the Netherlands' investors here.
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