The Amsterdam-based Dutch Operator Fund has unveiled its inaugural fund, Dutch Operator Fund I, aimed at supporting tech-driven Dutch startups at the pre-seed and seed stages. The newly established fund seeks to empower innovative startups by providing early-stage financing opportunities and leveraging the vast expertise and networks of its founders. This announcement marks a significant step towards nurturing the burgeoning tech talent in the Netherlands, which often faces challenges in securing initial investments.
The newly launched fund has raised €2 million, sourced from the founders and a loan through the Seed Business Angel scheme of RVO. Investments will span from €75,000 to €200,000, with provisions for follow-up funding. The fund places a special emphasis on startups developing proprietary technology or software that demonstrate early commercial success. Additionally, it focuses on teams of two to four founders who are committed to a collaborative and scalable business model.
Expertise and Network of Founders
The Dutch Operator Fund I is spearheaded by a group of seasoned entrepreneurs and angel investors, including Geert-Jan Smits, Sjoerd van Berkel, and Jeroen Bertrams. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, having collectively founded and scaled 30 companies, achieved 13 exits, and amassed 47 years of investment experience in startups. They highlight the importance of not only providing financial support but also offering entrepreneurial expertise and a robust network to help tech talent succeed.
“There is a lot of ‘tech talent’ in the Netherlands. The Dutch Operator Fund I distinguishes itself by investing in the early stages of startups. There is a need for this in our country, because for many institutional investors, investing in this stage is often ‘too early’,” said Geert-Jan Smits, co-founder of the Dutch Operator Fund.
Strategic Focus Areas
Dutch Operator Fund I prioritizes sectors such as technology, software, SaaS, and the circular economy. The fund is committed to identifying and investing in startups that show potential in these areas. By leveraging the founders’ collective experience and industry insights, the fund aims to drive innovation and contribute to the growth of the Dutch startup ecosystem.
“Our joint experience as entrepreneurs and our broad network provides a strong foundation for this fund. Together we have founded and scaled 30 companies, made 13 exits, and have 47 years of experience investing in startups,” stated Jeroen Bertrams.
Over the years, various initiatives have emerged to support Dutch startups, but Dutch Operator Fund I stands out for its unique approach to early-stage investment. For instance, other funds have typically focused on later stages of investment, whereas Dutch Operator Fund I aims to fill the gap in pre-seed and seed funding. This focus on the initial stages of growth addresses a critical need in the Dutch startup ecosystem, which has historically struggled to attract early-stage capital.
Moreover, the combination of substantial entrepreneurial experience and a well-established network provides a competitive edge to the fund. While other funds have also supported technology-driven startups, Dutch Operator Fund I’s emphasis on collaborative and scalable business models aligns well with the evolving needs of today’s tech entrepreneurs. This strategic positioning could significantly boost the fund’s impact on the tech landscape in the Netherlands.
The Dutch Operator Fund aims to elevate the Dutch startup ecosystem by providing early-stage investments and leveraging the extensive experience of its founders. The fund’s strategic focus on technology, software, SaaS, and the circular economy reflects the growing importance of these sectors in driving innovation. The unique combination of financial support, entrepreneurial insights, and a robust network makes it a compelling option for tech-driven startups in the Netherlands.
