Invest-NL, the Dutch national financing and development institution, is set to enhance its impact with additional resources allocated through its coalition program with the Netherlands government until 2029. This funding aims to support the growth of startups into scale-ups and underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic development. Invest-NL expects this financial boost to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable initiatives across the country.
Over recent years, Invest-NL has expanded its efforts to support sustainable and innovative enterprises. Prior collaborations, such as the guarantee agreement with the European Investment Fund providing €35.7 million for sustainability projects by Dutch SMEs, illustrate a consistent trajectory towards bolstering the nation’s economic landscape. The current infusion of resources continues this trend, highlighting a sustained commitment to addressing financing gaps.
Enhanced Core Capital to Support Scale-Ups
A significant portion of the additional resources will strengthen Invest-NL’s core capital. This enhancement is crucial for supporting startups in their transition to scale-ups, providing the financial backing needed to expand operations and innovate further.
Expanding Blended Finance for Innovative SMEs
Invest-NL plans to direct part of the funding towards expanding blended finance solutions. By addressing financing bottlenecks, particularly for innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the institution aims to increase their social impact and facilitate access to essential capital.
Additional resources will also be allocated to the Economic Security Protection Facility (BEV) to safeguard national security against undesirable foreign investments. This move reflects a strategic effort to balance economic growth with protective measures for national interests.
Moreover, Invest International will receive funds from Invest-NL’s reservation in 2026 to support the international business community. The government is exploring the potential integration of Invest International and Invest-NL to enhance the achievement of policy goals, with an expected completion by February 2025.
These initiatives indicate a focused approach by the Dutch government and Invest-NL to stimulate innovation, economic security, and sustainable growth. By providing increased financial support and considering structural integration between institutions, they aim to create a more cohesive and effective system for supporting both domestic and international enterprises. This strategic allocation of resources is poised to benefit startups, scale-ups, and SMEs, fostering a more resilient and competitive economy in the Netherlands.
