Using the Seed Capital scheme, the ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy aims to support technical and creative startups. The ministry grants capital to investment funds that invest risk capital in innovative entrepreneurs in the technological and creative sector through this scheme. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency is responsible for its implementation.
Amount of subsidy and application period
How the Seed Capital scheme works
Via the Seed capital scheme, the Dutch government provides an interest-free loan to an investment fund. This loan has a maximum term of 12 years. At least 3 independent shareholders contribute the same amount or more. This money is used to invest in tech startups that have been active for a maximum of 7 years since their first commercial sale. Per company, the minimum investment is €100,000 and the maximum is €5 million. This scheme brings together supply and demand.
Private lenders and the government jointly contribute to a fund that invests in promising (deep) tech startups. Startups in the creative and e-Health sectors are also covered by this scheme. The fund manager helps these young companies get started with knowledge, experience and a relevant network. In this way, Seed Capital offers investors more security and the opportunity to share in the success of startups.
Ranking applications and budget
The scheme operates on a tender principle. We assess and rank all complete applications that are submitted on time. The highest-ranked investment funds receive a Seed Capital loan, until the budget is exhausted. The budget for the current tender is €42 million. The maximum loan per fund is €12 million. The application period runs from 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026.
Seed Capital conditions
A closed-end venture capital fund can use the Seed Capital scheme to invest in tech and/or creative startups. Both Dutch investors and foreign investors can use the Seed Capital scheme. To start a fund, you must meet certain conditions:
- You set up a fund with at least 3 independent shareholders or partners.
- The fund must have the legal form NV, BV, CV or VOF.
- The fund focuses exclusively on closing the 'equity gap' for the tech startup or the creative startup. The equity gap entails a shortage of equity capital, due to encountered difficulties in raising equity.
- Investments must take place during the first 6 years of the fund. After these 6 years, follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies are still possible.
- The fund must stop no later than 12 years after it started.
- In the fund plan, you must describe how you will guide the tech startup or creative startup.
Repaying the loan
The loan has flexible repayment terms.
- From the moment income is generated, the fund repays only 20% until its own investment has been recouped.
- After that, 50% is paid until the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has recouped its investment.
- Are there still income streams at the fund? Then those additional revenues are again shared between the fund and the Ministry in a ratio of 80% to 20%.
Defence tender 2026 (closed)
Under the Seed Capital scheme, a separate tender was open from 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026 for tech startups focusing on dual-use applications.
Objective
Objective
This tender is intended for funds that invest in technology with both civilian and (expected) military applications. Funds that invest in tech startups focusing entirely on military applications may also participate.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency is conducting this tender on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. By opening this call, the Ministry aims to reduce the shortage of venture capital and expertise in defence and security technology. The scheme is intended for specialised funds that support defence-oriented startups and accelerate dual-use innovation. This contributes to the strategic autonomy and security of the Netherlands.
Themes
Themes
Applications for this tender had to clearly align with:
- one or more of the 5 NLD technology areas: intelligent systems, sensors, smart materials, space and quantum, and/or;
- one or more of the 10 core defence areas: cyber and electronic warfare, sensor systems, weapon systems, platform systems, C3I & digitalisation, protection, human performance & training, autonomous and unmanned systems, logistics, and defence-applicable key technologies and methodologies.
Budget
Budget
Funds participating in this tender invest at least 75% of their fund assets in these types of technology. The budget for this tender is €42 million. The maximum loan per fund is €12 million.
Managing your fund
Have you already established a Seed Fund? If so, you can manage your fund(s) online. Submit applications for (new) participations, report changes and upload reports. You will need eHerkenning (eRocgnition) level 2+ to do this.
Setting up an investment fund
Are you interested in setting up an investment fund? Please contact us.
More information
- For more information, please go to Seed Capital (in Dutch).
- Consult an overview of seed funds.
- Ministry of Economic Affairs
