Start and grow a startup in the Netherlands
Startups and scale-ups need access to the right resources to grow. At the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), we understand your challenges and support you by connecting you to a wide network of experts, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
What our network offers
We support you at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey with:
- Access to funding (investors, subsidies, loans)
- Mentorship and expertise (incubators, accelerators)
- International growth and market entry
- Innovation and technological collaboration
Startup Officer Network
Startup Officers work across various ministries, implementing organisations, provinces, and municipalities. They help you navigate the Dutch government, whether it’s finding the right contact, removing regulatory hurdles, or exploring government as a launching customer.
“We help startups with their questions about government — from regulation to launching customers or test environments.”
Startup advisors at RVO
Across the Netherlands, RVO has advisors available to provide free advice. They can help you identify relevant funding opportunities and answer questions about intellectual property and doing business abroad.
Make an appointment with a startup advisor
Funding and subsidies
Looking for financial support to develop your idea? RVO offers different funding instruments depending on your stage and needs. We also work with a wide network of partners, including:
Coaching and expertise
Having a great idea is one thing, but knowing how to bring it to market is another. We connect you to incubators, accelerators, and experienced entrepreneurs who can support your strategy, product development, and marketing.
There are sector-specific and regional programmes available:
- Sector-focused: such as in health or sustainability
- Regional: support from local ecosystems and easier collaboration
Want to explore Dutch incubators and accelerators? Visit techleap.nl for a full overview.
Business Angels
Early-stage funding can be difficult to secure. Through the Seed Business Angel scheme, experienced entrepreneurs (business angels) invest in start-ups and share their network, experience, and knowledge - improving your chances of long-term success.
Learn more about the Seed Business Angel programme
International growth
Interested in expanding to Germany, France, Singapore, the United States or the United Kingdom? Our Startup Liaison Officers help you explore international markets and connect you with local partners, embassies, investors, and potential clients.
Through our International Business Network, we support your global ambitions and work closely with Invest International to help you succeed abroad.
Innovation and tech collaboration
We connect start-ups with research institutions, universities and other tech partners to strengthen your innovation and accelerate development. Through the Top Sectors, the Dutch government promotes collaboration between business, academia, and government in areas such as:
- Energy
- Water
- Food
- Technology
The Top Sectors combine international strength with public-private cooperation across corporates, SMEs, and startups.
Read more about the Top Sectors (in Dutch)
Not yet based in the Netherlands?
If your company is not based in the Netherlands yet, please find more information at:
- Business.gov.nl
- Netherlands Point of Entry (mainly for entrepreneurs outside of Europe)
- Welcome to NL
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of Economic Affairs
