Open for application

Seed Capital

Last checked on:
16 January 2025
Published on:
18 May 2016

Using the Seed Capital scheme, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy aims to support technical and creative start-ups. 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.

Budget and application period

Start date:
Wednesday 1 January 2025
09:00 (CET)
End date:
Wednesday 2 April 2025
17:00 (CEST)
Maximum loan per fund € 12,000,000
Total budget:
€ 45,000,000
Additional Information:
€ 20 million for start-up funds and € 25 million for deep-tech start-up funds
Seed Capital

This is 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.

Seed Capital conditions

A closed-end venture capital fund can use the Seed Capital scheme. To start a fund, you must meet certain conditions. Both Dutch investors and foreign investors can use the Seed Capital scheme.

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.

Commissioned by:
  • Ministry of Economic Affairs
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