How to Secure Venture Capital for Your Dutch Startup

Updated on 8 September 2025

Intercompany Solutions is a firm that specializes in the establishment of Dutch companies for foreign entrepreneurs, next to also offering a very wide variety of extra services that might assist you in helping your Dutch company grow and achieve success. We have helped thousands of foreign entrepreneurs in the past establish a presence in the Netherlands, and most of these companies have really achieved substantial success. We help everyone, from small startups to large multinationals that want to establish a subsidiary or branch office in the Netherlands.

Next to that, we  can also assist you with services such as tax returns, legal advice, practical advice, and helpful actions such as opening a Dutch bank account. Our services are always offered for a fixed fee that we discuss with you beforehand. Our rates are relatively low and competitive in the market, whilst our services are top-notch, mainly due to our team of experts and extensive network that allows us to handle matters in very short amounts of time. For example, your new Dutch business can be up and running in just a few business days.

Want to know more? Feel free to contact us anytime.

What is venture capital?

Venture capital (VC) is a form of private equity financing provided by investors to startups and small businesses that generally have high growth potential. This can be proven by a solid business plan, for example. Unlike traditional bank loans, venture capital investments are made in exchange for equity, meaning investors receive partial ownership of the company. This type of funding is particularly crucial for early-stage businesses that lack sufficient funds or a strong financial history to secure conventional loans.

Venture capital firms pool money from wealthy individuals, institutional investors, and corporations to create investment funds. These funds are then allocated to promising startups that demonstrate things such as scalability, innovation, and market potential. The VC investment process typically follows the following stages:

1. The seed stage, which is the initial funding to develop an idea or prototype
2. Early stage, which involves investments to refine the product, expand teams, and enter new markets
3. Growth stage, which involves larger funding rounds to scale operations, expand internationally, or prepare for an IPO (Initial Public Offering).

For entrepreneurs, VC provides access to significant capital, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities. However, it comes with certain trade-offs, since investors often demand a say in business decisions, and founders may have to give up a substantial ownership percentage. This might have an impact on your autonomy as an entrepreneur, which is a large thing to consider if you mainly want to become an entrepreneur to be able to always make your own decisions. The Netherlands actually has a thriving VC ecosystem, with firms like Prime Ventures, Newion, and InnovationQuarter actively funding startups in tech, healthcare, and sustainability.

Where can you go if you need financing for your startup?

If you're a foreign entrepreneur looking for financing for your startup in the Netherlands, there are several options available. Venture capital is only one option; there are actually a lot more options for financing that are also worth mentioning, especially if you are just starting and want to be able to grow or expand your company. Below you will find a brief overview of key funding sources.

1. Dutch government grants and subsidies

The Dutch government actively supports startups, including those founded by foreigners, through various grants and subsidies. Some examples include:

• Innovation Credit (‘Innovatiekrediet’) – A government loan for innovative projects in tech, healthcare, and sustainability
• WBSO (R&D Tax Credit) – A tax deduction for companies engaged in research and development
• MIT (SME Innovation Stimulation) – Funding for small and medium-sized businesses working on innovation
• Eurostars Program – Supports R&D-focused startups in collaboration with European partners

2. Bank loans and government-backed loans

Many Dutch banks offer startup loans, but financing can be challenging without a financial history in the Netherlands. However, the government offers guarantees to support lending via various ways:

• Qredits Microfinance – Loans up to €50,000 for small business owners
• BMKB (Borgstelling MKB-kredieten) – A government-backed loan guarantee for businesses that lack sufficient collateral
• GO Scheme (Garantie Ondernemingsfinanciering) – A guarantee for larger companies seeking bank loans

3. Venture capital & angel investors

Foreign entrepreneurs with potentially successful and scalable business ideas can attract investments from venture capital firms and angel investors, such as:

• Dutch Venture Capital Firms – Includes Prime Ventures, Newion, and InnovationQuarter
• Angels and Incubators – Platforms like Leapfunder, AngelList, and Golden Egg Check connect startups with investors

4. Crowdfunding platforms

Crowdfunding is a popular alternative nowadays, which can actually raise a lot of money if you have a good idea that makes people believe in you. There are many platforms, like the following:

• Symbid – Equity crowdfunding for Dutch businesses
• Oneplanetcrowd – Focuses on sustainable startups
• Kickstarter/Indiegogo – Popular global crowdfunding platforms

5. EU funding and international programs

Since the Netherlands is also an EU member state, the country also provides access to a variety of European funding programs, like:

• Horizon Europe – Grants for research and innovation startups.
• European Investment Fund (EIF) – Supports startups through venture capital partnerships.

How to attract venture capital investment

We have discussed many potential financing options above, but in this article, we will focus solely on securing VC for your business. We might discuss some of the other options in future articles, for your convenience. Please be informed that securing VC funding is actually a pretty competitive process, but with the right approach, your startup can stand out to investors. Below we will mention some key strategies to attract VC investment.

1. Have a scalable and innovative business model

Venture capitalists invest in businesses that have the potential for rapid growth and high returns. This means that, at the very least, your startup should:

• Address a large and growing market
• Offer a unique product or service with a competitive advantage
• Have a scalable revenue model, such as tech-based, SaaS, or platform businesses

2. Build a strong founding team

Investors often say they invest in people first, then the business. Things they look for are, for example:

• A team with a clear vision, expertise, and leadership skills
• A proven track record in the industry or startup ecosystem
• The ability to execute the business plan and pivot when needed

3. Develop a solid business plan and financial analysis

Your business plan should clearly outline certain basics about your business, such as:

• A detailed description of your business idea
• The expertise you bring to the table
• Ways in which you want to achieve deadlines and goals
• Market research and competitive analysis
• A revenue model with realistic growth projections
• A detailed breakdown of how VC funding will be used

Having well-prepared financials shows investors that your (future) business is structured and sustainable.

4. Gain traction and prove market demand

Before approaching VCs, demonstrate that your business has real customer demand. Ways to do this include:

• Proving that there is a serious market for your products or services
• Having a growing customer base and strong retention rates
• Generating revenue or partnerships with established companies
• Positive user feedback, media attention, or industry awards

5. Perfect your presentation and pitch

Your business presentation and accompanying pitch should be compelling, clear, and data-driven. Some key slides should definitely cover the following:

• The problem you’re solving
• Your solution and how it stands out
• Business model and monetization strategy
• Market opportunity and growth potential
• Financials and projected returns
• How much funding you need and what you’ll use it for

Always also be ready to answer tough questions and show an appropriate amount of confidence in your business.

6. Network and find the right investors

Not all VCs are the right fit for your startup. Look for those specializing in your industry and growth stage. Ways to connect with such people include:

• Attending startup events and pitch competitions
• Attend general business networking events
• Leveraging LinkedIn, startup incubators, or accelerators
• Getting warm introductions through mentors, other founders, or angel investors

7. Be open to feedback and negotiate wisely

Investors may ask for changes before committing. Be open to feedback, but also protect your vision. Negotiate fair terms that align with your long-term goals, so you don’t feel you have to give up too much of your vision, ambitions, or autonomy. This might make the process of entrepreneurship much more difficult in the future, especially when ideas and ambitions clash. So always make sure you go for the best match for you and your investor.

What happens if there are high risks involved?

You should be advised about the fact that especially venture capital investments are inherently risky, as they fund early-stage businesses with high potential but also uncertain outcomes. When high risks are involved, both investors and startups need to take specific measures to mitigate losses and maximize returns to be able to protect both parties involved. This can prevent future disasters and will also solidify the agreement between the entrepreneur and the investor(s).

1. Risk assessment by investors

Before actually investing in a company, VCs conduct thorough due diligence to assess risks, which may include the following potential risk factors:

• Market risk: Is there enough demand for the product?
• Financial risk: Will the company generate sustainable revenue?
• Operational risk: Does the team have the skills to execute their vision?
• Regulatory risk: Are there any possible legal or compliance challenges?

If some risks are too high, investors may decline the opportunity or require additional assurances from the entrepreneur.

2. Structuring investments to minimize risk

When VCs decide to invest, even despite high possible risks, they use various strategies to do so:

• Staged funding: providing capital in tranches based on milestone achievements
• Convertible notes: offering loans that convert to equity only if the company succeeds
• Preferred shares: giving investors priority in case of liquidation

3. Higher return expectations

In general, you can say that the higher the risk, the greater the expected return might actually be. Therefore, some VCs might demand a larger equity stake or set aggressive revenue targets to justify their investment. It is up to the entrepreneur to decide whether they want to compromise and how far they are able to go, giving away certain assets or freedoms.

4. Increased involvement from investors

For high-risk ventures, investors may also take an active role by doing some of the following:

• Placing experienced advisors on the board
• Helping secure partnerships and new funding rounds
• Restructuring the business if performance is weak

5. Potential Outcomes

If the startup thrives, investors reap significant rewards. If it fails, investors either cut losses or try to salvage value through acquisitions or liquidation of the company. Keep in mind that there is always a certain amount of risk involved, even if someone has the  best idea on the market or a fantastic innovative ambition. Companies are prone to succeed or fail; there really is no in between. As such, if you are exploring the possibility of acquiring VC, make sure you really have your things in order and enough confidence in your company to make it work. Otherwise, you don’t just risk your own assets, but those of others too.

Options you can currently explore with our help

Intercompany Solutions can help you in various ways when you are starting a Dutch company, as we already explained before. Next to our standard services, such as Dutch company establishment, we also offer various extra services that can help your company grow, such as helping you create a business plan and attract investors. Below you will find a list of things we can assist you with, which might prove to be difficult if you try to undertake these actions on your own. 

1. We understand the needs of foreign entrepreneurs

Foreign entrepreneurs often face new challenges when starting a business in the Netherlands, particularly when it comes to accessing financing. For them, securing funding is not just about pitching an idea but also trying to stay afloat in a foreign legal system, unfamiliar financial institutions, and possibly a language barrier. Intercompany Solutions can significantly help by offering tailored services that bridge these gaps.

2. We can provide tailored advice on financing options

Different types of financing exist, and it’s crucial for foreign entrepreneurs to understand which is most suitable for their specific needs. Intercompany Solutions can offer clear, structured advice on the following financing options:

• Bank Loans: although banks often require a solid track record, they are still a reliable source of capital
• Venture Capital (VC): VCs are often willing to invest in high-potential startups, especially in tech, health, and sustainability sectors
• Angel Investors: typically willing to take risks on early-stage startups, angel investors can provide both capital and mentorship
• Crowdfunding: for entrepreneurs in creative or consumer-oriented industries, crowdfunding might be an attractive option
• Grants & Subsidies: the Dutch government offers various grants and subsidies to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, which can be especially useful for tech or green startups
• Bootstrapping: in some cases, foreign entrepreneurs might need to start their business with their own funds or seek personal loans. Intercompany Solutions can help guide them through this process

3. We can navigate the Dutch business environment for you

Foreign entrepreneurs are often unfamiliar with the Dutch business environment, so it is essential to assist them in understanding the current legal and regulatory framework. Intercompany Solutions emphasizes offering services such as providing advice on how taxation works for foreign entrepreneurs and what to expect in terms of business tax rates, VAT, and potential tax benefits or exemptions available for startups. We also advise on the various types of business entities that exist in the Netherlands, including the BV (‘Besloten Vennootschap’), which is a popular choice for foreign entrepreneurs, and how it affects financing options.

4. Build a strong business plan for you

A well-prepared business plan is necessary to even be able to get financing in the first place. Foreign entrepreneurs may not always understand what is required in a Dutch business plan or the most crucial information that investors care about. Intercompany Solutions can assist by offering services like helping entrepreneurs refine their business plans to make them more attractive to potential investors. We can help foreign entrepreneurs provide realistic financial projections that align with current Dutch market standards and the expectations of possible investors. Furthermore, we help you to ensure that your business plan reflects the legal and tax environment in the Netherlands, which will make you more credible to potential investors.

5. Assist you in finding networking opportunities

An essential part of securing funding in any country is the network you as an entrepreneur can tap into. Intercompany Solutions can connect entrepreneurs with potential investors, accelerators, or banks that have a history of working with foreign startups. Building a network of angel investors or VCs who have an international focus is necessary for success. We can also point you towards networking events where you can meet potential investors, mentors, and other startup founders. This can significantly increase your chances of securing financing. So basically, Intercompany Solutions can act as a bridge between foreign entrepreneurs and key individuals in the Dutch business world. Many of these programs offer startup funding, and Intercompany Solutions can help entrepreneurs apply for these opportunities to create a direct and easy to understand channel for financing.

6. We can access government grants and subsidies for your company

The Dutch government provides various subsidies and grants aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, as we have already discussed briefly before. Intercompany Solutions can assist foreign entrepreneurs in helping them understand and apply for government subsidies that could ease their financing burden. These grants are especially useful for R&D, sustainability, and tech-focused startups. Navigating government paperwork can be overwhelming, especially for non-Dutch speakers. Intercompany Solutions can guide foreign entrepreneurs through the application process, ensuring that your grant applications meet the necessary criteria and the chances you will be accepted are thus much higher.

7. Legal structure and taxation guidance for fundraising

Setting up the proper legal structure is essential for attracting investors. Intercompany Solutions can advise entrepreneurs on how to choose the right business entity. Which means we can advise whether a BV or another entity is best suited for raising capital, as investors often prefer businesses that have clear ownership and liability structures. We also offer tax optimization by assisting with tax structures that are favorable to both investors and entrepreneurs, thus making the startup more attractive for investment.

8. Raising awareness about potential international financing options

While Intercompany Solutions mainly focuses on Dutch resources, we can also inform entrepreneurs about international financing opportunities. We generally encourage foreign entrepreneurs to explore funding sources from their home country or other international investors who are interested in investing in Dutch startups. We can also assist with EU funding opportunities. The European Union provides funding for startups in its member states, including the Netherlands. Intercompany Solutions can educate entrepreneurs on how to access these funds.

By offering these services and focusing on the needs of foreign entrepreneurs, Intercompany Solutions can be an invaluable partner in securing financing for your startup. We offer tailored guidance, create access to business networks, provide education on Dutch business culture, and help entrepreneurs prepare the right paperwork and business plans to attract investors. This, in turn, can set entrepreneurs on the path to success, contributing to the Dutch startup climate and the broader economy.

Intercompany Solutions can help you secure necessary financing for your startup and establish your company in one go

If you are looking for any kind of advice regarding startup funding or regular funding, we can always think along with you. We have many years of experience in dealing with various matters that entail establishing Dutch companies and keeping them afloat and successful. If you are thinking about starting a company overseas, the Netherlands is a great opportunity considering its strategic location, highly professional and stable business climate, and the fact that it is an EU member state. We can incorporate your company in just a few business days and register it in the Dutch Trade Register, for a fixed and low fee.

Which other services can we offer you?

Intercompany Solutions has assisted hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs from over 50 different nationalities. Our clients range from small one-person startups to multinational corporations and everything in between. Our processes are aimed at foreign entrepreneurs, and, as such, we know the most practical ways to assist with your company registration. We can assist with the full package of company registration in the Netherlands:

• Company establishment in the Netherlands
• Application for VAT or EORI number
• Application for a variety of permits
• Startup assistance
• Accounting services
• Secretarial services
• Legal assistance
• Tax and financial services
• General business advice

We are constantly improving our quality standards to continually deliver impeccable services. 

Intercompany Solutions can incorporate your Dutch startup in just a few business days

If you can provide us with the necessary documentation, such as a valid form of identification, your preferred company name, and a valid Dutch business registration address, we can start the Dutch company establishment process immediately. You can generally start doing  business within the same week if you can hand over everything we need. We can also help you sort out other things, such as the opening of a Dutch bank account, and, as discussed in detail in this article, help you out with financial burdens such as tax returns and possible financing. We have a very large and solid professional network at our disposal, which we can use to offer you services of the highest quality. Please let us know whenever you require assistance.