Invest-NL launches €50 million diversity programme

Invest-NL announces today the launch of the Diverse Manager Programme, a new investment initiative with an initial size of € 50 million aimed at increasing diversity. The official launch coincides with the presentation of the report “Gender Gap in Investments” by European Women in VC to the European Commission in Brussels.

With this programme, Invest-NL aims to increase diversity within the venture capital sector in the Netherlands and Europe by investing in funds with diverse management teams and entrepreneurs. By investing in diversity, we enrich decision-making and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

From gender to broad diversity

The gender gap in the venture capital industry is one of the most persistent forms of underrepresentation. Invest-NL recognises this imbalance and aims to stimulate change by specifically supporting female fund managers. At the same time, the programme looks beyond gender alone. Diversity is broadly interpreted – also ethnic, cultural, and other perspectives are part of the assessment criteria.

To be eligible, a fund must meet clear criteria: at least 50% of the partners or management team must consist of women or persons from an ethnically or culturally diverse background, or the fund must demonstrably invest in enterprises with diverse leadership.

Open to Dutch and European funds

The programme is open to Dutch and European funds active in the Netherlands. It applies that participating funds invest at least double the capital promised by Invest-NL in the Netherlands and comply with the usual due diligence requirements.

A strong signal to the market

With this programme, Invest-NL wants to send a clear message: diversity in entrepreneurship and financing is a strategic priority. Women, for example, are still significantly underrepresented in the Dutch VC sector – only 10% of co-founders in the technology sector are women and only 15% of decision-makers within European VC funds are women. However, research consistently shows that diverse teams perform better and are more profitable.

“Diversity in investment management is not just about representation, but about performance and progress. With this programme, we consciously invest in fund managers who bring new perspectives, stimulate innovation, and build a stronger, more sustainable, and more equal economy,” says Ulrike Kostense, Investment Principal Fund Investments at Invest-NL.

Invest-NL as a pioneer in the Netherlands

The Diverse Manager Programme aligns with earlier initiatives by Invest-NL, such as support for Code-V and the Gender Smart Equity Investment Programme of the EIF. These programmes aim to reduce the wage gap and strengthen the position of women in leadership and investment roles.

Invest-NL reports transparently on progress. For example, in the most recent annual report, the share of women in senior management positions at companies in which Invest-NL invests directly increased from 18% to 24%. However, the share of female CEOs and founders remained stable – a sign that further efforts are necessary.