Direct financing

Invest-NL invests in companies and projects that make the Netherlands more sustainable and innovative, contributing to our future earning capacity. We focus on a number of strategic themes: Agrifood, Biobased & Circular Economy, Deep Tech, Energy, and Life Sciences & Health. As investors, we have a focus on impact and Environment, Social & Governance (ESG).

Perspective on change

Anyone who wants to change must push boundaries. And it is precisely because of this that it's often difficult for innovative companies to find conventional financing. For this type of company, Invest-NL has been established. Naturally, there are a number of conditions that apply.

Our starting point

Invest-NL provides up to 50% of the risk capital. In principle, we finance an amount between € 5 million and € 50 million. For a financing requirement of € 1 million to € 5 million, we prefer to do this in collaboration with the ROMs, especially if there is a longer-term need for larger financing. Our funding is provided as equity participation, a loan, or a combination of both.

Our investment criteria

Below are our main criteria for investments. Additional conditions and details will be discussed during the application process.

Impact

The company's activities align with or impact the areas of CO₂-neutral and circular economy, a sustainable food system, affordable and accessible healthcare, or high-quality innovation through deep tech.

Additionality

Invest-NL is looking for financing solutions that cannot be obtained through regular market channels. Preferably with professional investors and in an early stage together with Regional Development Agencies (ROMs).

Netherlands

The impact of the company must be visible in the Netherlands, and hopefully beyond as well. Investing in foreign parties is possible if they have a sufficient impact in the Netherlands.

Teamwork

Invest-NL is looking for a good, complementary team with expertise in the sector in which the company operates, and willing to take risks themselves.

Outside our investment scope

We do not finance companies in the seed phase. We do not provide grants and only finance for new economic activities, so acquisitions are excluded. Real estate is also not eligible for financing.

More and more investors are focusing on mature companies, creating a ‘funding gap’ for early- and mid-stage life sciences companies. That is why Xeltis sought support from Invest-NL and the EIB, who are precisely aiming to bridge such funding gaps.
Eliane Schutte
CEO Xeltis