The SME Fund has a target capital of over €60 million and focuses on startups and SMEs that use digitisation and innovative solutions to contribute to a smart, future-oriented economy. This ranges from high-end technology to companies that help other entrepreneurs in their digital transition. The focus is on solutions for important societal challenges, such as (cyber)security, education and the housing shortage. Special attention is paid to companies within Life Sciences & Health - a strong knowledge sector in North-Holland - where digitalisation and medtech contribute to better, more accessible and affordable care.
The SME Fund has been strengthening North Holland's innovation capacity since 2022. Digitalisation, AI, life sciences & health and other innovative applications have our attention. Besides capital, entrepreneurs get strategic advice, access to networks and master classes to grow into a healthy business model.
The SME fund targets enterprises that are not fully privately fundable, but where sufficient financial and social returns are expected. Without distorting the market.
Participations and (convertible) loans from €300,000 to €5,000,000
Startups, scale-ups and innovative SMEs
Companies with a branch and a significant part of activities in North Holland
Duration of up to 10 years
Always a minority stake of an investment round(maximum 49.9%) as well as at least 25% of private co-financing is required
Funding from the moment the innovation has been tested in a relevant environment and there is sufficient market interest.
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€10.5 million invested in sustainable innovation.
We have invested in 11 entrepreneurs so far
In total, we mobilised €23.9m of assets
Number of transactions 2021 to Q1 2025
The investment team builds a balanced portfolio. We ensure a spread in sectors, life stages companies are in and by regions within the province of North Holland. We also look at the type of social impact, financial return and risk profile.
The fund is developing step by step. The focus now is on closing new investments to further grow the portfolio. As it grows, there is an increasing focus on value creation at the portfolio companies - through follow-on investments, strategic management and finding the right time to sell.
The fund is expected to be fully invested by 2030, with an average of €2.5 million per company. We have room for 20 to 24 investments, with around 20% remaining reserved for follow-on rounds. The aim is to continue investing in new ventures through interest income and successful exits.
