Invest-NL was set up in 2019 as a national financing and development institution to accelerate societal transitions in the Netherlands. Fully owned by the Dutch Ministry of Finance, it operates at arm’s length with public funding while functioning independently of traditional government funds. The organization aims to mobilize investment in sectors crucial for the country’s future competitiveness, stepping in where market hesitancy surrounds high-risk or capital-intensive initiatives. By providing direct and indirect financing and developing new financial instruments, Invest-NL supports projects that may struggle to secure support elsewhere.
Invest-NL focuses its capital and expertise on five strategic areas: agrifood, biobased and circular economy, deep technology, energy, and life sciences and health. It provides both direct equity and debt financing to companies and infrastructure projects, often blending public and private funds to de-risk early-stage ventures. In addition to capital, the institution offers market development support by drawing on its network to address financing gaps. Impact and ESG guidance help ensure portfolio companies measure and maximize their social and environmental outcomes. As an active partner, Invest-NL aims to catalyze further private investment in Netherlands-based innovation.
Within clean technology, Invest-NL has backed companies advancing carbon capture, energy storage, and sustainable materials. Notable investments include Carbyon, a startup developing direct air capture systems; iwell, which received €6 million toward smart commercial energy storage and management solutions; E-magy, supported with a stake in its €20.5 million funding for nano-porous silicon anodes; and Battolyser, whose combined battery and electrolyser technology addresses renewable storage and green hydrogen production. These investments support its goal of reducing emissions and strengthening the Netherlands’ role in next-generation energy solutions.
