Billions were invested in Dutch companies last year. And sensational: one billion euros went to about 411 startups, almost all tech companies. This emerges from a research by the Dutch Association of Private Equity Companies (NVP).
“It was slightly lower than in 2021, but then there were a number of very large transactions that had been in the pipeline for a bit longer”
“When you look at these numbers, you can conclude that we had a great year,” says Zwart. “It was slightly lower than in 2021, but then there were a number of very large transactions that had been in the pipeline for a bit longer. Think of Unilever’s tea division being sold.’
One figure that seems less rosy at first glance is the amount invested in startups. That dropped from 1.8 billion in 2021 to just one billion last year. “That’s a significant decline, but mostly because 2021 was exceptional,” says Zwart. ‘If you look long-term, you see an upward trend over the years. Even if you focus on the number of companies you have invested in. Then last year was a record with 411.’
Good universities and successful companies
According to Zwart, the fact that many of these startups are active in the tech sector shows that the Netherlands has a good position in the tech market. ‘We have good universities with people who then build successful companies. We simply have a good business and investment climate.’
Although the researcher warns that sufficient European funds must remain available. There is a trend that especially American investors can unpack large sums. It will be even more so with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), especially when it comes to green technologies. “We have to keep those European investments,” Zwart says. “For example, it would be good if pension funds also ventured into the venture capitalist market.”