Number of SMEs in NL
1.5 million
Contribution to employment in NL
70%
SMEs in our portfolio
150
Total yearly turnover Dutch SMEs
1000 billion
International financing solutions
We provide tailor-made financing solutions to support Dutch SMEs in their international ambitions. From start-ups to scale-ups, we offer flexible financing at every stage of growth—whether it’s through import, export, or investment loans. We also provide equity to innovative and scalable businesses with a proven track record. Our co-investment approach ensures alignment with partners, and all projects must demonstrate a positive contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Early stage finance solutions start-ups & scale-ups
Pre-investment support
Early-stage grant to get your business ready for our debt financing solutions. To be usually used for a local pilot, or technical or commercial validation of the business plan. Minimum of 20% own contribution. For DGGF countries only (see paragraph on DGGF below).
Pre-finance
Short-term loan or working capital to enable a business’s first transaction abroad, for example to finance a first container shipment to the Netherlands. Minimum of 20% own contribution. Tickets from € 50,000 - € 200,000 - max. 15 months - 4% front-end fee.
Start-up investment loan
Long-term investement loan, typically used to enable a foreign direct investment. Minimum of 20% own contribution. Tickets from € 200,000 - € 600,000 - term of 5 - 7 years - 4 - 6% interest rate.
Scale-up import finance
Medium-term import loan, often used as working capital to scale-up the import of sustainable goods from a foreign market. ≤ € 1.5 million - max. 3 years - market interest rate.
Financing examples
Start-ups and scale-ups
Start-up financing for eBee
eBee is a Kenyan electric bicycle company, with Dutch roots. The startup sells, leases and services electric bicycles to consumers and businesses. eBee received startup financing through the Dutch Good Growth Fund, the fund we manage on behalf of the ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Export Finance
Export Finance for Spark
Dutch company Spark is a good example of using the export finance option. Spark provides people in emerging economies with solar energy. Thanks to their Energy Kits, even the smallest communities in remote areas gain access to energy.
Financing import
Import finance for Almacena
Almacena Platform, a Dutch AgTech company launched an online coffee marketplace, targeting the African market. Enabling sustainable and transparent supply chains with the goal to enrich the lives of coffee producers and consumers globally. Invest International played an instrumental role at the start of Almacena by providing finance for the import of coffee and developing the platform.
Investment loans
Investment finance for Iribov
Invest International provided a €6,8 million DGGF-loan to Iribov Holding B.V. for expanding their plant breeding and production services in Ghana. The loan was possible due to collaboration with Rabobank.
Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF)
For start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs we make use of the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) for investments upto €15 million. A financial instrument established by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support sustainable and inclusive economic development in emerging markets and developing countries.
The DGGF provides tailored financing solutions such as loans, guarantees, and export credit insurance to Dutch entrepreneurs and SMEs that aim to invest in, export to, or import from DGGF-listed countries.
By bridging financing gaps and encouraging responsible business practices, the DGGF fosters entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic resilience in underserved markets.
Dutch Trade and Investment Fund (DTIF)
When a country is not covered by the DGGF, we can make use of the Dutch Trade and Investment Fund (DTIF). DTIF provides loans, guarantees, import financing, and export financing to help your Dutch business take the next step toward international growth. To qualify, companies must meet specific eligibility criteria. DTIF is managed by Invest International on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5 conditions for financing
Solid business plan
There is a well-developed viable business plan with technology readiness level 7 - 9. It is verifiable and detailed, including a clear financing model and international financing need.
Impact on SDGs
You make positive impact in the international value chain with on the SDGs; SDG 8 and 13 are our primary focus.
Link to the Dutch economy
Contribution to the Dutch economy; business activities must have a sufficiently strong link with the Dutch economy. You are a Dutch registered BV company with 51% ownership and voting rights.
Difficulty obtaining finance
There is no other financing solution in the market, although we prefer involvement of other finance investors and banks; at least one other investor must participate.
ESG principles
Adhering to ESG principles for people and the environment; it must be clear how you, as a company, avoid, minimize or mitigate ESG risks.
FAQ financing SMEs
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Who is my to-go partner when looking for SME financing?
Banks are important to Dutch SMEs with their financing solutions. But, what if you are a startup company and just don’t have the long-term, solid annual results you need to show? Or if you are doing business in a country with greater risks involved and your house bank does not (yet) dare to finance your project (for 100 percent)? Then Invest International may be able to support your company. With 100 percent financing from our own assets or in collaboration with your own bank, and partners such as OHV Asset Management and Atradius Dutch State Business.
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Financing by a bank or Invest International or a combination?
Invest International is, as it is called, additional to the market. As a financier, we only step into your entrepreneurial adventure if you cannot arrange financing with your bank or other investors. For example, because the bank thinks the risk is too high. However, we also work together with banks to get the best of both worlds and strengthen each other (see Iribov example). After all, we have the same goal; supporting Dutch SME entrepreneurs in their growth ambitions and build the sustainable markets of tomorrow.
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Which SME financing solutions does Invest International offer?
Investments abroad, import and export transactions. Whether it concerns an investment loan, working capital, export financing or a friendly financing arrangement based on public schemes such as the Dutch Good Growth Fund and the Dutch Trade and Investment Fund. For the latter two we work together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Check if your business may be eligible for our funding
We'll ask you up to 10 questions to see if we can potentially invest in your business.
