Invest International is proud to announce the release of its 2023 Annual Report, titled ‘Scaling Up,’ which reflects the huge strides we’ve made in 2023 towards scaling up our business, our client base and our impact, all well ahead of schedule.
This report provides an in-depth look at how we’ve enhanced our ability to support Dutch businesses, particularly those unable to access traditional financing. From SME facilities to innovative infrastructure financing solutions and our local representation in five key focus countries, our scale-up efforts are driving greater impact on sustainable development and the Netherlands’ international competitiveness.
We invite you to explore the stories behind the impactful projects we’ve financed and see firsthand how we are making a difference.
Key Achievements from the 2023 Annual Report
€399 Million in SME Financing Provided:
In 2023, Invest International provided a total of €399 million in financing, supporting more than 200 Dutch SMEs in their international business ventures. This exceeded our expectations and reinforced the crucial role of export financing and investment loans in helping businesses enter global markets. From sustainable agriculture to renewable energy projects, the financing provided has directly contributed to Dutch companies making their mark on the global stage.
Profitability Achieved Five Years Ahead of Schedule:
A major highlight of the year was achieving profitability far earlier than anticipated. Originally projected for 2029, Invest International reached a profit of €5.4 million by the close of 2023. This milestone underscores the strong demand for our diverse financial solutions, which include investment loans, export credit, and equity. By taking on higher risks in markets where traditional financiers hesitate, we are helping Dutch companies access international opportunities that would otherwise be unattainable.
Scaling Impact with a Growing Portfolio:
With a total committed portfolio of €741 million in export Finance, investment loans and equity, combined with €781 million committed portfolio for infrastructure projects in emerging economies, Invest International is well-positioned to meet the financing needs of Dutch businesses, which are projected to reach €3.5 billion over the coming years. Our focus on sectors where the Netherlands leads—such as sustainable energy, agriculture, and water management—continues to drive positive global impact.
Moreover, we are deeply committed to SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth). Through our investments, we are enabling Dutch companies to contribute to global challenges, from reducing carbon emissions to creating high-quality jobs in emerging markets.
A Customer-Centric Approach
A key factor in our success is our customer-centric approach. By thinking alongside our clients and co-creating innovative financing solutions, we have been able to grow our portfolio faster than expected. This growth is a direct reflection of the trust businesses have placed in our ability to offer financing that goes beyond traditional banking.
Our first customer satisfaction survey in 2023 revealed that 72.1% of our clients would recommend Invest International, further validating our customer-first approach and commitment to their success.
Strengthening the Organization
In 2023, we also invested significant time and resources into strengthening our internal capabilities. This included building robust financial and data management systems to ensure the seamless management of taxpayer funds and enhancing our Know Your Customer (KYC) and impact measurement tools. Thanks to our expanded team, which doubled in size to 151 employees in 2023, we are now better equipped to manage risk, measure impact, and support our clients with even greater efficiency.
A Strategic Accelerator for Dutch Businesses
In 2023, we doubled the size of our small ticket export finance facility and introduced innovative financial solutions, including a combined loan and grant package for businesses expanding into emerging economies. We also deepened our partnerships with key stakeholders, such as the Port of Rotterdam and Gasunie, to develop a green hydrogen market in Europe. These initiatives align with our strategy of focusing on sustainable, high-impact sectors that contribute to the global energy transition and economic resilience.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we are confident that Invest International will continue to play a crucial role in driving the Netherlands’ international influence, fostering sustainable development, and contributing to the global economy. We are grateful to our shareholders, partners, and clients for their ongoing support and are excited to continue scaling our impact in 2024 and beyond.
To explore more details on our achievements and future goals, read the full 2023 Annual Report.
