RVO co-invests alongside private VCs in NL-registered funds targeting tech and creative-industry startups. The fund applies, not the startup — but it shapes which investors can write pre-seed cheques.
Two-stage NWO programme for startups spinning out of Dutch universities or research institutes. Feasibility grant first, then convertible loan matched with private seed capital.
Amount
Phase 1: €40k grant · Phase 2: €250k convertible loan
Multi-partner R&D grant for two or more SMEs running a joint innovation project. Scored competitively rather than first-come-first-served — the larger cousin of MIT Haalbaarheid.
Annual subsidy for companies hosting MBO, HBO, or PhD trainees. Fixed amount per placement, simple claim. Applied for once per academic year after the placement ends.
Amount
Up to €2,700 per qualifying trainee per academic year
Profits from qualifying innovation taxed at 9% instead of the standard 25.8%. Biggest lever for profitable Dutch companies doing in-house R&D — tied to the WBSO trail.
Amount
9% effective rate vs. 25.8% standard corporate tax
Extra corporate-tax deduction for assets on the annual Energielijst (solar, heat pumps, efficient machinery). Stacks with normal depreciation. Notify RVO within three months of the investment.
Amount
45.5% extra deduction on qualifying energy investments
Paired schemes for assets on the Milieulijst. MIA gives an extra income-tax deduction; Vamil lets you write 75% off in the year of your choice. Usually claimed together.
Amount
MIA: up to 45% extra deduction · Vamil: 75% free depreciation
Broad small-scale investment deduction on any qualifying business asset over €450. Automatic in the corporate tax return — no pre-filing. The baseline deduction every NL founder should know.
Amount
Up to 28% deduction on annual investments €2,800–€387,580
RVO-administered convertible loan for pre-revenue startups past proof-of-concept. Requires a co-investor putting in at least a matching amount. Cheaper capital than a VC term sheet for the right profile.
The Dutch state takes on part of the risk so banks lend to SMEs with insufficient collateral. The founder never sees the guarantee directly — it shows up as the loan actually being offered by the house bank.
EU-level deep-tech grant run out of Brussels, accessible to German applicants. Competitive, multi-stage, roughly 5% acceptance rate. Targets breakthrough technology with scale potential.
Digital Jetzt — digital investment for Mittelstand
Capex subsidy for hardware, software, and employee training tied to digital transformation projects. Scheme runs through end of 2026 with no confirmed successor.
Amount
€17k–€100k (up to 50% funding, higher for underdeveloped regions)
Subsidises certified consultancies for IT security, digital market development, and digitised business processes. Accredited consultants apply on your behalf.
Amount
50% of consultancy costs, up to €16,500 per project
Reimburses private angel investors for 25% of qualifying investments into young innovative German companies. The investor claims it, but it shapes your cap table.
Amount
25% of investment back as non-taxable grant (up to €100k/year)
Below-market loan for digitalisation and innovation capex, delivered through the house bank. The workhorse debt instrument for mid-sized German companies.