Recent research by Panteia shows a strong growth in involvement of informal investors in startups since 2001. In 2013, 3,5% of the Dutch population between the ages of 18 – 64 was active as an informal investor in a startup of which they were not the owner. 12 Years ago this percentage was only 1,3%. The strongest growth has been realized in 2010. The average amount invested in 2013 was €31.250. Compared to other European nations, the Netherlands offers great opportunities for startups to raise funds from informal investors. While the total number of investors is lower than in other countries, the amount they invest is higher.

Recently, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs appointed former EU Commissioner Neelie Kroes as Special Envoy to strengthen the international position of the Dutch entrepreneurial ecosystem in order to attract innovative foreign startups to the country. The Special Envoy will lead the new StartupDelta initiative.

Go to the full research [in Dutch].