Dutch venture capital firm Graduate Ventures has launched its second seed fund with a target of €125 million, having already secured €100 million in commitments. The vehicle will invest in early-stage startups working across key technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, deep tech, healthcare, and climate innovation.
Expanded Academic and Entrepreneurial Network
Founded in 2021 by alumni from Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam, Graduate Ventures operates both pre-seed and seed investment programs. The firm has backed more than 90 startups since its inception and has expanded its academic coverage to partner with eight universities and three university medical centres across the Netherlands.
Alongside financial backing, the platform links portfolio companies with a network of over 200 experienced entrepreneurs and university alumni who provide strategic guidance, commercial contacts, and operational support.
Backers and Early Track Record
The new seed fund is supported by institutional investors and prominent tech leaders. Backers include Invest-NL, regional fund Oost NL, and individual entrepreneurs such as former ASML CEO Peter Wennink, Snowflake chairman Frank Slootman, Picnic co-founder Michiel Muller, and DataSnipper co-founder Jonas Ruyter.
Graduate Ventures points to Delft-based quantum startup QuantWare as an early validation of its university-linked thesis. The firm initially invested in QuantWare during its early phase in 2021; the quantum hardware company subsequently raised a €152 million Series B financing round earlier this year.
Focus on National Innovation Ecosystem
Co-founder and chairman Frans van Houten emphasized that mobilizing successful alumni and business founders into a single platform helps accelerate the development of young companies. Investor Peter Wennink added that combining early capital with active mentorship is essential for building sustainable tech businesses and maintaining national economic competitiveness.
AI-generated editorial illustration; not a documentary photograph.
Source: Graduate Ventures launches €125M second seed fund to back Dutch tech startups
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