Invest-NL invests €10 million in Graduate Ventures Seed II

Many innovations originate within universities, but the step from research to market is not a given. Venture capital is particularly limited during this early stage.

Graduate Ventures focuses on this funding gap. The fund works with various Dutch universities and university medical centres and invests in early-stage startups through its pre-seed and seed funds. In doing so, Graduate Ventures helps scientific knowledge and technology make the transition to market.

Capital for Dutch innovation

With its € 10 million investment in Graduate Ventures, Invest-NL is helping to make this step possible. Graduate Ventures brings together capital, knowledge and a network of experienced entrepreneurs around startups working in areas including deep tech, climate and health. This gives promising technologies an earlier opportunity to develop into companies that can scale up and attract new capital.

One example is QuantWare, a startup that originated at TU Delft and develops technology for quantum computers. Graduate Ventures invested in the seed stage as early as 2021. Invest-NL followed in 2025 with an investment in a later growth stage. This year, QuantWare raised € 152 million in a Series B funding round.

Investing together in the next generation

The partnership strengthens the connection between universities, entrepreneurs and investors. Alongside Invest-NL, Oost NL and a group of Dutch entrepreneurs and alumni are also investing in Graduate Ventures Seed II. Together, they support the development and growth of a new generation of Dutch technology companies.