Introduction
Starting a new promising venture in 2025 is an exciting opportunity to become a new wave of entrepreneurs who strive to create innovative products. Most founders look for countries that provide favorable startup and funding conditions, and the Netherlands stands as one of the leaders in the global ecosystem. As a recognized tech hub with a robust presence in other industries, the Netherlands is a great place to start a business. Entrepreneurs look for angel investors Netherlands ratings and databases to secure funds while fulfilling their dreams.
Exploring Primary Challenges
However, finding the right investors can be a daunting task, as future company leaders often struggle to differentiate between various ways of securing the necessary funding. The key characteristics of angel investors’ activities lie in the relatively small investment amounts, where the investor personally contributes to the startup’s growth by leveraging personal networking, sharing expertise, and influencing decision-making. This reason explains the popularity of angel investors for small business projects, and founders with no prior experience and connections with the Dutch startup ecosystem should consider this option to start their entrepreneurial journey.
Brief Overview of The Netherlands Startup Ecosystem
The recent rise of the Netherlands’ rating to 13th position demonstrates an exceptional potential for growth, while the country’s ecosystem continues to revolutionize global industries with unique products and solutions. Specifically, Dutch startups retain decisive leadership in deep tech, and it is reasonable to admit that the Netherlands actively penetrates the health, semiconductors, and food sectors. Entrepreneurs choose this country for numerous advantages, including global talent and a supportive entrepreneurial environment. In regard to angel investors for startups, this ecosystem offers highly supportive investors who share a prominent interest in building original brands. These experts further fuel the competitive and creative spirit of emerging startups, and the offered capital with network connections are the necessary resources to make a confident step forward. Moreover, this unique approach to mentorship and support of early stage enterprises strengthens the country’s leadership regarding the global startup ecosystem.
What Founders Should Know about Angel Investors
Before exploring the angel investors Netherlands list, founders should understand the nuances of choosing this type of investment. The paragraph above mentions that angel investors are experienced executives or entrepreneurs, and they provide comprehensive operational support in addition to networking with mentorship. Moreover, investors look for a solid pitch, and it is essential to present a strong business model to attract their investments. In return, they expect high ROI with equity ownership, which is a critical factor in choosing angel investors. The following NL angel investors list introduces leading figures from diverse business segments while providing a brief professional background. In turn, these picks exemplify the thriving startup ecosystem in the Netherlands, proving its unique leadership potential and status as a competitive player on the global scale.
Radboud Vlaar
When looking for angel investors for startups, Radboud Vlaar is one of the recognized names in the Netherlands. Mr. Vlaar has a rich professional background, including a partnership with McKinsey, investments in groups such as ZOPA, Goodlord, Fixico, and Fourthline, as well as leadership in EMEA banking. He currently collaborates with Finch Capital. Additionally, his primary interest lies in finance, real estate, and health tech.
Balder Bomans
Among existing angel investors Netherlands rankings, it is important to highlight Balder Bomans, an aspiring Dutch entrepreneur known for his deep expertise in blockchain technology and digital assets. His primary areas of interest include Web3, blockchain, and the fintech sector. With eight years of experience in trading strategies and risk management, Mr. Bomans is also part of Maven 11 Capital, a firm specializing in these startup niches.
Roel Bulthuis
Angel investors for startups are always focused on creating a meaningful impact on people’s lives. In this regard, Roel Bulthuis, a Dutch investor specializing in life science investments, stands out as a prominent leader in the field. As a top managing partner at Syncona Limited, Mr. Bulthuis lends his expertise to make a significant contribution to the transformation of European healthcare. His professional activities highlight his commitment to advancing healthcare innovations and nurturing future industry leaders.
The following expert from the angel investors list is an ambitious tech leader and executive with a strong interest in disruptive innovations. Additionally, Herman Kienhuis founded his own VC firm to provide capital for early-stage startups focused on B2B solutions. He is recognized as a distinguished talent with the ability to identify promising tech trends that will revolutionize software development. His Curiosity VC further encompasses his personal vision of supporting AI startups around the world.
Bas Godska
Bas Godska continues this NL angel investors list with his unique approach to entrepreneurship, which combines philanthropy with active speaking on the current state of global industries. In addition to founding Acrobator Ventures, Mr. Godska boasts an impressive portfolio, demonstrating his distinctive vision of international business. He is regarded as an exceptional expert who drives change in the European startup ecosystem by transforming the SaaS, AI, machine learning, and HR tech sectors through investments in promising startups.
Patrick Kerssemakers
The next selection from the angel investors Netherlands list highlights a talented early-stage funder and pioneer in online retailing. Patrick Kerssemakers has extensive experience in e-commerce and developing unique online marketing platforms. He is also involved with the Dutch Founders Fund and fonQ. Kerssemakers is regarded as a leading figure in the European startup ecosystem, with his professionalism demonstrated through influential collaborations.
Sebastian Peck
Angel investors for startups should also embrace an innovative vision for future development, and Sebastian Peck is a distinguished expert who recognizes the growing role of sustainability in manufacturing. Mr. Peck is a partner at KOMPAS, with prior professional experience at UBS Investment Bank and the Boston Consulting Group. He can be regarded as a talented manager with technical expertise and a visionary mindset.
Mar Hershenson
Mar Hershenson complements this angel investors list by introducing her authentic approach to entrepreneurship. With hard work and an inspiring attitude, Mrs. Hershenson has achieved impressive results in her career. Her successful co-founding of startups in the e-commerce, enterprise software, and semiconductor industries further solidifies her credibility. As both an engineer and investor, Mar Hershenson is a leading figure driving innovation in these industries.
Robert Verwaayen
The final pick from the angel investors list presents the unique and vivid personality of Robert Verwaayen, who is a dedicated tech investor and strategist. As a founding partner of Keen Venture Partners, this angel investor also shares an impressive professional biography that includes working for the Monitor Group and PA Consulting Group. He currently supports such projects as Beekeeper, Send.ai, Vesper, and Crisp among other promising brands.
Concluding Thoughts and Suggestions
The featured angel investors Netherlands list incorporates prominent figures from different segments, which represent the diverse and unique startup ecosystem. Entrepreneurs should also consider that most funders focus on niche products while providing the funds in the early stages of the company’s scaling. Choosing angel investors for small business is a solid alternative to launching the brand in the Netherlands, thereby gaining access to the benefits mentioned above. Angel investors further make their contribution to product development, and equity ownership can significantly change the dynamics of growth. Founders should also acknowledge that these investors prioritize control over the operations with strategic decision-making, influencing the startup’s expansion.
