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DFF Ventures, formerly known as Dutch Founders Fund, is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2018 and headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The firm focuses on investing in digital solutions that enhance efficiency in traditionally non-digital sectors. DFF Ventures has established itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape, with a portfolio that spans 40 companies across 14 countries.
The firm is currently managing a fund size of $60 million, with a commitment to supporting innovative startups that are transforming their industries through technology. DFF Ventures has a strong backing from entrepreneurs and family offices, including notable LPs such as Imaginary Ventures and Creades AB. The firm has expanded its operations to include offices in Milan, Italy, and Cape Town, South Africa, reflecting its commitment to a broader geographic focus.
Since its inception, DFF Ventures has achieved significant milestones, including the launch of Fund III in 2025, which aims to raise €60 million. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, leveraging the extensive experience of its partners to guide portfolio companies through the challenges of early-stage growth.
DFF Ventures invests primarily in underdigitized verticals, targeting sectors such as marketplaces, vertical SaaS, tech-enabled services, and marketplace enablers. The firm seeks to empower startups that provide niche SaaS solutions and enhance operational efficiency through software and automation. Their investment strategy is centered around identifying opportunities in B2B, B2B2C, and consumer transactional models.
The fund typically invests at the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $3 million. DFF Ventures focuses on startups that are innovating in areas like vertical AI, recommerce platforms, and digital solutions for traditional industries. The firm’s thesis emphasizes the digitization of the physical backbone of the economy, aiming to support companies that are transforming their sectors through technology.
DFF Ventures has built a diverse portfolio of 40 companies, focusing on startups that are innovating in underdigitized sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify DFF Ventures' commitment to investing in innovative solutions that address inefficiencies in traditional industries.
Laurens Groenendijk: Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Laurens has a background in founding companies such as Just-Eat and Treatwell, bringing extensive experience in scaling businesses.
Patrick de Zeeuw: Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Patrick has a strong track record in the venture capital space, focusing on early-stage investments.
Bas Beerens: Venture Partner. Bas is the founder of WeTransfer and provides insights into digital solutions and marketplace dynamics.
Maarten Engelen: Technical Venture Partner. Maarten co-founded Treatwell and Hiber, specializing in technology-driven startups.
Sjoerd Gehring: Venture Partner. Sjoerd leads investments in the MENA region and has experience managing marketplaces across various international markets.
To pitch DFF Ventures, startups should visit their website at dutchfoundersfund.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. DFF Ventures prefers to receive pitches through their online portal and values warm introductions, although they also accept direct submissions.
Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. Clear and concise communication is crucial to making a strong impression.
In 2025, DFF Ventures rebranded from Dutch Founders Fund to DFF Ventures, reflecting its expanded focus on digital solutions for underdigitized industries. The firm launched Fund III with a target size of €60 million, of which €50 million has already been committed. This fund is backed exclusively by entrepreneurs and family offices, including notable LPs like Imaginary Ventures and Creades AB.
As of late 2025, DFF Ventures has already deployed capital into three investments, including Fleequid, a digital marketplace for used buses, and two unannounced startups. The firm continues to actively expand its portfolio, focusing on sectors ripe for digital transformation.
What are DFF Ventures' investment criteria?
DFF Ventures focuses on early-stage startups in underdigitized sectors, particularly in marketplaces, vertical SaaS, tech-enabled services, and marketplace enablers. They look for companies that provide innovative digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
How can startups apply or pitch to DFF Ventures?
Startups can pitch to DFF Ventures through their website at dutchfoundersfund.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market opportunity, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes DFF Ventures different from other VC firms?
DFF Ventures is founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, emphasizing hands-on support and tailored guidance for portfolio companies. Their focus on underdigitized sectors allows them to provide unique insights and resources.
What is the geographic scope of DFF Ventures?
DFF Ventures primarily invests in North America and Europe, with a growing interest in the MENA region. Their portfolio includes companies from various countries, reflecting their international focus.
What is the typical fund size and check size for DFF Ventures?
The current fund size is $60 million, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $3 million. They typically lead or co-lead investment rounds at the pre-seed and seed stages.
What kind of post-investment involvement does DFF Ventures have?
DFF Ventures provides hands-on support to its portfolio companies, leveraging the extensive experience of its partners to help startups navigate growth challenges. This includes operational support, strategic guidance, and access to their network.
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