Core capital
The government is injecting approximately €3.3 billion in start-up capital, raised from the sale of TenneT Germany. Together with the existing capital of Invest-NL and Invest International, the total core capital amounts to approximately €6.6 billion. The NII will be created through the integration of both organisations and will also become the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) designated point of contact.
Public money as a catalyst
The NII complements the market and invests where private financiers are reluctant to do so. Minister Herbert (Economic Affairs and Climate) emphasised on LinkedIn that the institution primarily aims to help companies grow where market financing is difficult to secure, whilst also enabling private parties to co-invest: “In this way, public funds can act as a catalyst for more private financing.”
Initially, the NII will focus on four areas which, according to the Government, are essential for future earning potential: digitalisation and AI, security and resilience, energy and climate technology, and life sciences and biotechnology. In doing so, the government aims to give promising companies the scope to continue growing in the Netherlands and to remain here.
Financial sector expresses support
During the meeting at the WTC in Amsterdam, the Dutch Banking Association (NVB), the Dutch Association of Private Equity Firms (NVP), the Dutch Association of Insurers and DUFAS signed a letter of intent to provide private co-financing in collaboration with the NII. VNO-NCW and the EIB expressed their support. The signatories expect that the involvement of private parties, through co-financing and fund investments, will yield a multiplier effect of approximately 3.5. This suggests a total investment volume of around €30 billion in the initial phase.
Next steps
The NII will be formally established by law, subject to the legislative process yet to be completed. In the meantime, the government is already making a start on the existing mandates of Invest-NL and Invest International. The aim is to appoint a prospective CEO of the NII in 2027.
