The Dutch startup and venture capital market continues to grow steadily in 2026, with billions invested in AI, deep tech, and climate tech. But one issue continues to lag behind: diversity. Female founders still receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital funding. So where does the Netherlands stand in 2026, why does the gender gap persist, and what can founders and investors do to change it?
The Current State: Female Founder Funding in the Netherlands in 2026
Although full 2026 data is not yet available, recent reports from DSA, Dealroom, Techleap, and Sifted show a persistent pattern:
Female founders receive less than 3 to 5% of total VC investments in the Netherlands. This is similar to the European average, but far below the US, where female founders account for around 10 to 15% of top deals.
Among the top 10 funding rounds of 2025, including companies such as Picnic and several deep tech startups, fewer than 10% were led by female CEOs.
LinkedIn’s Top Startups 2025 included only 2 to 3 companies with female founders in the top 10.
Impact and climate tech funds perform slightly better, with female founder participation reaching around 15 to 20%, but the broader VC market remains heavily male dominated.
Why? Bias in pitch evaluations, networks that are still largely male, and unconscious preferences within investment committees all continue to play a role.
Why Diversity Is Critical for VC Returns in 2026
Research from organizations such as BCG, First Round Capital, and McKinsey has consistently shown:
Diverse teams perform better, with 19% higher innovation rates and 15% stronger financial returns.
Female led startups often grow more efficiently using less capital, resulting in longer runways.
In a highly competitive talent market, especially for AI and deep tech professionals, inclusive companies attract and retain talent more effectively.
ESG and impact investing increasingly require diversity metrics. Investors who ignore this trend do so at their own risk.
Despite this, the Dutch VC market remains relatively conservative. While funds such as Prime Ventures, INKEF, and Forbion continue to perform strongly, there is still limited public commitment to female and diverse deal flow.
Practical Tips for Female Founders Raising Funding in 2026
If you are a female entrepreneur aiming to secure a Series A or growth round, these strategies can improve your chances:
Build a strong network focused on inclusive investors
Join initiatives such as CapitalT Female Fund, DOEN Foundation, Rockstart Diversity cohorts, or the Techleap Female Scale up program.
Optimize your pitch
Focus strongly on traction, unit economics, and market opportunity rather than vision alone. Seek feedback from female founder communities such as Women in Tech NL and Female Ventures.
Use matchmaking platforms
Publish your profile on VentureCapital.nl and target funds that explicitly support diverse founders.
Find co investors with a proven track record
Consider organizations such as Invest NL, regional investment funds, or family offices with an ESG focus.
Explore alternative funding sources
Look into grants such as MIT, WBSO, Horizon Europe, revenue based financing, or angel syndicates with stronger female representation.
What Investors Can Do: From Policy to Action
VC funds and business angels can take several concrete steps:
Introduce diversity targets within the fund, for example aiming for 20% female led investments between 2026 and 2028.
Train investment teams on unconscious bias.
Organize female founder focused pitch events or reserve part of the fund specifically for diverse founders.
Publish transparent diversity statistics for portfolio companies, helping attract stronger and more diverse deal flow.
Conclusion: Time for Action in Dutch Venture Capital
2026 is the year to address the gender gap in Dutch venture capital. Better diversity leads to stronger returns, more innovation, and a healthier ecosystem. Founders can publish their profile on VentureCapital.nl and connect with investors who actively support inclusion. Investors can explore the platform to discover more diverse investment opportunities.
Are you a female founder looking for capital? Or an investor who takes diversity seriously? Join VentureCapital.nl today for a transparent and focused approach to the Dutch venture capital market.
Do you have questions or want to share your story? Feel free to get in touch.
