The European Investment Fund (EIF), Amsterdam’s Invest-NL, and De Goudse Verzekeringen have committed €40M to the Fresh Closed SME Fund II. This fund offers loans to Dutch SMEs with a focus on growth, innovation, and sustainability.
The investment continues the existing collaboration with Fresh Funds, making it the only Dutch company to receive a second EIF investment for an SME fund aimed at the Netherlands.
Focus on SME financing and sustainability
Fund II finances companies with stable operations and clear plans for growth, digitalisation, and sustainability. Sectors with a negative impact on people, the environment, or society are excluded.
The fund also supports companies that contribute to CO2 reduction, social inclusion, and circular models, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are part of all investment decisions.
Bart Vemer, fund manager Fresh SME Funds, says, “With this second fund, we’re taking a powerful next step in our ambition to contribute to a resilient, sustainable, and innovative Dutch SME sector through targeted financing. The continued confidence we’ve received from the EIF, Invest-NL, and De Goudse confirms the strength of our approach and the value of SME loans as a solid and socially responsible investment category.”
“We’re seeing continued interest from professional investors in allocating to SME loans as an attractive and stable asset class, precisely because of the combination of financial returns, diversification, and visible impact on the real economy.”
Fund management
Fund II is managed by OHV Institutional Asset Management, with loan selection and analysis conducted by Voordegroei.
OHV, founded in 1932, operates as a capital market intermediary for institutional investors under an AFM license within the AIFMD framework. Through collaboration between Voordegroei and OHV, service offerings and financing options have expanded.
This collaboration has also led to the formation of a network of service and client groups that enabled the initiative.
Part of the DACI initiative
The EIF and Invest-NL investment is part of the Dutch Alternative Credit Instrument (DACI), created by the Dutch government, Invest-NL, and the EIF.
DACI aims to improve access to alternative financing for Dutch SMEs through non-bank financiers. This cooperation between a European institution, a national investor, and a private insurer will continue to support financing for Dutch SMEs.
Jellie Banga, member of the board of directors of Invest-NL, adds, “Dutch SMEs play a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable and innovative economy. By reinvesting in Fresh SME Funds, we underscore our confidence in the strength of this approach and in SMEs as drivers of future-proof growth.”
“This demonstrates how public and private parties can jointly achieve impact by mobilising capital for entrepreneurs who want to accelerate sustainability and innovation.”
