Investment Strategy
Invest International was established in 2021 by consolidating several Dutch government investment programs into a single institution with a mandate to support Dutch business internationalization and development finance. The institution operates alongside FMO, the Netherlands’ larger development bank, with a complementary focus on leveraging Dutch expertise, technology, and commercial relationships to drive development outcomes in emerging and developing countries.
The investment program includes both direct investments and fund commitments, with the fund portfolio targeting private equity, infrastructure, and impact funds in Invest International’s priority sectors. The institution has particular expertise in water management, food security, and climate adaptation, reflecting the Netherlands’ globally recognized capabilities in these areas. Fund investments complement direct project finance by providing diversified exposure to markets and sectors where Dutch technology and expertise can add value.
Invest International’s investment approach emphasizes the mobilization of Dutch private sector expertise and capital for development purposes. The institution evaluates fund opportunities based on their potential to create linkages with Dutch companies and knowledge institutions, alongside traditional development impact and financial return criteria. This focus on leveraging Dutch competitive advantages distinguishes Invest International from other European DFIs and creates opportunities for fund managers who can demonstrate how their strategies benefit from Dutch expertise or partnerships.
How to Approach
Fund managers seeking investment from Invest International should demonstrate operations in the institution’s priority sectors and geographies, with clear connections to Dutch expertise and capabilities. The institution is particularly interested in funds focused on water, food security, climate adaptation, and sustainable infrastructure where Dutch companies and knowledge institutions can contribute to development outcomes.
The investment team is based in The Hague and engages through institutional channels, development finance networks, and direct outreach. Managers should be prepared to articulate how their strategies create development impact and leverage Dutch expertise, alongside traditional investment merits. The institution coordinates with FMO and other Dutch development organizations, so managers engaged with the broader Dutch development finance ecosystem may find natural entry points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Invest International?
Invest International is the Netherlands' development finance institution, established in 2021 by combining several Dutch government investment programs. The institution supports Dutch businesses investing in developing countries and finances development projects that contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
How does Invest International differ from FMO?
While FMO is the larger Dutch development bank focused on private sector development, Invest International has a complementary mandate focused specifically on supporting Dutch business internationalization and government-to-government development cooperation. The two institutions coordinate to avoid overlap and maximize development impact across the Dutch DFI landscape.
What does Invest International invest in?
Invest International provides loans, equity investments, and guarantees to support projects in developing countries, with a focus on water, food security, climate adaptation, and infrastructure. The institution also invests in funds that operate in its target sectors and geographies, leveraging Dutch expertise and technology.
