Netherlands Enterprise Agency logo
VFF — Early Stage Financing (Vroegefasefinanciering)

VFF Early Stage Financing

Supports early-stage venture financing that helps start-ups turn prototypes into scalable, innovation-driven products.

OpenNetherlands Enterprise AgencyNetherlands
View on funder site
About

Vroegefasefinanciering (VFF), also marketed in English as Proof-of-Concept Funding, is a government loan instrument administered by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZK). It provides early-stage repayable loans of up to €450,000 to Dutch startups and SMEs developing technical innovations at the proof-of-concept stage. The 2026 window is open Ja…

What this grant funds

Repayable early-stage loans for Dutch startups and SMEs to fund proof-of-concept development of technical innovations, contingent on a committed follow-up investor.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.31 Dec 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Loan
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€2.3M
Funding analytics

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Create free accountSign in
Industries

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Create free accountSign in
Eligibility criteria

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Create free accountSign in
Timeline

Sign up free to see the timeline

Create free accountSign in
Where founders trip up

Sign up free to see where teams trip up

Create free accountSign in
Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.rvo.nl