As of today Invest International is officially ‘in business’. As a private company led by CEO Joost Oorthuizen, Invest International supports companies active in the Netherlands with the international financing of innovative solutions that contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. The company is a Joint Venture of the Dutch State (51%) and Development Bank FMO (49%).
In addition to financing from its own share capital of 833 million euros, Invest International also offers financing solutions from public programs. These focus on the international financing of Dutch start-ups and SMEs (more than 300 million euros), but also on public infrastructure projects in developing countries (165 million euros annually). With an annual budget for project development (9 million euros), Invest International can help companies to make their international investments financeable.
More capital available for international financing
Various studies have shown there are good opportunities in international markets for companies that are operating from the Netherlands. At the same time it appears that commercial banks or investors can’t always meet the need for international financing that comes along with entering or expanding in international markets. Often this has to do with risks that are unknown or not acceptable for market parties.
For example, in the case of investments with a long(er) term, in smaller projects that require a relatively large investor involvement or in projects in countries where market parties themselves are not (or no longer) active.
With the risk-bearing financing and the project development services of Invest International, more capital will become available. As a result, the international opportunities for businesses active in the Netherlands can be better utilized. Invest International has decided to start with a business focus on sectors in which the business community in the Netherlands has a lot to offer (in terms of the SDGs): Agro-Food, Healthcare, Water & Infrastructure, Sustainable Production and Climate & Energy.
Solid ambitions
Wopke Hoekstra, Dutch Minister of Finance: “The start of Invest International is an important incentive to further strengthen the support of Dutch companies abroad. By combining efforts and additional financial resources, the threshold for sustainable investments abroad and the export of Dutch expertise is further lowered.”
Tom de Bruijn, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation: “It is good that Dutch companies will have an extra opportunity to finance sustainable activities in developing countries. The benefits are twofold. It benefits the Dutch economy. And it also creates opportunities in developing countries to take concrete action to combat climate change and food shortages.”
Michael Jongeneel, CEO of FMO: “With Invest International, the Netherlands will now have a new financier, and FMO a new partner—one that is focused on achieving the SDGs. We are very pleased with the extra possibilities this brings to the Dutch business community and look forward to our collaboration.”
Joost Oorthuizen, CEO Invest International: “The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer the internationally operating (Dutch) business community enormous business opportunities. As Invest International, we want to invest in the frontrunners who want to help achieve the SDGs with innovative solutions. Because we work for governments and companies, we can really make the difference.”
About Invest International
Invest International is a private company funded with public means. As an impact investor, the company’s purpose is finance Dutch solutions that contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to the future earning capacity of the Dutch economy.
The shareholders have appointed a supervisory board that oversees the management of Invest International. Currently, Invest International has approximately 80 employees. From October 1, 2021, more information will be available on the website www.investinternational.nl
