About Graduate Ventures

Through the Graduate Seed Fund and the Pre‑Seed Fund, tens of millions of euros are raised and invested in technology‑driven start‑ups in deep tech, health tech, climate tech and digital tech. To date, more than 80 start‑ups have been supported with funding, coaching and access to a strong network of experienced entrepreneurs, investors and experts.

Graduate Ventures is a partnership between universities and educational institutions in Delft, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The Amsterdam University Fund (UvA Fund) plays an active role.

Get involved in Graduate via the UvA Fund

Through the UvA Fund, alumni, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders can contribute to the Graduate Ventures Pre‑Seed Fund and help stimulate entrepreneurship among students, researchers and recent graduates.

With your support, innovative start‑ups will have a better chance of growing into companies that make a social impact — in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and beyond.

What does the Pre‑Seed Fund do?

The Pre‑Seed Fund provides early‑stage founders with an initial investment to validate and further develop their idea. Founders also receive guidance, coaching and access to an engaged alumni network of entrepreneurs, investors and experts.

Each year, dozens of start‑ups are supported at a crucial early stage — the very moment when access to experience, finance and the right connections can make the difference between a good idea and a successful business.

The Pre‑Seed Fund is a non‑profit, evergreen fund built entirely on donations from alumni and entrepreneurs. Returns from earlier investments flow back into the fund and are reinvested in future generations of entrepreneurs, creating a sustainable learn–earn–return cycle.

By actively involving alumni in strengthening start‑ups and entrepreneurship, Graduate Ventures helps build a stronger Dutch innovation ecosystem.

Thanks to the UvA Fund’s Public Benefit Organisation (ANBI) status, donations are exempt from gift and inheritance tax. With a regular donation for a minimum of five years, your gift is also tax‑deductible.