Frequently Asked Questions

Financial Questions

We use fixed term sheets for all our startups. Our share will range from 25% to 45% depending on the number of rounds that we finance.

About decision making; how much as a founder can I influence the decisions being made?

You, as co-founder, are the directors of the startup and have full ownership. However, there is a list of reserved matters, for which you'll need approval. This is required to protect our investments.

Process Questions

You build SAAS companies. Are the SaaS companies B2B only, or do you also work with B2C initiatives?

Our investments are restricted to software companies only, in particular with a SAAS business model.

We have a preference for B2B, but we support B2C initiatives as well.

What happens when the initial startup you created together with HS does not work out? Would you go in a 'next iteration' startup or is it like a one-shot?

In essence you need to meet the milestones set in the stage gates. If this doesn't work out, you can apply again, but this will depend on the situation.

Does Holland Startup also assist in developing an idea and setting up a company in Holland that is aimed at beginning operations in a different country?

Our network and all legal templates are Dutch based. We use The Netherlands as a testing market. Beginning operations in another country is therefor not likely.

Is there a specific type of startups (Fintech, EdTech etc.) that are considered at Holland Startup?

Our investment thesis is not restricted to an industry, but we are restricted to software only.
Our portfolio consist primarily of FinTech, EduTech and HRTech startups, but we also recognize "smarter business" as an interesting sector.

How big is the average founder group?

The founder group at the beginning of the program will range from 10 to 20 Entrepreneurs in Residence.

From my experience, no investor wants to put money into a firm who has not proven “product-market fit”. How do you particularly assist?

We invest in aspiring entrepreneurs, rather than in startups. For traditional funding you would need a product and a market first, for which you need the funding.
We break this vicious cycle by investing in you.

Can you enter the program at a later stage?

No, you can't. The program is designed to invest in people, not in existing startups.

If you already have a team, but not yet a product, you can apply individually.

Who will own the intellectual property rights?

The startup will own the IP from the Discovery phase onwards.

Visa Questions

Is a Visa required during the program?

Yes, you must be legally permitted to work in The Netherlands for at least 9-12 months from your start date.

Depending on the progress we can assist in a Startup-Visa, after 4-6 months in the program.

Can the founders start to work full time after the company has been formed and visa sponsorship has been approved?

No, you are required to join fulltime in the program from the start.

Do you require physical presence in Utrecht for the whole 36 months?

No, you can build the startup anywhere in The Netherlands, but some aspects in our program are face-2-face and require your presence in Utrecht.
You are free to use our shared office space, during the program.