UNIIQ is a €50 million investment fund focused on the proof-of-concept phase

The fund helps entrepreneurs in Zuid-Holland bring their unique innovations to market faster. We provide university spin-offs and innovative startups with seed capital and coaching to bridge the riskiest stage: from concept (TRL 3-5) to promising company.

Strategic support for entrepreneurs

Through close collaboration with knowledge institutions and incubators, UNIIQ actively supports entrepreneurs in their strategic development. The fund helps young companies bring their product or technology to market with a convertible loan and targeted coaching.

Who is UNIIQ for?

UNIIQ targets innovative startups and academic spin-offs with a strong R&D component. Both companies with a direct link to universities and independent founders are eligible. The key requirement: they are in the early phase of technology development and have the potential to make a societal impact.

Clear path to follow-on funding

UNIIQ’s investment process is designed to enable the step toward follow-on financing. The fund operates with a transparent approach and founder-friendly terms, so entrepreneurs can focus on growth and scaling.

More than 62% of UNIIQ-backed startups have already secured follow-on funding, totaling over €275 million.

Background

UNIIQ was founded in 2016 by TU Delft, Erasmus MC, Leiden University, and regional development agency InnovationQuarter. It is managed by a team of investment professionals representing these partners. In 2021, Erasmus University joined the fund, and the ‘proof-of-concept funding scheme’ (Vroege Fase Financiering) resources were integrated into UNIIQ’s proven investment process. Since 2023, TNO has also joined as a partner, strengthening the fund’s deeptech knowledge base and network.

UNIIQ is made possible by Erasmus University MC, Delft University of Technology, Leiden University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, InnovationQuarter, the European Union, the Province of Zuid-Holland, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), and the municipalities of Rotterdam, The Hague, and Leiden. InnovationQuarter acts as the fund manager for UNIIQ. Find our investment brochure via this link.

UNIIQ is made possible in part by the European Union. Want to learn more about EFRO? Click here.