Everything you need
to know to get started.
Empowering Entrepreneurs
Supporting Ecosystem
Lasting Impact
Are you an entrepreneur
driven to make an impact?
Let us help you turn your innovative ideas into reality by providing funding and a robust support ecosystem for your early-stage startup.
The Startup Fund Utrecht (SFU) is here to help turn your innovative ideas into reality. We are here to provide crucial funding and a robust support ecosystem for early-stage startups.
Be part of our ecosystem of trailblazers and gain access to the resources, networks, and guidance needed to drive your mission forward. Apply for a SFU loan today and be a part of the movement towards a healthier, more sustainable world.
THE FULL PROCESS
STEP ONE
Be sure that you participate in the UtrechtInc program.
STEP TWO
Fill in the application form.
STEP THREE
We contact you for a first intake.
STEP FOUR
Pitch for a jury of experienced entrepreneurs, investors and innovation experts.
STEP FIVE
After a positive advice of the jury, we sign the contract and the money will be transferred to your account.
GET STARTED
You and your team build a beautiful fast-growing business.
STEP ONE
Be sure that you participate in the UtrechtInc program.
STEP TWO
Fill in the application form.
STEP THREE
We contact you for a first intake.
STEP FOUR
Pitch for a jury of experienced entrepreneurs, investors and innovation experts.
STEP FIVE
After a positive advice of the jury, we sign the contract and the money will be transferred to your account.
GET STARTED
You and your team build a beautiful fast-growing business.
Reasons to get in touch.
- You find it hard to finance your early stage startup needs through banks (your business is under five years old).
- You want to fund your early stage startup without giving away equity.
- The business is a registered BV at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
- The business proposition is technology driven and focuses on making society, the environment and the people live a healthier existence.
- There is a clear ambition to drive the proposition into a fast growing and scalable business.
- The competences and the team match the ambition.
- You have a validated business model and traction is evident (eg. profitability, revenues, active users, clients, engagement, traffic).
- The loan will be spent on product development.
- You want to join the UtrechtInc ecosystem through its network and programmes.
- You are based in the province of Utrecht.
Understand what the loan terms are.
- The interest rate for the first tranche (€18K) is 2,5%. The interest rate on the second tranche (€50K) is 8%. The interest is payable in monthly instalments, with the first payment due in the last week of the first month following the disbursement of the loan.
- The pre-seed loan is a loan to your company (BV).
- The Loan Agreement has a maximum term of 60 months.
- The SFU board approves the budget before signing a Loan Agreement.
- The Loan will be repaid in 36 equal monthly installments, the first of which will be paid 2 years after the start of the Loan Agreement.
- The Loan may be repaid before expiry date without penalty.
- The directors report annually to the SFU Board about the progress and financial status of the company.
- The Loan is provided via a Rabobank Bank Account only.
Each entrepreneur began their journey with a personal incentive. For Anouk, the founder of Faqta, the dream was rooted in education. “We wanted to make learning more engaging and accessible for children by blending education with technology. The goal was to create a platform that would inspire curiosity and make learning a continuous process, not just something confined to the classroom”.
Teun van Leijsen’s journey with Stoov began with a personal desire to solve a problem at home. “I built a heated cushion for my wife so she could enjoy sitting outside comfortably, even when it was cold. This simple solution sparked the idea for Stoov, which now focuses on personal warmth products that are energy-efficient and sustainable”.