DFF Ventures, formerly known as Dutch Founders Fund, has closed its third fund, DFF Ventures III, at €70 million, exceeding its initial €60 million target.
The fund, launched in September 2025 with €50 million already committed, reached its final close on April 21, 2026, backed primarily by entrepreneurs and family offices. It will focus on early-stage investments in software and AI startups across Europe and beyond.
What The Company Does
DFF Ventures is a pre-seed venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups developing software and AI solutions for physical industries. The firm typically invests at the earliest stages, with cheque sizes ranging from €250,000 to €2.5 million.
Its investment strategy centers on companies addressing operational challenges in sectors that have traditionally relied on offline processes. By focusing on areas where technology adoption has been slower, DFF Ventures aims to support startups that can build long-term advantages through domain expertise, data, and network effects.
The firm has historically focused on marketplace models but is now expanding into vertical AI and recommerce, reflecting broader shifts in early-stage innovation.
Advertisement
Market Context / Industry Background
Pre-seed investment activity in Europe has remained strong, particularly in sectors where artificial intelligence is being applied to improve efficiency in real-world operations. Vertical AI, which targets specific industries with tailored solutions, is gaining traction as companies look beyond general-purpose tools toward more specialized applications.
At the same time, recommerce platforms are emerging as part of a broader shift toward circular economy models, driven by both consumer demand and regulatory pressure to reduce waste and extend product lifecycles.
These trends are contributing to a growing pipeline of early-stage startups, increasing competition among investors while also expanding opportunities in sectors that have historically seen limited digital transformation.
Founder / Investor Commentary
DFF Ventures continues to position itself as a founder-focused investor, supported by a network largely composed of entrepreneurs and family offices. This structure allows the firm to maintain a more flexible and hands-on approach compared to traditional institutional funds.
Its leadership emphasizes that building successful companies often depends more on solving operational challenges than purely technological ones, particularly in industries where adoption barriers remain high.
Growth Plans / Use Of Funds
The new fund will be deployed into pre-seed investments across Europe and internationally, with a continued focus on being a first-check investor. DFF Ventures plans to expand its portfolio in sectors such as transport, resale, electronics, recycling, and insurance claims.
Since its launch, Fund III has already invested in seven companies, reflecting a steady pace of early-stage deal activity. The firm is expected to continue building a diversified portfolio aligned with its focus on digitising physical industries.
About DFF Ventures
DFF Ventures is an Amsterdam-based pre-seed venture capital firm founded by entrepreneurs behind companies such as WeTransfer, fonQ, Just Eat, and Treatwell. The firm invests in early-stage software and AI startups transforming physical industries, with a focus on vertical AI, marketplaces, and recommerce. It operates as a first-check investor, supporting founders from the earliest stages of company development.
