Rubio Impact Ventures has closed over €70 million for its third fund, reinforcing its commitment to invest exclusively in startups tackling the climate crisis and social inequality.
The Amsterdam-based impact investor plans to back around 30 early- and growth-stage companies that combine scalable business models with measurable positive outcomes.
The new fund attracted support from both returning and new investors, including Dutch entrepreneurs and family offices, alongside institutional partners such as the European Investment Fund (EIF), Invest-NL, Oost NL, Brabantse Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij, ING, and the NN Social Innovation Fund. The Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) also contributed an innovation loan under its Seed Capital scheme.
“In an era of accelerating climate change and social challenges, the most valuable companies of the future are the ones building real solutions for global problems,” said Machtelt Groothuis, co-founder of Rubio. “The launch of our third fund reflects that the impact investing model is now recognised — the opportunity is clear, and the urgency has never been greater.”
Institutional confidence in impact capital
Despite headwinds in European VC fundraising, impact-focused funds continue to attract strong investor interest. In the Netherlands, CapitalT recently announced the first close of its €50 million Fund II for purpose-driven founders in ClimateTech and the future of work, while Spain’s Suma Capital raised €210 million for industrial decarbonisation initiatives.
For Rinke Zonneveld, CEO of Invest-NL, supporting Rubio’s latest fund was a natural decision: “Rubio Impact Ventures is leading the pack in Dutch impact investing. They didn’t just set the standard — they created it. Their commitment to tackling both climate and social issues is inspiring others and bringing institutional investors into this space.”
With the new vehicle, Rubio’s total assets under management rise to €220 million. Since its launch in 2015, the firm has backed over 40 companies across Europe, including Sympower, NoPalm Ingredients, and Renewaball, combining financial growth with tangible, verified impact.
“From Fund I to today, I’ve seen Rubio deliver on their promise: building successful companies while creating measurable impact,” said Aartjan Bontje of FlowFund Foundation, a backer of all three Rubio funds. “This third fund proves that the movement toward impact investing is accelerating — and exactly the kind of shift the world needs.”
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A pioneer in measurable impact
Rubio Impact Ventures remains one of the few European VC firms to tie 100% of its carried interest to independently verified impact results, ensuring that financial success directly reflects positive social and environmental outcomes.
“Rubio was one of the first movers in the European impact market,” noted Marjut Falkstedt, Chief Executive of the European Investment Fund. “By targeting startups that drive both social and climate progress, while helping build a stronger impact investment ecosystem, Rubio Impact Ventures has been an inspirational partner for the EIF — and we’re happy to continue our collaboration.”
About Rubio Impact Ventures
Founded in 2015, Rubio Impact Ventures is an Amsterdam-based venture capital firm investing in early- and growth-stage startups solving urgent global challenges in climate, circularity, education, and well-being. The firm links all carried interest to verified impact metrics, ensuring that purpose and profit grow hand in hand. With over €220 million in assets under management, Rubio continues to drive Europe’s transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
