Amsterdam-based Volve Capital has closed its first fund at €9 million, targeting pre-seed startups across the Benelux and DACH regions. Founded in 2024 by Dutch entrepreneurs Joost Bijlsma and Maurits Hovius, the firm focuses on “day-zero” founders and provides both capital and hands-on operational support across tech, data, GTM, marketing, operations, and finance.
The fund will invest €150K–€500K initially, with up to €1M in follow-on capacity per portfolio company. Volve expects to make 12–15 investments, with seven already completed, including stakes in Eddygrid, NOX Energy, Stippl, Conservio, Whisper, Twindo, and Supplied.
The vehicle is backed by around 30 Dutch entrepreneurs, including Henk Jan Beltman (Tony’s Chocolonely), Roelof Bijlsma (Conclusion), Heleen Dura van Oord (Peak Capital), and Mathieu Zwinkels (formerly Waterland). Additional financing came through the Dutch RVO Seed Capital program.
After completing all initial investments, Volve plans to raise a second fund.
KEY QUOTES:
“Founders need the right partner from the very beginning. Going from zero to one is the hardest step – I’ve lived it. We want to be that partner; offering capital and, more importantly, support.”
Joost Bijlsma, Co-Founder, Volve Capital
“There’s plenty of funding once founders show traction, but at day zero it’s still often hard to find – especially investors willing to lead these early rounds. That’s exactly where we step in. And yes – we actually do lead pre-product and pre-revenue deals.”
Maurits Hovius, Co-Founder, Volve Capital
