PhotonDelta Startup Fund
The PhotonDelta Startup Fund is set up to provide much needed financing in the phase where the risks are still high with favourable, low-interest rate loans ranging from €250k to €2 million per startup. This financing also provides a favourable leverage to Venture Capital Funds to further reduce risks and help startups accelerate their funding needs.
Aligned with the National Growth Fund plan PhotonDelta
In 2024, PhotonDelta launched a €60 million startup fund set for deployment over a five-year period. This fund is strategically aligned with the aspirations articulated in the National Growth Fund plan PhotonDelta: focusing on amplifying the production volume demand of Photonic Chips (measured in the number of wafers) and attracting private co-financing to the Dutch ecosystem.
Position in the Photonic Chip industry
The PhotonDelta Startup Fund is set up to provide the much-needed funding in the startup phase where the risk profile of a company is high, which may not yet appeal to other funding forms such as venture capital. Also, the PhotonDelta Startup Fund can provide favourable financing along with Venture Capital Funds to reduce risks and help startups navigate the financially tough early years.
Key features of the loan
Lending Criteria
To be eligible for a loan, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Active in the field of photonic chip technology or a direct application of integrated photonics technology (Translated into wafer production).
- Under 5 years old: Limited to businesses with up to 5 years since incorporation.
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Developing technology at a TRL between 3 and 7 (no commercial sales at scale).
- Commercial Activity in the Netherlands: Companies must be commercially active in the Netherlands.
- Promising Business Case: A compelling business case, business plan, budget, and cash flow forecast.
Use of Proceeds
Companies can allocate the loan for the following activities:
- Development of Technology and Application (TRL 3→7).
- Market Validation and Business Development (TRL 3→7).
- Bringing Innovation to Market: Including the cost of initial pilot production capacity (TRL 7).
- Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): Necessary for realising pre-production/prototype/demonstrator or the cost of using a shared facility.
Contact Us
For inquiries or to express interest in funding, please contact: