A major new funding milestone signals growing confidence in Europe’s pre-seed ecosystem. Dutch venture capital firm DFF Ventures closed its third fund at €70 million, exceeding its original €50 million target. The fund will target startups at the inception stage, focusing on software and AI solutions for industries lagging in digital adoption.
DFF Ventures III follows the firm’s previous €50 million fund launched in September 2025. The oversubscribed round reflects broader trends in European early-stage investment, where pre-seed rounds are becoming more competitive. Investors are increasingly willing to back founders solving niche but scalable problems in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture.
The fund’s strategy centers on software and AI-driven automation in traditionally underdigitised industries. DFF Ventures partner Mark van der Meer said the team will prioritise startups with clear technical differentiation and a path to rapid adoption. "We’re seeing founders who understand real operational pain points," he said. "That’s where the best opportunities lie right now."
Industry data shows European pre-seed funding reached €1.2 billion in 2025, up 22% from the previous year. DFF Ventures III’s closure adds momentum to this trend, with several other Dutch and German funds also raising new capital for early-stage bets.
The fund will begin deploying capital immediately, with the first investments expected in logistics software and industrial AI startups.
Source: eu-startups.com