Connector for Startups

Our mission

Techleap.nl is on a mission to close the funding gap in deep tech by bringing together the best Dutch deep tech companies and top tier deep tech investors, which unite the capital and knowledge necessary to build the future.

As an investor, being part of our curated Connector will offer you visibility on high potential Dutch deep tech companies and co-investors. The platform allows you to build and nurture these relationships, both on- and offline.

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In short

We select high tech and deeptech companies that have a new developed technology. The Connector adds most value for companies whose founders are looking to raise Series A, B or C (€5M+) within the next 18 months and want to expand their markets and grow internationally. Every 2 months we have our selection process to admit new companies into the Connector.

The Criteria

The Connector is meant for start- and scaleup founders with companies that:

Have been founded after 2012
Have their HQ in NL
Have raised initial funding (grants/ seed/ pre-series A)
Are looking to raise Series-A in the next two years
Focus on hardware (health tech, deep tech, etc.)

After your application an international jury of Deep Tech experts & investors will assess your fit with the Connector platform and community based on the following aspects:

Team
Scalability
Market readiness
IP and/or uniqueness of the technology
Investability

We advise to ensure good visibility and explanation of these aspects in the data and pitchdeck during your application, to enhance your chances of admission into the platform.

Join the connector

We focus on Deep Tech, such as:

Quantum computing
Advanced materials
Nanotechnology
Semiconductors
Robotics
Biotech
Photonics & electronics

If your company is focused on any of these technologies, the chance is very high you will meet the deeptech criteria and as such, you can apply right away.

We also like:

Energy generation & storage
Medtech
Healthtech
Cutting-edge AI
Hardware platforms (drones, AR, VR)
Spacetech
IoT
3D printing

If your company is focussed on any of these technologies, we would like to chat with you to assess if it fits our deep tech focus.

Main phases

1. Apply & Get Approved (into the community)

Create your profile including your pitch deck via the Connector platform. After submitting your application, our jury will assess your application data and decide whether your company is a good fit for the Connector. The jury will consider your pitch deck, scalability,team, technology, investability and market readiness.
2. Build Connections

Upon approval, a high-level version of your profile will be displayed to curated investors. Investors can send you a request for more information (incl. your company name). You can either approve or deny such a request. If you approve, contact details allow you to reach out to the interested investor.
3. Join office hours & knowledge sessions

The Connector facilitates more than connections. We also provide optional office hours and sessions with our fundraising experts to support you through your fundraising process.
4. Meet investors at matchmaking events

With our matchmaking events we aim to boost and nurture the relationships made on the platform.
5. Raise next investment round with your established investor network

The timing is up to you, depending on whether you’re actively looking or still nurturing your network of investors for the future. Once the match is made and you are ready to raise the next round, you can do so using your investor relations on the platform.

FAQ's

Within the Connector we are sharing your profile in two components, before and after you approve an investor request.
Click here for detailed information
Login on the Connector and go to “Add deal details”. You can update your deal and committed funding here.
Investors are contacted and added to the Connector on a rolling basis. With every new industry of companies, a new outreach is done. Do you have any investor suggestions? Feel free to contact us via connector@techleap.nl
Login on the Connector and go to “My Application” in the right hand corner. Click the edit buttons and update your information accordingly. Be aware that not all fields are editable.
This process consists of 3 consequential steps:

1. Login on the Connector and go to “Add deal details”, edit your deal status to “successful close” or “canceled” and save.
2. Go to “My application” in the right-hand corner of the menu and use the “new funding request” button
3. Fill in your data and press save. You have just updated your funding request.
Based on your primary metrics and team profile, an investor is interested to see your pitch deck and learn more about your business. By approving an information request, you share your complete company profile with the investor. Thereafter, you receive the investor’s contact details after which it is expected you reach out to them for further connection.