KPN Ventures invests in Dutch security techfund

KPN Ventures has invested in the Dutch Security TechFund of TIIN Capital. Earlier this year, regional investment company InnovationQuarter and Municipality of The Hague participated as well in TIIN Capital’s 6th venture capital fund. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate is also investing through the RVO Seed facility, in addition to a group of informal investors and family offices.

The Dutch Security TechFund was initiated this year, initially financed by a group of informal investors, and has recently also established a location at The Hague Security Delta in The Hague. Innovative cyber security startups and scaleups are assisted proactively with their go-to-market strategy and internationalization by former entrepreneurs, brought by TIIN Capital, with experience in scaling technology companies.

In the upcoming years, the fund aims to invest € 30 million in (cyber) security companies. The sector focus is chosen because of increased legislation, the rapid technological developments, and the high growth in demand for security solutions. The fund will invest in both startups and more mature growth companies. The collaboration with The Hague Security Delta and investors such as KPN Ventures and InnovationQuarter makes it possible to exchange knowledge and expertise as well as to improve the entire ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to make society safer by supporting the growth of innovative businesses while providing returns for investors. The fund has already made one initial investment, and is currently finalizing two new investments. Final close of the fund will take place in the first quarter of 2020.

Focus on Cybersecurity

The Dutch Security TechFund will invest in companies that make businesses and society safer with the help of innovation. As cybercriminals are getting smarter, privacy and security solutions must improve. This fund is therefore in line with KPN Ventures’ focus. Samir Ahmad, Investment Manager at KPN Ventures, “At KPN Ventures we strongly believe in innovation by learning from entrepreneurial startups and scaleups throughout the entire ecosystem, and as KPN’s investment fund we can add value through our knowledge of (cyber) technology and access to our network. We thereby share the vision of the management of the Dutch Security TechFund about the importance of a robust ecosystem. The TIIN Capital team has all the necessary skills to enter into the right partnerships, support ventures and help them grow further. ”

Michael Lucassen, partner at TIIN Capital and manager of the fund, is pleased with the participation of KPN Ventures as an investor; “With KPN Ventures we have a corporate investor on board, who is willing to share their knowledge regarding technology, marketing and sales and who is willing to provide us access to their network. In addition to the contacts that we have already established within the Cybertech sector in Tel Aviv, the collaboration with InnovationQuarter, The Hague Security Delta and the Advisory Board (consisting of specialists in this sector) are also promising. ”