Shift Invest is an impact-focused venture capital firm founded in the Netherlands and headquartered in Amstelveen. The firm has positioned itself as one of the leading European funds dedicated to sustainability and circular economy, supporting entrepreneurs who develop breakthrough innovations for a more sustainable future.
The firm invests in startups at the proof-of-concept, seed, and Series A stages. Its focus spans the sectors of energy, industry, mobility, and food & agriculture, with a strong emphasis on measurable sustainability outcomes.
Initial ticket sizes typically range between €250,000 and €4 million, giving Shift the flexibility to back early validation rounds while also supporting scaling.
In August 2025, Shift Invest announced the first close of its fourth fund, SHIFT IV, at €92 million. Backers of this fund include major European institutions and corporates such as the European Investment Fund (EIF), Rabo Investments, and Invest-NL, along with corporate partners like Royal Schiphol Group. Several regional development agencies, including Oost NL, Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM), ROM Utrecht Region, NV NOM, LIOF, and Investeringsfonds Groningen (IFG), also committed to the fund.
Knowledge partners Delft Enterprises B.V., TNO Ventures, and Wageningen University & Research joined as well, together with a number of family offices and entrepreneurs.
SHIFT IV is structured to invest in up to 25–30 startups across Europe and aims to provide catalytic funding to ventures that accelerate sustainable transitions in key sectors such as energy transition, circular industrial processes, climate-friendly mobility, and food system innovation.
Leadership
The firm’s leadership team includes experienced investors and impact-driven partners such as Janneke Bik, Heleen De Jonge, Willem Poerink, Florentine Fockema Andreae, Guus Verhees, Thijs Gitmans, and Bram Ledeboer. Together, the team brings a mix of venture investing expertise, sustainability knowledge, and networks in both public and private ecosystems.
Investment Strategy
Shift Invest’s strategy is to back companies at an early stage where innovation can have the most leverage in shaping markets. By combining public institutional capital with private partners, the firm provides startups with both financial support and strategic networks in corporate, academic, and regional ecosystems.
The fund emphasizes measurable impact, ensuring portfolio companies not only deliver strong returns but also contribute to climate and sustainability goals aligned with European policy priorities.
Notable Investments
Shift Invest has invested across multiple sustainability themes over its earlier funds, with a portfolio that includes startups in bio-based materials, ag-tech platforms, circular food systems, and clean energy technologies.
While the full portfolio for SHIFT IV is still being built, prior funds supported European innovators that are now scaling internationally, giving the firm a strong track record in identifying future category leaders.
Notable Exits
Shift Invest has recorded exits across its earlier funds, including companies that were acquired by larger corporates seeking sustainable innovation. While not all transactions are public, the fund has a track record of successful outcomes that balance financial returns with environmental and social impact.
Other
SHIFT IV is classified as an impact venture capital fund, which means it integrates sustainability KPIs and measurable climate impact into its investment decisions. This can provide founders not only with capital but also with credibility in sustainability-driven markets. Given its strong backing from European institutions, the fund is also well-positioned to connect startups with regulatory, research, and policy networks.
