Rubio Impact Ventures Closes €70 Million Third Fund Focused on 100% Impact-Linked Investments

The fund is backed by both existing and new investors, including Dutch entrepreneurs and families, as well as institutional partners such as the European Investment Fund (EIF), Invest-NL, Oost NL, Brabantse Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij, ING, and the NN Social Innovation Fund. RVO has also provided an innovation loan under the Seed Capital scheme.

Machtelt Groothuis, Co-founder of Rubio: “In an era of accelerating climate change and social challenges, the most valuable companies of the future are the ones building real solutions for global problems. The launch of our third fund reflects that the impact investing model is recognised, the opportunity is clear, and the urgency has never been greater.”

This announcement reflects a broader 2025 trend of renewed activity in impact and sustainability-focused venture capital across Europe. In the Netherlands, CapitalT closed the first tranche of its €50 million Fund II, supporting purpose-driven founders in ClimateTech and the future of work. In Southern Europe, Suma Capital secured €210 million for a ClimateTech fund targeting industrial decarbonisation and scale-up support.

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These developments show that, even amid challenges in European venture fundraising, impact-driven funds continue to attract investor confidence and direct capital toward climate and social innovation.

For Rinke Zonneveld, CEO of Invest-NL, it was a “no-brainer” to invest in Rubio’s new fund: “Rubio is leading the pack in the Dutch impact investing scene. They didn’t just set the standard, they created it. Especially how they don’t just talk climate but tackle social issues head-on is inspiring others and convincing institutional investors to enter this space.”​

Founded in 2015 Rubio Impact Ventures invests in early- and growth-stage companies developing scalable solutions to urgent global challenges, from climate and circularity to education and well-being. The firm ties 100% of its carried interest to independently verified impact results ensuring financial success goes hand in hand with positive impact.

With the launch of its third fund, Rubio’s total assets under management will reach €220 million, supporting its mission to scale entrepreneurs who deliver both impact and returns. Since inception Rubio has backed over forty fast-growing companies turning innovative ideas into measurable change.

Aartjan Bontje from family office FlowFund Foundation, who has backed all three funds says: “From Fund I to today, I’ve seen Rubio deliver on their promise: building successful companies while creating measurable impact. This third fund is proof that the movement towards impact is accelerating, and exactly the kind of shift the world needs.”

EU-Startups has featured Rubio Impact Ventures multiple times, highlighting its role as a leading Dutch impact investor. In April 2024, Rubio led a €3 million round for Amsterdam-based Renewaball to reduce the environmental footprint of sports equipment. In July 2024 it backed NoPalm Ingredients supporting the scale-up of its sustainable palm-oil alternative.

In 2025 Rubio continued to drive impact-focused investments, including a €3 million round for Chapter and participation in Vytal Global’s €14.2 million raise for reusable packaging. Most recently, EU-Startups reported Rubio’s ongoing involvement in ClimateTech through Sympower’s €42 million funding to advance Europe’s energy transition.

“Rubio was one of the first movers in the European impact market, launching its first fund in 2015 at a time when the market was still nascent. By targeting European startups that aim for social and climate impact, while also helping to build the environment for risk capital investment in the impact investing space, Rubio has been an inspirational partner for the EIF, and we’re happy to continue our fruitful collaboration,” added Marjut Falkstedt, Chief Executive of the European Investment Fund.