# RUG Ventures

RUG Ventures is a Venture Capital based in Groningen, Netherlands.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Venture Capital
- **Headquarters:** Groningen, Netherlands
- **Region:** Europe
- **Address:** Kadijk 4, 9747 AT Groningen, The Netherlands
- **Founded:** 1996
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** www.rugventures.com
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/rug-ventures

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

RUG Ventures is an early-stage investment company at the academic heart of the Northern Netherlands. It specializes in translating high-risk research-driven concepts into flourishing businesses. It offers guidance from the first step, funding strategy support, and tailored mentorship, with close ties to the University of Groningen.

## Sectors

- Life Sciences
- Deep Tech
- Enterprise Software

## People

- Corina Prent — Managing Director
- Arjan Koop — Investment Manager
- Deepak Veeregowda — Investment Manager

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at RUG Ventures?

Corina Prent, the Managing Director, leads investment decisions. She is supported by Investment Managers Arjan Koop and Deepak Veeregowda, who each bring entrepreneurial and industrial experience to deal evaluation and portfolio support. The firm’s board of commissioners, including Casper Frijns and Vidya Sagar Gannamani, advises on overall investment strategy and positioning.

### How does RUG Ventures source proprietary deal flow?

RUG Ventures sources deal flow through its deep embeddedness within the University of Groningen. It accesses research groups, academic founders, and technology transfer offices before companies are widely marketed to external investors. This grants it a first look at innovations originating in the university's science, engineering, and medical faculties.

### What investment stages does RUG Ventures typically target?

RUG Ventures targets the earliest stages of company formation — ideation, pre-seed, seed, and start-up phases — occasionally extending into expansion or late-stage rounds for existing portfolio companies. Its sweet spot is the translational gap between academic research and a fundable startup, often co-occurring with non-dilutive grant applications like the NWO Take-Off program.

### Which sectors does RUG Ventures explicitly avoid?

The firm’s portfolio reflects the strengths of the University of Groningen’s research clusters, so it is unlikely to pursue opportunities in sectors without a scientific research anchor at the university, such as consumer internet or pure-play fintech. Its deal flow is naturally bounded by the university's active labs and principal investigators.

## Related profiles

- [Ruggie Wealth Management](https://altss.com/profile/ruggie-wealth-management)
- [Rui Life Insurance](https://altss.com/profile/rui-life-insurance)

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Last updated: 2026-08-11T15:07:57.118Z

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