The verdict in three sentences
For a deeptech startup spun out of a lab (TU Delft, University of Amsterdam, TNO) and preparing an EUR 8M Series A, the website is read by three audiences: funds, industrial partners and future engineers. A budget of EUR 8,000 to 20,000 (excl. VAT), delivered in six weeks, is enough for a clean site that makes the technology understandable, proves intellectual property and directs investors to a secure data room. Scientific illustrations, often overlooked, deserve EUR 2,000 to 5,000: they replace pages of text that nobody reads.
What an investor checks on the site in five minutes
A deeptech fund analyst opens your website before the deck. They want to understand the industrial problem, the technological breakthrough, maturity level (TRL), team, IP protection and early market signals. A confusing or dated site lowers your credibility score, even with excellent technology.
| Page | Goal | Expected content | Priority before raise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | One-sentence promise | Problem, solution, key metric (yield, cost, energy) | Essential |
| Technology | Explain without oversimplifying | Diagram, current TRL, roadmap | Essential |
| Publications and patents | Prove IP | Patent list (number, status), peer-reviewed papers | Essential |
| Team and scientific board | Show execution capacity | Backgrounds, lab of origin, advisors | Essential |
| Partners and funding | Reassure on external validation | EIC Accelerator, RVO grants, pilot industrial partners | Recommended |
| Investors | Filter and route | Dedicated contact, data room access on request | Recommended |
| Careers | Prepare post-raise hiring | Open roles, culture, location | Useful |
2026 budget and timeline
| Item | Budget (EUR, excl. VAT) | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning workshop and sitemap | 1,000 to 2,500 | Week 1 |
| EN/NL copy (8 to 12 pages) | 1,500 to 4,000 | Weeks 1 to 3 |
| Custom UI design | 2,000 to 5,000 | Weeks 2 to 3 |
| Development and CMS | 3,000 to 7,500 | Weeks 3 to 5 |
| Investor page and data room link | 500 to 1,000 | Week 5 |
| Site subtotal | 8,000 to 20,000 | 6 weeks |
| Scientific illustrations and explainer animation | 2,000 to 5,000 | In parallel |
| Maintenance and security | 100 to 300 per month | Ongoing |
Amsterdam studios commonly quote EUR 25,000 to 60,000 for a similar scope; a remote team keeps the same quality within this range. The data room itself stays on a dedicated tool (Docsend, Ansarada, Datasite) at EUR 50 to 400 a month: the site only qualifies and routes, with a form asking for the fund name and intended ticket.
Funding and eligibility to leverage
A Dutch deeptech startup can tap several schemes for its overall development: EIC Accelerator (up to EUR 2.5M grant plus equity), Innovation Credit (Innovatiekrediet) from RVO, WBSO wage tax credit for R&D hours, and regional funds such as Innovation Quarter or StartGreen. The website itself is rarely eligible directly, but displaying these supports clearly (logos and public amounts) strengthens credibility with funds. Mentioning the ecosystem (TechLeap, YES!Delft, Amsterdam Science Park) also helps place the company.
Mini case study
Thomas, CEO of a photonic sensor startup spun out of a Dutch research lab (14 staff), is preparing an EUR 8M Series A. His current site dates from incorporation and only talks about the technology. He invests EUR 13,500 in the website and EUR 3,500 in illustrations, a total of EUR 17,000.
The maths is simple: if the new site shortens the fundraising process by one month, the startup saves a month of cash burn, roughly EUR 180,000 for 14 staff and lab costs. Even if the effect is modest, the site represents 0.2% of the amount raised, and it then supports hiring the 10 engineers planned after the round.
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FAQ
Should we redo the site before or after the raise?
Before, ideally 4 to 8 weeks before the first meetings. Funds check the site as soon as they receive the deck, and a dated site costs points at the first screen.
Should we publish patents in detail?
Publish number, title, status (filed, granted) and countries covered. Technical detail stays in the data room, under NDA.
Do we need a Dutch version?
English is the priority, since most Dutch deeptech funds work in English. A Dutch version helps with RVO and local industrial partners, for 15 to 20% extra budget.
How much do scientific illustrations cost?
Between EUR 2,000 and 5,000 for 4 to 8 visuals and a 30-second explainer animation. It is often the best impact-to-cost item of the project.
Is six weeks realistic?
Yes if content is approved within 5 days at each step. The main delay risk comes from internal reviews and communication sign-off by the originating lab.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your fundraising calendar and current site and we will scope an investor-ready website between EUR 8,000 and 20,000, delivered in six weeks, with scientific illustrations as an option. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
