Only businesses operating via a BV – the Dutch equivalent of an LLC, a Besloten Vennootschap (BV) – can receive funding via equity crowdfunding. If your business does not currently operate via a BV then you must be prepared to convert from your current legal entity eventually.
For example, if you operate via a VOF – the Dutch equivalent of a general partnership – you must convert to a BV once your campaign is successfully funded. This is because it is not possible to issue shares in a legal operating entity such as a VOF.
Business operating via the following legal entities may start an equity crowdfunding campaign:
- Private individual with a business idea
- Sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak)
- BV
- VOF / CV
Existing businesses will be asked to provide a Chamber of Commerce number.