Everything founders need to know
We strive to complete the application proces within 3 weeks, however sometimes it will take longer to truly find a good starting point of your venture that we are both convinced of. When we agree on the starting point and terms and conditions we want you to start as soon as possible.
No, at this stage, we are primarily interested in the idea and its potential. You do not need a fully developed MVP—just a clear concept that aligns with our domains and a compelling case for why you can execute it and want to build it with us. You'll need to outline your idea in our problem card, which you receive after application.
Achmea can help you with pilot opportunities as well as connect you with potential customers through our network, but that depends on the solution. You are responsible for leading growth and customer acquisition.
Your idea must align with one of our four focus domains: Health & Wellbeing, Future of Work, Sustainable Action, or Healthy Finances (non-insurance only). These are areas where we aim to create scalable, real-world impact through venture building. We typically don’t pursue ideas that involve hardware, science-based technologies (like medtech or crypto), solutions dependent on third-party IP or systemic policy changes, or tools built solely for internal Achmea use. Additionally, we avoid prevention-only concepts, single-use solutions, or vague behavioural ideas without a clear business model.
We are very hands-on during the initial stages. You’ll be working from our Amsterdam offices, and our experts in UX/UI, business strategy, and development will work with you closely to build the venture. Additionally, you will have an official meeting with our Leadership Team every three months where you pitch for further funding, alongside regular check-ins to monitor progress and provide support.
We value founders' insights and want you to be the driving force behind your venture. However, Achmea retains majority ownership, and strategic decisions will always be made in the best interests of both the venture and Achmea’s strategic goals.
Potentially, yes. However, we won't put people on the payroll just because they were previously involved with you or the project. Team members must be necessary for the venture, be a great fit, join at the right time, and fit within the budget. They'll also need to meet our requirements and pass our screening process. All team members start with 3-month freelance contracts.
If you decide to leave, Achmea retains the right to continue the venture, bringing in a new team to lead it if needed. Your equity will depend on the agreements made, and vesting schedules may apply.
The Hub will fund you until you reach €100k ARR, with no need for external funding. After a venture spins out, it can still access funding through Achmea's accelerator program. In addition, we have our own investment fund. So whenever possible, we prefer to fund ventures ourselves.
You’ll have substantial operational freedom to make day-to-day decisions, but major strategic shifts will involve discussions with Achmea. Remember, this is a partnership—we are co-founders, and our goal is to see the venture succeed together.
Yes, duos are welcome. However, both founders must individually meet our criteria, and we must believe in their complementary fit. We won’t admit a duo if we don’t see the individual value or need for both at this stage. Specify both your roles (e.g., CEO/CPO) and capabilities to ensure each person fits well with the venture's needs.
You will work with us on a temporary contract, so employed by Achmea. In specific cases however, the possibility also exists to work for us via HeadFirst, a broker, under a freelance (ZZP) arrangement. When it comes to working for us under a ZZP arrangement it’s important to know that our projects are carefully defined and require specific expertise, allowing you to work on our ventures for an extended period while keeping your independence intact. This means you can focus solely on the venture without needing to take on other clients to avoid ‘schijnzelfstandigheid’.
We offer: 1. founder perspective in combination with a basic income, or 2. a competitive hourly rate/salary. (based on preset hours, though you will often want to work more to make your venture a success). Full commitment is expected, and other roles or gigs should be paused.
In practice, the salary we offer is fixed; although it’s not a classic 9-to-5. All our roles are fulltime, but your focus is on outcomes and growth. Therefore some weeks may demand more, others less, giving you the freedom to work according to the needs of your venture.