Dutch sponsorship

Definition

Dutch sponsorship refers to financial backing given by Dutch authorities or wealthy merchants for voyages of discovery, trade missions, and colonial settlements during the Age of Discovery.

Analogy

Imagine Dutch sponsorship as a company (Dutch authorities/merchants) investing in a start-up business (exploration). They provide funds hoping that this investment will bring back profits in terms of new trade routes or resources.

Related terms

Mercantilism: An economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by accumulation of profitable balances. It was one reason behind Dutch sponsorships.

East India Company: An English company formed for pursuing trade with East Indies but ended up trading mainly with Indian subcontinent and China. Similar companies were set up under Dutch Sponsorship too.

Trade Routes: Paths used on a routine basis by vessels to transport goods from one place to another. Discovering these was often an objective behind Dutch sponsorship.