Netherlands Startup Ecosystem

Overview

The Netherlands has a thriving startup ecosystem, particularly centered in Amsterdam, which is becoming a major European tech hub. As of 2023, the Netherlands is home to around 6,000 startups. The Dutch government supports innovation through initiatives like TechLeap.NL and the Dutch Venture Initiative, which provide funding, resources, and mentorship for startups. In 2022, Dutch startups raised approximately €3 billion in venture capital. These factors collectively highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of the Dutch startup landscape.

Size of the Market

As of 2023, the Netherlands' startup ecosystem includes around 6,000 startups. In 2022, these startups attracted approximately €3 billion in venture capital funding. This substantial investment underscores the ecosystem's growth potential and robust nature. The market's size and financial backing reflect its capacity to foster innovation and maintain a competitive edge within Europe and beyond.

Key Strengths

The Netherlands' startup ecosystem is characterized by several key strengths, including a highly educated workforce, a strong focus on innovation, and a strategic location in Europe. The country excels in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and deep tech. These strengths are bolstered by the Dutch government's support and the country's robust industrial base, positioning the Netherlands as a leader in the European startup scene.

Major Hubs

Amsterdam is the primary hub of the Netherlands’ startup ecosystem, known for its strengths in fintech, healthtech, and deep tech. The city attracts significant investments and has produced notable startups like Adyen and Booking.com. Other cities like Rotterdam and Eindhoven are also making significant contributions to the startup landscape, with Rotterdam excelling in logistics and Eindhoven known for high-tech systems and innovation. These cities drive the Netherlands' economic growth and technological advancements.

Emerging Hubs

In addition to Amsterdam, emerging hubs like Utrecht and The Hague are gaining prominence in the Netherlands’ startup ecosystem. Utrecht is known for its strengths in education technology and sustainability, while The Hague is becoming a hub for security technology and international law. These emerging hubs are expanding the reach and diversity of the Netherlands’ entrepreneurial landscape, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Support Systems

The Netherlands’ startup ecosystem benefits from a strong network of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces that provide essential support and resources for entrepreneurs. Initiatives like StartupDelta and YES!Delft have significantly boosted the ecosystem by offering mentorship, resources, and international exposure. This supportive infrastructure is crucial for nurturing early-stage companies and fostering a collaborative entrepreneurial environment.

Challenges

Despite its strengths, the Dutch startup ecosystem faces challenges such as high living costs and regulatory complexities. Navigating these hurdles can be time-consuming and complex for startups. Addressing these issues requires strategic efforts and supportive policies to sustain growth and competitiveness in the global market.

Opportunities and Future Outlook

The Netherlands has significant opportunities for growth in sectors like fintech, healthtech, and green technology. The country's strong focus on sustainability drives innovation in renewable energy and environmental technologies. The Netherlands' strategic location in Europe and strong trade relationships provide startups with opportunities for international expansion. With continued investment and innovation, the Dutch startup ecosystem is poised for further growth, contributing significantly to the European and global markets.

Resilience and Adaptability

The Netherlands' startup ecosystem demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability. The country's commitment to innovation, coupled with strong government and institutional support, enables startups to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The diverse talent pool and high level of digitalization attract entrepreneurs and investors alike, ensuring sustained growth and success in the face of global economic shifts and market dynamics.

How to connect with Angel Investors in Netherlands?

Top Angel Investors

The Netherlands' startup ecosystem is significantly supported by influential angel investors who provide crucial early-stage funding and mentorship. Prominent figures include Pieter van der Does, co-founder of Adyen, and Jeroen Bertrams, a serial entrepreneur and investor. These investors typically contribute between €50,000 and €500,000 per deal, offering not only capital but also strategic guidance and industry expertise. Their involvement is vital for the growth and development of early-stage companies, helping them navigate initial challenges and scale effectively. Pieter van der Does, for example, has been instrumental in fostering innovation in the fintech sector.

Leading Venture Capital Firms

The Netherlands' venture capital landscape is driven by leading firms that provide substantial investments into high-growth startups. Firms such as Prime Ventures, Inkef Capital, and henQ are at the forefront, funding sectors including technology, health, and fintech. Prime Ventures, for instance, has a diverse portfolio that includes companies like Mendix and Takeaway.com. These firms typically engage in Series A to Series C funding rounds, with investment sizes ranging from €1 million to €50 million, facilitating significant scaling opportunities for startups.

Investment Size and Scope

The size and scope of investments in the Netherlands' startup ecosystem vary, catering to different stages of business growth. Early-stage investments, often provided by angel investors, range from €50,000 to €2 million. For growth-stage companies, venture capital firms offer larger funding rounds, typically between €5 million and €50 million. The scope of these investments spans various sectors, including AI, biotechnology, fintech, and cleantech, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of the Netherlands' entrepreneurial landscape.

Number of Investments

The Netherlands' venture capital and angel investment activity are robust, with a significant number of deals annually. In 2022, over 300 venture capital deals were recorded, amounting to approximately €3 billion in investments. This high level of activity underscores the vibrancy of the Dutch startup ecosystem, with both angel investors and venture capital firms actively seeking out and funding promising startups across a broad spectrum of industries.

Future Outlook of the Investment Market

The future outlook for the Netherlands' investment market is highly optimistic. With a continued emphasis on innovation and technology, sectors such as AI, biotechnology, and clean technology are expected to drive substantial growth. Government support through initiatives like TechLeap.NL further bolsters the ecosystem. As global interest in sustainable and innovative solutions increases, the Netherlands' startups are well-positioned to attract significant international investments, fostering an environment ripe for continued expansion and success.

Support and Mentorship

Support and mentorship are critical components of the Netherlands' startup ecosystem. Angel investors and venture capitalists often provide more than just financial backing; they offer strategic advice, industry connections, and operational support. Programs like StartupDelta and YES!Delft enhance this support, offering structured mentorship, resources, and access to capital. This comprehensive support system helps startups navigate early challenges and scale effectively.

Government and Institutional Support

The Dutch government and various institutions play a pivotal role in nurturing the startup ecosystem. Initiatives such as TechLeap.NL and the Dutch Venture Initiative provide substantial financial support and incentives. Additionally, organizations like InnovationQuarter offer grants, loans, and advisory services. This extensive support infrastructure is vital for fostering innovation, reducing financial barriers, and promoting sustainable growth within the startup community.

Conclusion

The Netherlands' startup ecosystem is bolstered by top angel investors, leading venture capital firms, and extensive support systems. With a diverse range of investment sizes and scopes, the market is poised for significant growth. The future outlook remains positive, driven by innovation, government support, and a collaborative environment. As the Netherlands continues to attract global investments and foster entrepreneurial talent, it stands to become a key player in the global startup landscape, contributing to advancements across various high-growth sectors.

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We found 752 Angel Investors in Netherlands on Angels Partners

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Steve Crossan
Investing in A.I. (& Big Data) • DeepTech
 London, U.K. - Netherlands
Investor Picture
Previous Investments
  • Twisto: $19520000 (Later stage VC)
  • Knip: $15700000 (Later stage VC)
  • Squirro: $10000000 (Later stage VC)
  • Goodlord: $9130000 (Early stage VC)
  • BUX: $6900000 (Later stage VC)
  • Salviol Global Analytics: $6500000 (Early stage VC)
  • Trussle: $4500000 (Early stage VC)
  • Ikbenfrits.nl: $2000000 (Early stage VC)
  • Fixico: $2000000 (Later stage VC)
  • Legalbase: (Seed Round)
  • Ayopop: (Early stage VC)
  • Digital Insurance Group: (Seed Round)
  • Intelliment Security: (Seed Round)
  • Cermati: (Early stage VC)
  • Digital Insurance Group 0:
  • Halofina:
  • Karakuri (Other Hardware): $8330000 (Early stage VC)
  • Snatch Inc: $4400000 (Seed Round)
  • Templum: $2700000 (Seed Round)
  • Storyblok: $2540000 (Seed Round)
  • Heist Studios:
  • Automata: $7400000 (Series A)
  • PolyAI: $12000000 (Series A)

Steve Crossan

London, U.K. - Netherlands

Investing In

A.I. (& Big Data) • DeepTech

Description

AlphaFold founding team member at DeepMind. Working with some of the best and brightest talent as VP in AI and ML at GSK.ai, based in our dedicated London AI Hub – applying my AI, research, strategy and engineering knowledge in a healthcare setting.At GSK we’re using AI and ML to analyse vast sets of biological and genetic data, to make better predictions and double success rates in our drug discovery, and to better understand which patients can benefit most from our medicines.I was previously Head of Product for DeepMind-for-Google, with projects including AlphaFold, a deep learning system which performs predictions of protein structure – a significant step forward in our understanding about the building blocks of cells and our ability to accelerate drug discovery – WaveNet, for raw audio, and DataCenter optimization.I’m an investor in and advisor to a number of early stage AI and DeepTech companies including riverlane.com, peptone.com, antiverse.io, cradle.bio, nomagic.ai, and automata.tech.

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Radboud Vlaar
Investing in FinTech (& Financials services)
 Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Previous Investments
  • Twisto: $19520000 (Later stage VC)
  • Knip: $15700000 (Later stage VC)
  • Squirro: $10000000 (Later stage VC)
  • Ikbenfrits.nl: $2000000 (Early stage VC)
  • Ayopop: (Early stage VC)
  • Intelliment Security: (Seed Round)
  • Cermati: (Early stage VC)
  • Digital Insurance Group 0:
  • Halofina:
  • NomuPay: $54000000 (Series A)
  • Fourthline: $55000000 (Series B)
  • in3: $85000000 (Series B)
  • in3: $11000000 (Series A)
  • Goodlord: $35000000 (Series B)
  • Goodlord: $13000000 (Series B)
  • Goodlord: $9000000 (Series B)
  • Fixico: $14000000 (Series A)
  • Fixico: $6000000 (Seed)
  • Fixico: $2000000 (Pre Seed)
  • Better.co.uk: $10000000 (Series Unknown)
  • Better.co.uk: $18000000 (Series B)
  • Better.co.uk: $6000000 (Series A)
  • Digital Insurance Group: $17000000 (Series A)
  • Digital Insurance Group: (Seed)
  • Brickblock: $3000000 (Series A)
  • Frits.com: $2000000 (Seed)
  • Jump: (Pre Seed)
  • Legalbase: (Seed)
  • BUX: $7000000 (Series B)
  • BUX: (Seed)
  • Salviol Global Analytics: $7000000 (Series A)
  • Komparu: (Series A)
  • Moni Technologies: $120000 (Seed)
  • Zopa: (Series D)

Radboud Vlaar

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Investing In

FinTech (& Financials services)

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Bas Godska
Investing in Businesses Solutions • Retail (...
 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Russia
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Previous Investments
  • Instreamatic: (Seed Round)
  • Wishberry: (Seed)
  • TurboAppeal: $4000000 (Series A)
  • EVELO.: $750000 (Seed)
  • Explara: $490000 (Series Unknown)
  • Bidstalk: $1000000 (Seed)
  • Bidstalk: $500000 (Seed)
  • knopka: $90000 (Angel)
  • SuperWorld: $110000 (Angel)
  • Awesomic: $2000000 (Pre Seed)
  • Awesomic: (Angel)
  • Brainika: (Pre Seed)
  • Tripsider: $1000000 (Seed)
  • Maroo: $830000 (Pre Seed)
  • Midnightdeal: $580000 (Seed)
  • Monite: $1000000 (Pre Seed)
  • PAYZE: (Pre Seed)
  • memoryOS: (Pre Seed)
  • iFarm: $4000000 (Seed)
  • StudyFree: $600000 (Pre Seed)
  • Omdena: (Pre Seed)
  • Let's Enhance: (Seed)
  • Pizdata: (Pre Seed)
  • 6nomads: $200000 (Seed)
  • Respeecher: $2000000 (Seed)
  • Respeecher: (Pre Seed)
  • Leapfunder: $340000 (Seed)
  • Urbandine: $90000 (Pre Seed)
  • Clockster: $340000 (Seed)
  • Objectiv: (Pre Seed)
  • Insense: $1000000 (Seed)
  • StoryTerrace: (Seed)
  • Miro: $1000000 (Seed)
  • Ecoisme: (Convertible Note)
  • Newzmate: $300000 (Seed)
  • ZEEF.com: $2000000 (Series A)
  • LinkPizza: (Pre Seed)
  • Harver: (Angel)
  • Zakaz.ua: (Seed)
  • Displair: $1000000 (Seed)
  • Travelata: (Pre Seed)
  • Chocofamily: (Pre Seed)
  • Chocolife.me: (Pre Seed)

Bas Godska

Amsterdam, Netherlands - Russia

Investing In

Businesses Solutions • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing)

Description

Founder, General Partner at Acrobator Ventures

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Michelle Nacouzi
Investing in Businesses Solutions • Energy &...
 Amsterdam, Netherlands - U.K.
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Previous Investments
  • fuboTV: $55000000 (Later stage VC)
  • Lesara: $33330000 (Later stage VC)
  • FreightHub: $20000000 (Early stage VC)
  • Lumexis: $15000000 (Later stage VC)
  • HappyOrNot: $14500000 (Early stage VC)
  • Personio: $12000000 (Early stage VC)
  • Labster: $10000000 (Early stage VC)
  • Kahoot!: $10000000 (Early stage VC)
  • Microfabrica: $8000000 (Later stage VC)
  • Bunch (video chat): $8000000 (Early stage VC)
  • Akimbo: $4000000 (Later stage VC)
  • CopperKey: $2200000 (Later stage VC)
  • BiggerBoat: $2000000 (Early stage VC)
  • Neverthink: $1400000 (Seed Round)
  • NeuroVigil: (Later stage VC)
  • Keeps: (Other)

Michelle Nacouzi

Amsterdam, Netherlands - U.K.

Investing In

Businesses Solutions • Energy • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer

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Ling Lin
Investing in Businesses Solutions • FinTech ...
 Amsterdam, Netherlands - China
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Previous Investments
  • CF PharmTech: $89870000 (Later stage VC)
  • Pagoda:

Ling Lin

Amsterdam, Netherlands - China

Investing In

Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Payments • Consumer

Description

Angel Investor at Atomico

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Patrick Kerssemakers
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
 Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Previous Investments
  • Voicebooking.com: $830000 (Seed Round)
  • Caya:
  • Winc Academy: $3000000 (Seed)
  • Veylinx: $2000000 (Seed)
  • Naduvi: $1000000 (Seed)
  • Polarsteps: $1000000 (Seed)
  • Springest: $1000000 (Angel)

Patrick Kerssemakers

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Investing In

Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Consumer

Description

Co-founder & Managing Partner at Dutch Founders Fund

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Balder Bomans
Investing in FinTech (& Financials services) &bul...
 Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Previous Investments
  • LazyLedger: $1500000 (Seed Round)
  • Nayms: $2029999 (Seed Round)
  • Renzo: $3000000 (Seed)
  • Finoa: $8000000 (Series Unknown)
  • Openfort: $3000000 (Seed)
  • Celestia: $55000000 (Series A)
  • Celestia: $2000000 (Seed)
  • Odyssey: $5000000 (Seed)

Balder Bomans

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Investing In

FinTech (& Financials services) • Blockchain (& Cryptos)

Description

Managing Partner at Maven 11

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Patrick van Hoof
Investing in Media • Retail (& E-Commerce) &...
 Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Patrick van Hoof

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Investing In

Media • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Entertainment (& Sports) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Mobility • Consumer

Description

Angel Investor at Fund Fellow Founders

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Koen Bok
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
 Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Previous Investments
  • Pitch Software: $22140000 (Later stage VC)
  • FLOAT: $2000000 (Seed)
  • Dimension: $2000000 (Angel)
  • Linear: $35000000 (Series B)
  • Softr: $14000000 (Series A)
  • Build.One: (Seed)
  • Rise: $3000000 (Pre Seed)
  • CodeSandbox: $2000000 (Seed)
  • Pitch: $19000000 (Series A)
  • Revue: $430000 (Angel)

Koen Bok

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Investing In

Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Media • Advertising • Messaging

Description

CEO and founder at Framer


Koen Bok is a Co-Founder and serves as the Chief Executive Officer Framer. He was also the Founder of design agency Sofa.

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Andrey Horsev
Investing in Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) &b...
 San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - Netherlands
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Andrey Horsev

San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - Netherlands

Investing In

Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Media • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • Entertainment (& Sports) • Gaming (& eSports) • Food & Beverage • Local commerce • Online Social

Description

CEO of @908 Inc. Serial entrepreneur, angel investor, networker, bootstrapper!

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Paul Veugen
Investing in A.I. (& Big Data) • Human Resources
 Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Previous Investments
  • 💡:
  • 🔥:
  • Human.co, Inc.: (early stage)
  • Usabilla: (early stage)
  • Stark: $6000000 (Seed)
  • GsmBD.co: $3000000 (Seed)
  • Envision: $2000000 (Seed)
  • Aerial: $2000000 (Seed)
  • Rise: $3000000 (Pre Seed)
  • Butlr: (Pre Seed)
  • Clear: $850000 (Seed)

Paul Veugen

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Investing In

A.I. (& Big Data) • Human Resources

Description

Building products, teams, and companies. Investing in talented teams with grit.

Founder & CEO Detail and investor in product-obsessed teams

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Jan- Joost Rueb
Investing in PropTech • Hospitality (& Event...
 Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Previous Investments
  • Payaut: $3000000 (Seed)
  • BoatNow: $150000 (Angel)
  • Zazzy: (Angel)

Jan- Joost Rueb

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Investing In

PropTech • Hospitality (& Events) • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Payments • Real Estate (& Construction)

Description

Serial Entrepreneur - Coach - Investor - Director

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