Are you ready to explore some of the Netherlands’ top startups? From emerging tech companies to innovative startups creating sustainable products and services, the Dutch startup ecosystem continues to grow with tremendous speed. As more and more entrepreneurs are developing their businesses in this country, it can be hard to keep up with all the changes happening in this growing entrepreneurship scene. Fortunately, we have done the research for you – here is an exciting lineup of some of the Netherlands' most cutting-edge startups that show real promise!
The Netherlands is ranked fourth among European countries for its startup ecosystem. - Source: Invest in Holland
Top Startups in the Netherlands (2024 - List)
Here are some of the top startups in the Netherlands:
1. MessageBird
Founders: Adriaan Mol, Bob Violier, Robert Vis
Total Funding Amount: $1.1B
Founded Year: 2011
With their cloud communications platform, MessageBird allows enterprises to easily connect with their customers, no matter where they are in the world. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing businesses to effortlessly send SMS, voice, and chat messages to their customers. Not only does this improve customer experience, but it also allows businesses to broaden their global reach.
2. Picnic
Founders: Bas Verheijen, Daniel Gebler, Frederik Nieuwenhuys, Joris Beckers, Michiel Muller
Total Funding Amount: €950M
Founded Year: 2015
Picnic is a remarkable tech company revolutionizing the way we get our daily essentials. The company has found a way to deliver fast-moving consumer goods right to our doorsteps. No more long lines at the supermarket or running out of essentials when we need them most. Picnic's home delivery system takes convenience and efficiency to the next level.
The Netherlands's startup scene is most prominent in the hardware and IoT, fintech, and e-commerce and retail sectors. - Source: StartupBlink
3. Mollie
Founders: Adriaan Mol
Total Funding Amount: $928M
Founded Year: 2004
Whether you're running an online store, mobile app, or subscription service, accepting payments is a crucial part of your business. That's where Mollie comes in as a payment platform that simplifies the process. With Mollie, you don't need to be a payment expert to integrate payments into your site or app. Their easy-to-use platform makes it simple and straightforward to set up and manage payments.
4. Perpetual Next
Founders: Martijn van Rheenen
Total Funding Amount: €720M
Founded Year: 2019
Perpetual Next is a Climate Tech company that has revolutionized the way industries and companies around the world produce sustainably. By harnessing the power of organic waste as a renewable raw material, this innovative company effectively extracts CO2 from the atmosphere. Perpetual Next's approach is visionary and is quickly gaining traction as businesses everywhere begin to recognize the importance of reducing their environmental impact.
Amsterdam is a major startup hub that offers a range of support for startups to thrive, such as the StartupDelta initiative and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.
5. Mambu
Founders: Eugene Danilkis, Frederik Pfisterer, Sofia Nunes
Total Funding Amount: €387M
Founded Year: 2011
The banking industry has seen a significant shift towards cloud-based solutions, as they have quickly become the backbone of modern businesses. In this changing landscape, Mambu stands out as the only true SaaS cloud-core banking platform. Providing a customizable solution that is equipped to handle a wide range of banking needs, Mambu enables financial institutions to streamline their operations and deliver the best possible experience to their customers.
6. Piano
Total Funding Amount: $222M
Founded Year: 2011
With the Piano platform, organizations gain a deeper understanding of their customers' behavior, allowing them to better target their marketing efforts and provide a more personalized experience. By analyzing user data and tracking engagement metrics, Piano empowers businesses to create more effective strategies and drive revenue growth.
Rotterdam is another major city in the Netherlands with a vibrant startup scene. Over 1600 active startups are based in Rotterdam, focusing on industries such as healthcare, smart logistics, and energy transition.- Source: seedblink
7. Sendcloud
Founders: Bas Smeulders, Rob van den Heuvel, Sabi Tolou
Total Funding Amount: $200.9M
Founded Year: 2012
Sendcloud is a powerful shipping platform that connects retailers like you to top-rated shipping carriers, Sendcloud makes shipping easier and more affordable than ever. Whether you're a small business owner or a large-scale retailer, Sendcloud's all-in-one shipping solution has got you covered.
8. Xeltis
Founders: Martijn Cox
Total Funding Amount: €175M
Founded Year: 2006
Xeltis is a clinical-stage company that boasts the most advanced polymer-based platform of restorative cardiovascular devices. What sets Xeltis apart from others in the medical technology realm is its unwavering commitment to providing innovative solutions that can restore patients' health and improve their quality of life.
9. Pyramid Analytics
Founders: Avi Perez, Herbert Ochtman, Omri Kohl
Total Funding Amount: $194M
Founded Year: 2008
With its enterprise-level software, Pyramid Analytics offers invaluable insights for employees at all levels of an organization. The software enables users to analyze data in real-time, creating actionable insights that help streamline processes and increase productivity. From sales and marketing to finance and operations, Pyramid Analytics equips teams with the tools they need to make informed decisions and drive business growth.
While Amsterdam is the leading startup hub in the Netherlands, other thriving local communities are quickly gaining ground. North Holland and South Holland are home to 2,000 and 1,400 startups respectively, followed by North-Brabant, Utrecht, Gelderland, and other major provinces. Source: Sifted & Dealroom Report
10. Leyden Labs
Founders: Dinko Valerio, Jaap Goudsmit, Koenraad Wiedhaup, Ronald Brus
Total Funding Amount: $187.1M
Founded Year: 2020
At the core of Leyden Labs approach is their unique platform, which focuses on identifying the commonalities shared by different viral families. By doing so, they are able to develop technologies that can help protect against not only known viruses, but also those that are yet to emerge.
11. Otrium
Founders: Max Klijnstra, Milan Daniels
Total Funding Amount: €132.6M
Founded Year: 2015
This innovative platform provides a marketplace for designer brands to sell their unsold inventory at a discounted price. With technology at its core, Otrium enables fashion labels to seamlessly manage their surplus stock and turn it into an opportunity.
Most Asked Questions
1. Is the Netherlands good for startups in 2024?
The Netherlands has long been a hub for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. With its strategic geographic location, technology-driven economy, and global networking opportunities, it's no surprise that the Netherlands has become a sought-after destination for startups.
But is the Netherlands really good for startups? Absolutely. The Netherlands offers a unique blend of economic stability, a thriving startup ecosystem, and an innovative spirit that makes it one of the best places in the world to launch and grow a startup. From access to world-class universities and research institutions, to a government that's highly supportive of entrepreneurship, the Netherlands has all the right ingredients to help startups succeed. The Netherlands is home to some of the world's most successful startups, and with its strong infrastructure, world-class talent, and supportive policies, it's no wonder why. If you're considering launching a startup, the Netherlands should definitely be on your list of top destinations.
The Dutch government has taken several steps to support startups, including the Techleap program, which aims to build a robust and vibrant startup ecosystem in the Netherlands.
2. What are the most successful startups in Netherlands?
The Netherlands has been a nurturing ground for some of the world's most innovative and impactful startups. Some of the standout names include MessageBird, which has revolutionized the way businesses interact with their customers. Then there's Picnic, which has disrupted the traditional grocery shopping experience with its delivery-only model. Mollie is another noteworthy startup, specializing in online payment solutions that make transactions simpler and seamless.
3. What are the advantages of starting a business in Netherlands?
The Netherlands is not only home to a thriving economy and a highly-educated workforce, but it also offers numerous perks to entrepreneurs seeking to establish their businesses. In fact, any entrepreneur who wants to set up business in the Netherlands would be glad to know that there is a a highly efficient business infrastructure. Besides, the Netherlands has a favorable tax regime, a strategic geographical location and a pro-business culture that make it an ideal location to launch a business.