The Netherlands Startup Tech Network in Singapore actively supports Dutch startups and scale-ups in Singapore and ASEAN by building and strengthening the startup ecosystem with global partners and opening doors to co-innovation with leading Dutch corporates. Bringing together government and private sector to collaborate and innovate.

Key services

• Connection to high-level decision makers
• Strategic sparring partner for companies that want to start up or scale up their business or want to find an investor or business partner
• Tailor-made services and advice for every startup and scale-up depending on their sector and growth strategy

Since 2019, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed Startup Liaison Officers (SLOs) to six priority metropolitan hubs within the Dutch mission network (London, Berlin, Paris, San Francisco, New York and Singapore). As part of the wider Dutch startup and scale-up policy they support and assist with the internationalization process of Dutch startup and scale-ups.

Singapore Startup Ecosystem - Hub of Innovation

Voted as the second-easiest place to do business in the world by the World Bank in 2019, Singapore is a thriving regional, financial and trading hub. Its unique position at the heart of the ASEAN region and easy access to talent, capital and research organizations makes it the perfect gateway for startups and scale-ups to access and scale in Southeast Asia. With its advanced IT infrastructure, strong government support and intellectual property laws and deep tech talent pools, Singapore claimed the title as world-leading technology innovation center.

The coronavirus pandemic has uprooted most aspects of daily life, and much of the economy built around it. However, out of crisis comes opportunity!

The Singapore Government has pledged aid to the startup Tech sector due to the economic impact of Covid-19. With a $150 million boost for the Startup SG Founder program amid the COVID-19 pandemic. For some companies, COVID-19 was the catalyst to pivot to new opportunities. The additional support for startups will help support entrepreneurs pursue innovative ideas.

In Singapore, fast-growing start-ups especially in the food, retail and technology industries have been working to respond to the changing environment. 

With more than 1,500 Dutch businesses in Singapore, Dutch innovative companies are growing stronger than ever and continue to thrive.

Singapore’s startup ecosystem should continue to be a hotbed of innovation. As tech startups focus on creating smart cities and using deep technologies to improve food consumption and energy efficiency, there will be many opportunities for Dutch startups to gain traction.

Meet the Startup Liaison Officer

Gabby van Herpt
Before her move to Singapore 9 years ago she founded an e-commerce company in the Netherlands with the focus on the digital transformation process from an offline to online business. In December 2017 she led the company to a successful exit. As one of the initiators of the Startup and SMEs Community in Singapore she’s still involved as an advisor and active member.
Questions via e-mail
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabby-van-herpt-2b65aa21/

More information

If you are planning on doing business in Singapore knowledge of the investment environment and information on legal, accounting and taxation framework are essential to keep you on the right track. This guide will provide you with insights into the key aspects of investing and undertaking business in Singapore. It makes reference to some of the most common issues companies might face when expanding into the city-state.

Interested in a detailed overview on the Singapore startup ecosystem?
This overview will give you insights in the investment climate, the trends and opportunities and support opportunities for startups.

For the ultimate guide and source on global expansion to Singapore with valuable data and interactive maps regional insights, video tips from fellow Dutch entrepreneurs- and much more, please check the TechLeap GoGlobal or Singapore Unlocked website. 

“The expertise and knowledge of the Startup Liaisons help us to better map the dynamics of tech hubs globally. This is very valuable to us in order to plan and execute our international expansion activities with the necessary precision, and to get into contact with exactly the right parties in the ecosystem from the start”. - Xander Pelgröm, Dealroom -