Startups and Scale-ups

Solving global challenges together

The UK and the Netherlands both boast thriving Startup and Scale-up ecosystems. The UK currently has the biggest ecosystem in Europe. While the Netherlands may not lead when it comes to size, it is doing well in terms of innovation, collaboration and strategic positioning within Europe.
 

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Startups and Scale-ups

For Dutch startups/scale-ups, the UK represents an attractive market due to its scale, access to investment, extensive networks and strong pool of international talent. Conversely, the Netherlands offers advantages such as a strategic geographic location in Europe, a globally connected ecosystem, robust digital infrastructure and a strong appetite for innovation.

Both countries focus on different but complementary sectors. In the UK, the top sectors for investment are Health, Fintech, Enterprise Software and Energy. The Netherlands, meanwhile, emphasises its investments in Hosting, Food, Energy and Health. These sectoral strengths open up opportunities for expansion, collaboration and joint growth.

A successful startup community relies on business success, as well as on shared values of connection, cooperation and ambition. At the Embassy, we aim to foster these connections by supporting Dutch startups looking to enter and grow in the UK market. We organise trade missions to the UK, and participation at leading events such as London TechWeek and the Bett - conferences that provide networking and lead-generating opportunities, as well as knowledge exchange with the UK (and global) market.

Our goal is to support the next generation of global success stories – following in the footsteps of companies like Revolut, Adyen, Just Eat Takeaway and Zapp.
 

The Startup Liasion

The Startup Liaison at the Netherlands’ Embassy supports Dutch Startups and Scale-ups seeking to establish or expand their presence in the UK; strengthening ties between the Dutch and British startup ecosystems, and creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and mutual growth.

For more information about opportunities for your startup or scale-up, or to learn more about the work of the Startup Liaison, please get in touch via the contact form.