The Netherlands ranks in the top 5 in the Global Innovation Index with a thriving ecosystem of incubators and research institutions. Amsterdam is also Europe’s 3rd most active startup hub with a vibrant investor network, with over 50% of all investment into Dutch startups coming from domestic investors.
The Netherlands has consistently taken the top spot in DHL’s Global Connectedness Index which tracks international flows of trade, capital, information and people across 169 countries. Its geographic position at the heart of Europe, also makes it the perfect location to access the entire European Union market of over 450 million consumers.
The Netherlands is a huge hub for talent, particularly in tech where it ranks the highest in Europe for digital skills. The talent competitiveness is bolstered by the Dutch University System which ranks 3rd in Europe, making the ideal base to build out your new team.
The Netherlands is ranked equal first on Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index, which takes into account cost of living, safety, transport, pollution and crime. It is also the global leader in English proficiency among non-native English speaking nations globally, making it an easy transition from Singapore!
This 3 month journey provides participants with everything they need to maximise success for growing their business into the Netherlands. The first two months take place from Singapore, supported by Startupbootcamp’s Singapore office, and are comprised of understanding the Dutch market landscape and business.
In week 10, we set off for Amsterdam for a 10 day trip filled with networking, face-to-face meetings with leads, guest speakers and culminating in a demo day to showcase the businesses to a curated network of industry partners and investors.
(And of course plenty of Gouda, Poffertjes, cycling and walking around in clogs in between!)
By the end of the programme, you will have:
• An understanding of the local culture, industries and ecosystem support options
• Produced a go-to-market strategy for The Netherlands
• Received a personalised markey landscape research pack
• Multiple warm introductions to relevant leads in your industry
• Built an initial network in The Netherlands
• Connections to multiple local investors
• Local strategic advisor matched to your needs
• Confidence in knowing how to set up your business in The Netherlands
• …and 3 months of fun memories!
Applications close: January 8, 2024
Selection finalised: January 15, 2024
Programme starts: January 29, 2024
Netherlands Trade Mission: 1st - 5th April 2024
Applications close: December 10, 2024
Selection finalized: January 6, 2024
Program starts: January 13, 2024
Netherlands Trade Mission: March 24 - March 30, 2025
(including FUTURE XPO)
As long as your decision to expand into the Netherlands is intentional and strategic, we encourage you to apply!
We're looking for innovative companies with a strong foundation in Singapore.
Companies that meet the following eligibility requirements are welcome to apply:
• Startups, scale-ups, or small to medium enterprises incorporated in Singapore
• Has reached at least product-market fit in Singapore and is ready to scale
• Must demonstrate sufficient domestic traction to show your capacity and commitment to launching into the Netherlands or European market
• Should be at the revenue-generating stage
Not sure if you're a fit? Contact us!
All companies based in Singapore are welcome to apply as long as you fulfill the criteria that we are looking for as listed in the FAQ section above.
The Program has a highly subsidised fee per participating company of SGD $6,535 plus travel costs. Each company may have more than one person participate under the one fee. This covers:
• 9 weeks of intensive preparation: Weekly workshops, one-on-one sessions with industry experts, personalized expert advisors based in the Netherlands, personalized market research report crafted specifically for your company, and curated customer and investor leads.
• 7 days of immersive activities in the Netherlands: Guest speakers, networking events, site visits, one-on-one meetings with investor and customer leads, one-on-one meetings with advisors and local business support experts (legal, banking, HR etc.), entrance to FUTUREXPO 2025 (March 27), and a final Demo Day pitch.
Please note that you will need to cover your own travel and accommodation costs when we travel to Netherlands. We will provide some guidance on different types of accommodation to suit different budgets, share any partner discounts or promotions whenever applicable.
The first 9 weeks of the program will consist of weekly sessions held online. We'll have experts from the Netherlands and Singapore leading the sessions. The session times may vary, but most will be scheduled in the mornings to accommodate the different time zones.
You must be available to travel to Netherlands for the entire in-market portion, from March 24th to March 30th, 2025. If you have any concerns about meeting the dates, please reach out to us.
To apply, simply complete the application form and submit a pitch deck summarizing your company and explaining why you want to join the program. We will conduct short interviews with shortlisted applicants and notify you by early January 2024, giving you ample time to prepare for the program.
Once accepted, you will receive an invoice for the program fee, which must be paid before the start of the program.