Amsterdam Area welcomed 133 international companies, creating more than 4,000 jobs in 2021
International investment in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area has almost reached pre-pandemic levels, new figures released by amsterdam inbusiness and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency show.
Amsterdam gained 133 international businesses in 2021
New figures from amsterdam inbusiness and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency show 133 international companies opened a new location – including 32 new headquarters – in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (AMA) in 2021, creating more than 4,000 new jobs. This is twice as many new jobs as in 2020.
In addition, 30 international companies already established in the AMA expanded, creating 2,500 new jobs. The numbers, released today, show international investment in the region has almost reached pre-pandemic levels.
The majority of the new businesses are active in tech, the financial and fintech sectors, transport and logistics, the creative industries, and the life sciences and health sector.
They include the sustainable energy company Anax Power; Quantiphi, a digital engineering business developing innovative technology using AI and machine learning; Roku, a media company building video streaming platforms; Lucid Motors and Xpeng, both manufacturers of electric vehicles; and NanoString Technologies, a company developing solutions in the life sciences sector.
Businesses 'positive' about opportunities
Deputy mayor Victor Everhardt (Economic Affairs, Amsterdam) said: “International businesses are positive about their opportunities for growth and investment in the Amsterdam Area. The number of new jobs created in the Amsterdam Area – 4,000 – by international companies setting up here is back to pre-pandemic levels. And we know that every job at an international company creates roughly one additional job elsewhere in the region.
“These figures show that we have been able to regain our economic capacity after a heavy economic blow. We are doing well in many different sectors, such as fintech, media, and life sciences and health, which really strengthens our international competitiveness.”
Brexit fuels expansion
Nearly one in five of the new businesses (24), representing 550 jobs, stated that Brexit had been a reason for establishing an office in the AMA. For three of the expanding companies, representing 130 jobs, Brexit was a reason for doing so.
A total of 169 companies have located in the AMA or expanded their existing business here since the Brexit referendum in 2016, creating a total of 6,139 jobs. Of these jobs, 4,414 were created by 143 newly established businesses, and 1,725 jobs were created by the expansion of 26 already established businesses. In addition, more than 100 companies are still considering the AMA as a location, with Brexit being one of the reasons for a move.
More companies set up in municipalities outside Amsterdam
Of the newly established companies, 3 out of 10 set up in an AMA municipality outside Amsterdam, generating 1 in 4 of the new jobs. Recent years have shown a trend of international companies settling in the region rather than in Amsterdam itself. In 2019, one of five companies representing 1 of 10 new jobs set up in an AMA municipality outside Amsterdam.
Deputy mayor Marja Ruigrok (Economy & Innovation, Municipality of Haarlemmermeer), said: “It is fantastic to see that the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is, and will remain, an enormously attractive business location, especially for companies from innovative sectors, such as life sciences & health, the creative industry and tech – the jobs of the future.”
Most of the new businesses and new jobs come from the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa), followed by North America (the United States and Canada) and Asia. The majority of companies that expanded in the AMA – more than 43% – come from North American companies.
Amsterdam’s innovative spirit and availability of highly educated, English-speaking talent appeals to a wide range of businesses, while the city’s world-leading connectivity gives it a competitive edge.
About amsterdam inbusiness
amsterdam inbusiness is a collaboration between the municipalities of Almere, Amstelveen, Haarlemmermeer and Amsterdam. Its main focus is on attracting and retaining foreign companies that contribute to economic recovery and to solving societal challenges in the fields of sustainability, innovation and health.