Dutch startups attracted more investment than ever in 2021
New research shows 2021 was a record-breaking year for Dutch startups and scale-ups.
New Dutch companies attract record investment
Dutch startups and scale-ups attracted a record amount of investment in 2021, more than doubling the amount raised in 2020.
Research found €1.8bn was invested in Dutch startups in 2021, up from €790m in 2020. Dutch scale-ups attracted €2.5bn in 2021, compared to €900m the previous year.
The numbers were published by the Nederlandse Vereniging van Participatiemaatschappijen (NVP - Dutch Association of Participation Companies), the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity and venture capital industry in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam's startup scene
The numbers solidify the Netherlands' position as a dominant force in the startup scene, particularly in Europe. As the capital and tech hub of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned as a centre emerging tech and innovation and is home to international pioneers such as WeTransfer, Adyen and Mollie. The most recent State of European Tech report found Amsterdam produced more unicorns, megarounds and companies raising funds at a faster pace in 2021. Success stories include Amsterdam-founded Picnic raising €600m last year, and neobank bunq achieving unicorn status.
With one of the most advanced digital infrastructures in Europe, an English-speaking workforce, and a host of incubators, accelerators and opportunities for public backing, companies increasingly choose Amsterdam to grow their business.
