Amsterdam offers it all: a rich cultural heritage, diversity, excellent quality of life, and a strategic gateway to the European market. The city stands out as one of Europe’s most innovative hubs, excelling in AI, fintech, smart mobility, and sustainable technologies, bringing together startups, global tech firms, and leading research institutions.
- 450+ international tech HQs
- ~2.3% of GDP spent on R&D
- 7,000+ AI professionals
- €1.24B+ in VC investment (2025)
- 20+ homegrown (ex-)unicorns
- 3,868 startups & scaleups
- 100+ accelerators&co-spaces
- 2,000 events & tech conferences
- #1 globally for English proficiency
- #1 in the new Global Index on Responsible AI
- #1 the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index
- #5 European Startup Ecosystem
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StartupAmsterdam is a city-led program, strengthening Amsterdam’s startup and innovation ecosystem since 2015.
Igneta is your go-to contact for finding the right connections within and outside the municipality, unlocking the full potential of what Amsterdam has to offer.
Project Lead StartupAmsterdam
City of Amsterdam
- 2.5 million inhabitants (MRA)
- 180 different nacionalities
- 8 top universities within 1h
- 1,9 becycles per household
- 21 museums within 5km
- fully circular by 2050
Amsterdam’s success is defined by its ability to create a growth environment for companies that combine technology with real-world impact. Take Source.ag, which has recently raised $17.5M to scale applied AI for sustainable food production, proving that in Amsterdam, commercial success and meaningful impact are not separate paths.
The city recognizes that innovators play a key role in addressing urgent societal challenges. That’s why the City of Amsterdam launched Startup inResidence – a first-of-its-kind public launching customer programme in Europe that connects startups with the local government. The program is open to European-based startups.
Finally, home to 180 different nationalities, Amsterdam is committed to creating equal opportunities for diverse founders – women entrepreneurs, international talent, and bi-cultural founders. The City actively fosters this through initiatives such as FEM-START, Equals, OMEK, Black Women in Tech, The Extra Mile and many others.
“Amsterdam has always been home to liberalism, enterprise, tolerance and diversity.”
Femke Halsema, Mayor of Amsterdam
“Being based in Amsterdam was the best thing we ever did because of the ecosystem here. I can’t thank Amsterdam enough for that. The ecosystem is extremely vibrant and there’s always a lot going on.”
Michael Musandu, Co-founder LaLaLand
The City of Amsterdam has been extremely supportive. This year, we joined three municipality-supported trade missions to Tech BBQ, Bits and Pretzels, and Slush. These events were really helpful for connecting with investors, especially because we’re building hardware and the pool of relevant financiers is not huge.
Alina Chanaewa, Founder and CEO Eddytec
Step-by-step GUIDE: Join more than 3500 international companies that have invested in Amsterdam.
City as a Service: Amsterdam Trade & Invest offers free services to international companies establishing in Amsterdam. Your dedicated sector expert will provide insights, practical guidance, industry knowledge, and direct connections to relevant ecosystem partners.
Coming from outside the European Union? Explore our Startup Visa.
- DutchBasecamp guides startups in market entry and international expansion. Also an official visa facilitator.
- Dutch Startup Association advocates for startup-friendly policies and connects founders to key stakeholders.
- Invest in Holland supports international companies in setting up and scaling in the Netherlands.
- Netherlands Enterprise Agency offers funding, advice, and international support for business growth.
- Techleap helps tech & deeptech solutions growth faster through scaling programmes and founder directory.
- Government of the Netherlands supports innovative entrepreneurs through promotion, financing and tax reliefs.
Amsterdam has 8 Innovation districts (knowledge quarters and campuses), convering around artificial intelligence, next-generation medicines, energy efficiency, and societal equality — creating a shared engine for a more resilient and inclusive Amsterdam. Read more here.
- B.Amsterdam offers co-working spaces, event venues and innovation programs.
- Capital C Bloemenmarkt is a tech hub and co-working space for startups and scale-ups.
- Energy Transition Campus is a collaborative community housed in a sustainable building
- Fashion for Good is a global platform for startups and brands in the fashion industry.
- Impact Hub supports startups and initiatives working on sustainability and green innovation.
- Marineterrein hosts pilot projects and experiments for urban innovation and sustainable solutions
- Prodock accelerates establishments and developments in the industrial port.
- Startup Village is a community of startups & network partners with focus on AI and Quantum.
The Amsterdam’s startup & scaleup ecosystem is valued at $130B+. AI and machine learning, sustainability and climate tech, cybersecurity, fintech infrastructure, and health tech are the primary investment themes.
- Top VCs: discover Peak Capital, Keen Ventures, Inkef Capital, Endeit Capital, SET Ventures, Newion, Volta, Rubio Impact Ventures, and many more.
- Angel Investors: Angel networks and platforms, such as Leapfunder, Operators Exchange or Arches Capital.
- Funding Programs: city-supported initiatives like Ready2Scale, FEM-START, Amsterdam Circular and other.
- Public Funds: explore InvestNL, Innovatiefonds, ROM inWest, and the national government support schemes.
The Netherlands ranks #1 in AI talent density in Europe, making it an ideal environment for companies looking to build and scale in the Dutch capital. Home to 180 nationalities, with around 90% English proficiency, 8 top-ranked universities within one hour, and a 53.4% retention rate of international graduates, Amsterdam offers exceptional access to global talent.
30% tax ruling: highly skilled migrants recruited from abroad may be eligible for a tax benefit. This helps employers attract international talent.
- IN Amsterdam – a government office that provides a streamlined, one-stop-shop service for companies and their highly skilled migrant employees.
- Service providers – work with innovative Amsterdam-based HR solutions like nosocial, recruitee, homerun, testgorilla, harver, and many more.
Hello Tomorrow Global Summit moving to Amsterdam in 2026
Moving the Hello Tomorrow Summit to Amsterdam underscores the city’s strong reputation for innovation and investor support. With a growing deeptech scene and strong collaboration between researchers, startups, and investors, Amsterdam is set to play an even bigger role in deeptech.
Norrsken Foundation to open impact startup hub in Amsterdam
Backed by Dutch investors and supported by the City of Amsterdam, the new centre will bring together more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors and partners working on scalable solutions in climate, energy, mobility, food, health and digital innovation.
State of Dutch Tech 2026: growth and challenges
The State of Dutch Tech 2026 shows the Netherlands’ tech sector continuing to grow, with over 11,000 companies and €2.64 billion in venture capital raised in 2025. Yet obstacles remain in early-stage funding and scaling startups.