In the Netherlands, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed intentions to support the country's technical startups and attract venture capital, following research indicating a slowdown in the sector.
The Netherlands, known for chip equipment and home to ASML, the world's leading chip equipment manufacturer, relies on startups for future economic growth. However, TechLeap, the key organization supporting startups, revealed that growth was stalling and fewer small firms were securing substantial funding.
Schoof highlighted the need to reduce bureaucracy, invest more in artificial intelligence, and create an environment conducive to venture capital investment. He emphasized the urgency to keep pace with the United States and China in technological advancements.
Eindhoven, where ASML is located and a hub for technical startups, has been vital in bolstering the Dutch economy amidst challenges in neighboring Germany.
Despite a positive increase in venture capital investments to Dutch firms in 2024, reaching 3.1 billion euros, the Netherlands ranks fourth in Europe behind Britain, Germany, and France. However, the number of new Dutch companies securing significant funding decreased, with most funds coming from foreign sources.
In 2024, only two Dutch companies achieved unicorn status with valuations exceeding a billion euros, including the hotel industry and DataSnipper, a company specializing in AI-powered auditing automation.