Dutch startups attract $3.5 billion in 2024, marking second-best year for tech investment
In 2024, Dutch startups raised $3.5 billion according to Dealroom data, reflecting strong investor confidence and marking the second-best funding year ever for the Netherlands’ tech sector.
Published on December 21, 2024
Dragon's den for startups, AI-generated image
The Dutch startup ecosystem has demonstrated remarkable resilience, securing $1.1 billion more in 2024 compared to 2023, according to Dealroom data, reported by The Next Web. This impressive performance has elevated the Netherlands to Europe’s fourth best-funded startup ecosystem, up from sixth place in 2023, trailing only behind the UK ($17 billion), Germany ($7.9 billion), and France ($7.7 billion).
Several significant funding rounds have contributed to this year’s success. Nebius secured the largest round at $700 million in December 2024, followed by Picnic with $388 million in January. The ecosystem also celebrated the emergence of new unicorns, with DataSnipper reaching a $1 billion valuation after raising $100 million in February 2024. Mews, the hotel management software provider, achieved notable success with two major funding rounds totaling $210 million in March and September 2024.
Diverse sector growth
The Dutch tech landscape has shown particular strength in climate tech and biotech sectors. Carbon Equity demonstrated this trend by raising €100 million for its Climate Tech Portfolio Fund II in March 2024. The government has also shown strong support, with the Dutch Ministry of Defence announcing a €100 million fund for early-stage financing, focusing on dual-use technologies. In the biotech sector, Farmless secured a €1 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund on December 17, 2024, highlighting the ecosystem’s innovation in sustainable protein production.
The Netherlands’ robust investment infrastructure includes active participation from major venture capital firms and institutional investors. Notable players like InnoEnergy and DIF, which manages over $16 billion in assets, continue to drive growth in the ecosystem. With the Dutch startup ecosystem now ranked 13th globally according to the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, the country seems well-positioned for continued growth in biotech, AI, and semiconductors, setting a strong foundation for 2025.