Top 10 Alternatives to HighTechXL: Best Startup Incubators in the Netherlands in 2025
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In 2025, the Netherlands maintains its position as a fertile ground for startups, offering numerous incubators that cater to the diverse needs of budding entrepreneurs. These incubators provide essential resources, including funding, mentorship, networking opportunities, and workspace, all aimed at accelerating the growth of early-stage companies. This guide explores ten top alternatives to HighTechXL, giving you insights into the best startup incubators in the Netherlands in 2025.
Why Consider an Incubator?
Choosing the right incubator is crucial for the success of a startup as it provides essential support at the early stages. Incubators not only help startups fine-tune their business models but also connect them with industry experts and potential investors. In the competitive landscape of entrepreneurship, having the right support can be the difference between success and failure.
According to a 2025 survey, 90% of startups that participated in incubators reported improved business performance and accelerated growth.
Top 10 Startup Incubators in the Netherlands in 2025
1. F/MS Startup Game
The F/MS Startup Game focuses on gamifying the startup journey to make entrepreneurship accessible and engaging, particularly for women. Developed by Fe/male Switch, this online incubator offers a unique, simulation-based approach to learning and startup development. The platform includes comprehensive resources, interactive tasks, and an AI co-founder named PlayPal to assist entrepreneurs at every step.
2. JENTS International
JENTS International is renowned for its robust accelerator programs. They have a strong track record of helping startups secure funding and scale their operations. Located in Amsterdam, their programs include in-depth mentoring, business development services, and a significant focus on international scaling.
3. Aimforthemoon
Aimforthemoon operates on a corporate startup studio model in Amsterdam, offering business development, co-working spaces, and startup workshops. They emphasize collaboration between corporates and startups to create groundbreaking innovative solutions.
4. Startup Lab
Startup Lab has a notable history of successful alumni, including iZettle. They offer a 12-month incubation program for tech startups, focusing on intensive mentorship, business model refinement, and market access. Their support extends beyond the initial incubation period, providing startups with a robust network of industry contacts.
5. Rockstart
Rockstart, based in Amsterdam, focuses on early-stage investments in sectors such as Energy, AgriFood, and EmergingTech. Their programs are designed to help startups quickly achieve product-market fit and secure significant follow-on funding.
6. Collider
Collider is a niche accelerator that focuses exclusively on Madtech (marketing and advertising tech) and eCommerce. They offer a six-month intense program designed to fast-track the development of startups in these specific sectors.
7. HealthInc
HealthInc is dedicated to fostering startups in the health and wellness industry. Their program is tailored to meet the unique challenges of health startups, offering specialized mentorship and access to healthcare networks.
8. Plug and Play Tech Center
Plug and Play Tech Center boasts a global presence with a strong base in the Netherlands. They provide extensive resources, including funding, workspace, and a vast network of corporate partners and investors.
9. YES!Delft
YES!Delft is one of the leading tech incubators in Europe. They focus on nurturing technology-based startups, providing support in areas such as robotics, blockchain, and medtech. Their facilities include high-tech labs and prototyping environments.
10. UtrechtInc
UtrechtInc provides early-stage startups with a comprehensive program that includes mentoring, seed funding, and a collaborative workspace. Their focus is on helping startups achieve product-market fit and scale rapidly.
How to Choose the Right Incubator: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify Your Needs: Determine what kind of support you need—mentorship, funding, networking, workspace.
- Research Programs: Look into the specific programs offered by each incubator to find the best fit for your startup’s industry.
- Consider Location: Proximity to your target market, industry hubs, and potential partners can influence your choice.
- Check Alumni Success: Research the success stories and outcomes of previous participants.
- Visit if Possible: If feasible, visit the incubator to get a feel for the environment and culture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Due Diligence: Always thoroughly research and understand the incubator before committing.
- Choosing Based on Fame: An incubator’s brand is not as important as how well it fits your startup’s needs.
- Underestimating Commitment: Be prepared for the intensive work and commitment required to make the most of the program.
Deep Insights
In 2025, the trend is moving towards specialized incubators that cater to specific industries such as health tech, AgriTech, and marketing technology. Collaborative models where corporates and startups work together are becoming more prevalent, offering mutual benefits and fostering innovation at a larger scale.
Try PlayPal, Your AI Friend
Looking for personalized advice and companionship during your entrepreneurial journey? PlayPal is an AI friend developed by Fe/male Switch to provide support on a wide range of topics, from business insights to personal well-being. Engage with PlayPal to get tailored responses and feel more connected and supported.
Conclusion
The Netherlands continues to be a dynamic and supportive environment for startups. With a variety of specialized and highly effective incubators, entrepreneurs can find the support they need to grow and succeed. By leveraging these resources, startups can significantly enhance their chances of success in a competitive market.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, the incubators listed here provide valuable resources and opportunities to help you achieve your goals. Choose the one that aligns best with your vision and needs, and take your startup to new heights in 2025.
FAQ
1. What is the F/MS Startup Game?
The F/MS Startup Game gamifies the startup journey, focusing on making entrepreneurship accessible and engaging for women. It offers a unique, simulation-based approach to learning and startup development. Learn more about F/MS Startup Game
2. What support does JENTS International offer?
JENTS International is renowned for its robust accelerator programs, in-depth mentoring, business development services, and a significant focus on international scaling. Explore JENTS International
3. How does Aimforthemoon operate?
Aimforthemoon operates using a corporate startup studio model in Amsterdam, offering business development, co-working spaces, and startup workshops by emphasizing collaboration between corporates and startups. Discover Aimforthemoon
4. What is the Startup Lab known for?
Startup Lab is known for its successful 12-month incubation program for tech startups, intensive mentorship, business model refinement, and market access. Learn more about Startup Lab
5. Which sectors does Rockstart focus on?
Rockstart focuses on early-stage investments in sectors like Energy, AgriFood, and EmergingTech, helping startups achieve product-market fit and secure significant follow-on funding. Explore Rockstart
6. What is Collider's specialization?
Collider specializes exclusively in Madtech (marketing and advertising tech) and eCommerce, offering a six-month intense program designed to fast-track startups in these sectors. Learn more about Collider
7. What does HealthInc focus on?
HealthInc focuses on fostering startups in the health and wellness industry, with specialized mentorship and access to healthcare networks tailored to meet the unique challenges of health startups. Discover HealthInc
8. What resources does Plug and Play Tech Center provide?
Plug and Play Tech Center provides extensive resources, including funding, workspace, and a vast network of corporate partners and investors. Learn more about Plug and Play Tech Center
9. What is YES!Delft's main area of focus?
YES!Delft focuses on nurturing technology-based startups, offering support in robotics, blockchain, and medtech with high-tech labs and prototyping environments. Explore YES!Delft
10. What does UtrechtInc offer early-stage startups?
UtrechtInc provides early-stage startups with a comprehensive program that includes mentoring, seed funding, and a collaborative workspace to help startups achieve product-market fit and scale rapidly. Discover UtrechtInc
