The Ultimate Guide to Dutch Startup Accelerators in 2025
Here is a comprehensive list of startup accelerator programs in the Netherlands in 2025 that is being updated as new programs open up.
These programs are categorized by their focus areas, funding opportunities, and unique features to help you identify the best fit for your startup.
These programs are categorized by their focus areas, funding opportunities, and unique features to help you identify the best fit for your startup.
Try our FREE AI Business Model Canvas generator to automatically create a BMC by answering just two questions. You will get an editable Google Presentation and an extensive guide on what to do next.
Top Startup Accelerators in the Netherlands (2025)
Antler
- Focus: Sector-agnostic, co-founder matching.
- Program Length: 6 months.
- Funding: €100,000 for 10% equity + €2,500 monthly allowance.
- Location: Amsterdam.
Rockstart
- Focus: Energy, AgriFood, and Emerging Technologies.
- Program Length: 4 months.
- Funding: €135,000.
- Location: Amsterdam.
StartupBootcamp
- Focus: Fintech, Cybersecurity, Smart Cities, and IoT.
- Program Length: 3 months.
- Funding: €15,000–€20,000 for 6-8% equity.
- Location: Amsterdam.
Techstars (by ABN AMRO)
- Focus: Fintech.
- Program Length: 3 months.
- Funding: $120,000 for 6% equity.
- Location: Amsterdam.
UtrechtInc
- Focus: Software, Health, and Sustainability.
- Program Length: 10 weeks.
- Funding: Access to Rabobank’s pre-seed fund (€68,000).
- Location: Utrecht.
WorldStartup
- Focus: Nature, Food, Health, and Smart Cities.
- Program Length: 1-3 weeks (Market Readiness Training) or 3 years (Altitude Program).
- Funding: Tailored support with no upfront fees.
- Location: Amsterdam.
Yes! Delft
- Focus: Hardware and Digital Startups.
- Program Length: 3 months.
- Funding: Non-equity-based support.
- Location: Delft.
HighTechXL
- Focus: Deep Tech.
- Program Length: 9 months.
- Funding: Mentorship and corporate partnerships (no direct investment).
- Location: Eindhoven.
ACE Incubator
- Focus: AI, IoT, Blockchain, and Data Science.
- Program Length: 3 months.
- Funding: Mentorship and connections to investors.
- Location: Amsterdam.
EIT Climate-KIC
- Focus: Climate Tech.
- Program Length: 12 months.
- Funding: €50,000.
- Location: Amsterdam.
Sector-Specific Accelerators
NLC
- Focus: HealthTech and Life Sciences.
- Program Length: Varies.
- Funding: Mentorship and access to investors.
- Location: Amsterdam.
Do You Want to Be on This Top List? 🔝
That's possible! Pay a small fee and let us elevate your product or service.
Don't miss out—limited spots available!
Get Started →
Fashion for Good
- Focus: Sustainable Fashion.
- Program Length: 12 weeks.
- Funding: Tailored support.
- Location: Amsterdam.
PortXL
- Focus: Maritime and Port Technologies.
- Program Length: 15 weeks.
- Funding: Mentorship and networking.
- Location: Rotterdam.
Travel Impact Lab
- Focus: Sustainable Travel.
- Program Length: 12 weeks.
- Funding: Tailored support.
- Location: Amsterdam.
CDR Accelerator
- Focus: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR).
- Program Length: 9 months.
- Funding: €50,000 in non-dilutive funding.
- Location: Amsterdam.
Online and Remote Accelerators
- Focus: Women Entrepreneurs (Gamified Learning), early stage.
- Program Length: Personalized.
- Funding: Bootstrapping is prioritized, which means you get help with grants instead of aiming for VC.
- Location: Online.
- Perks: You get an AI co-founder who build with you. Help with choosing an idea and validating it the right way.
Move your startup from IDEA to first CUSTOMER!
Get an AI co-founder and enjoy a brainstorming partner that never sleeps.
BUILD YOUR STARTUP
X-Europe
- Focus: Deep Tech (AI, Blockchain, IoT).
- Program Length: 6 months.
- Funding: Tailored support.
- Location: Online.
Startup Leap
- Focus: Early-Stage Startups.
- Program Length: Varies.
- Funding: Free online program.
- Location: Online.
Key Features of Dutch Accelerators
- Mentorship: Access to industry experts, investors, and alumni networks.
- Funding: Equity-based investments ranging from €15,000 to €135,000.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with corporates, investors, and peers.
- Demo Days: Pitch events to secure follow-on funding.
- Sector Focus: Many accelerators specialize in industries like Fintech, HealthTech, and Sustainability.
Are Startup Accelerators Worth It?
Startup accelerators have become a cornerstone of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering early-stage companies a structured path to growth, funding, and mentorship. With over 8,000 accelerators globally, these programs have helped launch giants like Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. But are they the right choice for every startup? This article dives into the pros and cons of accelerators, their value, and what founders should consider before applying.
Why Startup Accelerators Matter
Startup accelerators are time-bound, cohort-based programs designed to fast-track the growth of early-stage companies. They provide mentorship, funding, and access to a network of investors and industry experts. Programs like Y Combinator and Techstars have become synonymous with startup success, offering resources that many founders couldn’t access on their own.
The Value of Accelerators
- Mentorship and Expertise: Accelerators connect startups with seasoned entrepreneurs and investors who provide invaluable guidance. For example, 500 Global emphasizes mentorship in its programs, helping founders refine their business models and pitches.
- Funding Opportunities: Most accelerators offer seed funding in exchange for equity. Y Combinator, for instance, provides $500,000 to startups, while MassChallenge offers equity-free grants.
- Networking: Being part of an accelerator cohort opens doors to a global network of founders, investors, and corporate partners. Plug and Play boasts partnerships with over 500 corporations, giving startups access to real-world pilot opportunities.
- Validation and Credibility: Graduating from a top accelerator can significantly boost a startup’s credibility, making it easier to attract follow-on funding.
The Pros and Cons of Accelerators
Pros
- Structured Growth: Accelerators provide a clear roadmap for scaling, often including workshops, pitch training, and demo days.
- Access to Resources: From office space to legal and accounting services, accelerators offer resources that startups might not afford independently.
- Faster Scaling: With mentorship and funding, startups can achieve milestones quicker than they would on their own.
Cons
- Equity Stake: Accelerators typically take 5-10% equity, which can be costly in the long run.
- Intensive Commitment: Programs like Techstars require founders to dedicate 3-6 months fully, which can be overwhelming.
- Overpromising: Not all accelerators deliver on their promises. Some may lack quality mentorship or fail to provide meaningful connections.
What to Look for in an Accelerator
- Industry Fit: Choose an accelerator that specializes in your sector. For example, Rockstart focuses on energy and agritech, while Alchemist Accelerator caters to enterprise startups.
- Funding Terms: Evaluate the equity stake and funding offered. Programs like MassChallenge are equity-free, while others may take a significant share.
- Mentorship Quality: Research the mentors and their track records. High-quality mentorship can make or break your experience.
- Alumni Success: Look at the success stories of past participants. Accelerators like Y Combinator have a proven track record of producing unicorns.
Conclusion
Startup accelerators can be a game-changer for early-stage companies, offering mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities.
However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Founders must carefully evaluate the program’s fit with their goals, industry, and stage of development.
By choosing the right accelerator, startups can accelerate their growth and increase their chances of success.
However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Founders must carefully evaluate the program’s fit with their goals, industry, and stage of development.
By choosing the right accelerator, startups can accelerate their growth and increase their chances of success.
FAQ
1. What is a startup accelerator?
A startup accelerator is a program that provides mentorship, funding, and resources to early-stage companies to help them grow quickly. Learn more at Y Combinator1.
2. Do accelerators charge fees?
Most accelerators do not charge fees but take equity in exchange for funding and resources. Be cautious of programs that require upfront payments11.
3. What is the difference between an accelerator and an incubator?
Accelerators are short-term, intensive programs focused on rapid growth, while incubators provide long-term support for early-stage ideas7.
4. How do I apply to an accelerator?
Applications typically require a pitch deck, business plan, and details about your team and traction. Check out Techstars for their application process7.
5. What is a demo day?
Demo day is the culmination of an accelerator program, where startups pitch to investors. It’s a key opportunity to secure funding1.
6. Are accelerators worth the equity?
It depends on the program’s value. Top accelerators like Y Combinator offer significant benefits, but founders should weigh the equity cost11.
7. Can I join an accelerator remotely?
Some accelerators, like 500 Global, offer remote programs, while others require in-person participation3.
8. What industries do accelerators focus on?
Accelerators like Rockstart specialize in specific sectors, such as energy or agritech, while others are sector-agnostic10.
9. How competitive are accelerator programs?
Top programs like Y Combinator have acceptance rates as low as 1-3%, making them highly competitive1.
10. What happens after an accelerator program?
Many accelerators, like Techstars, offer ongoing support through alumni networks and follow-on funding opportunities7.
