Startups in 2025

Best Startup Events in the Netherlands in 2025

The Dutch startup ecosystem is buzzing with incredible opportunities this year, and if you're serious about growing your business, these events are absolute must-attends. From intimate networking sessions to massive tech festivals, the Netherlands is hosting some of Europe's greatest startup gatherings.

This article is regularly updated with new events. Do you know about an event that needs to be added? Send us some info and we will see if it's a fit.

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Whether you're a first-time founder looking for validation or a seasoned entrepreneur hunting for your next big break, these events will connect you with the right people, ideas, and opportunities to take your startup to the next level.

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Techleap (multiple events)

Techleap holds regular events for its tech ecosystem community, including the MEET annual in-person gathering for scaleups, LET Award for outstanding entrepreneurs, and various workshops and AMA sessions on topics like funding, leadership, and talent management.

Techleap: 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀: 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗗𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 (You have missed it)

𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘺. 📅 Tue, 14 Oct 📍 Techleap Office (EDGE Stadium), Amsterdam Register here

Scaling Challenge

For scaleups, the world of subsidies is a jungle: regional, national, and international programmes are constantly shifting, making it hard to know which opportunities are relevant, worth the time, and how to stay compliant. Without a strategic approach, founders risk leaving serious money on the table, and potentially diluting shares.

Topic Explanation

This session, powered by Ignite Group, one of the Netherlands’ leading subsidy consultancies, dives into national subsidies as a non-dilutive growth lever. We’ll surface the most common pain points and blockers founders face, and in a workshop setting, work through how to overcome them. Alongside Ignite’s expertise, a founder will share first-hand experience on how subsidies accelerated their growth journey.

Session Objective

To give founders, CFOs, and CTOs clarity on the real value of subsidies, help them understand how to navigate complexity, and show why it pays to think long-term and strategically when it comes to non-dilutive funding.

Session Outcome

A clear picture of the opportunities in national subsidies for scaleups.
Insight into the most recurring hurdles and how to overcome them.
Inspiration from a founder who successfully leveraged subsidies to accelerate growth.
Awareness that expert support exists to handle the heavy lifting, so you don’t waste time or miss out.

Session Audience

Founders, CFOs, and CTOs of scaleups (up to 250 FTE).
Companies with growth ambitions looking for non-dilutive funding opportunities.

Techleap: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗜 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗔𝗜 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 with Google (You have missed it)

𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘯-𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘐 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 📅 Thu, 30 Oct 📍 Google, Amsterdam Register here

As GenAI rapidly reshapes the modern workplace, scaleup leaders face a pivotal challenge: how do you empower teams to use AI to its full potential? This fast-paced AI landscape is an opportunity for leaders to guide their organizations through meaningful, strategic AI adoption.

You’ll hear from experts in change management and AI strategy exploring how to lead your teams through AI integration with clarity, purpose, and minimal disruption, as well as how to select and critically evaluate tools to avoid hype and maximise impact.

Key takeaways:

Proven change management strategies to boost team uptake of AI in your organisation. Frameworks to assess and prioritise GenAI tools for your unique business needs. Real-world case studies on workforce integration and AI upskilling. Breakout groups for deep-dive discussions and application planning, with a focus on practical outcomes.

This interactive workshop is designed specifically for non-technical founders and senior leaders who want to harness the potential of GenAI in their workflows and workforce. You’ll leave with practical insights to shape your AI adoption strategy, and the confidence to lead your teams through transformation.

Who is this session for?

Founders and tech leaders responsible for or interested in the uptake of AI in their workflows and workforce. This is a non-technical session, focused on change management and empowerment of your workforce to use AI themselves.

Techleap: 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 & 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 Loyens & Loeff (You have missed it)

𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘈𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵. 📅 Thu, 6 Nov 📍 Loyens & Loeff Office, Amsterdam Register here

This interactive, co-designed day is crafted specifically for founders and leaders who want to navigate investor deals, IP strategy, and compliance law confidently and cost-effectively.

Together, we’ll shape the agenda around the legal questions that matter most to you, helping you make informed decisions and protect your company's future.

Join peers and experts to connect, learn, and get practical insights that will support your growth and legal resilience.

Techleap: 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀, 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘂𝗽 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 (You have missed it)

𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘺. 📅 Tue, 11 Nov 📍 Techleap Office (EDGE Stadium), Amsterdam Register here

Scaling Challenge

For scaleups, the European funding landscape is full of opportunity, but also risk. [Horizon Europe, EIC Accelerator, Digital Europe], and other EU programmes offer significant non-dilutive funding, yet compliance requirements are complex, success rates are low, and mistakes can be costly. Without a strategic approach and expert guidance, founders risk leaving serious funding on the table or facing setbacks that could slow growth.

Topic Explanation

This session, powered by Ignite Group, one of Europe’s leading subsidy consultancies, dives into the high-stakes world of European subsidies. We’ll explore how telling a compelling, disruptive story is critical to success, and how founders can navigate the intricate compliance requirements. In a workshop setting, we’ll break down the blockers that often prevent scaleups from winning funding and show how to overcome them. A founder will share a first-hand account of leveraging EU subsidies to accelerate international growth, highlighting both the opportunities and pitfalls.

Session Objective

Understand why European subsidies are a powerful, but high-risk growth lever, learn how to craft a story that meets EU expectations, and discover how expert guidance can dramatically improve your chances of success.

Session Outcome

A clear picture of key European funding opportunities for scaleups.
Insight into the complex compliance requirements and common pitfalls that lead to rejection.
Strategies for building a compelling, disruptive story that increases your chances of success.
Inspiration from a founder who successfully navigated EU programmes to scale internationally.
Awareness of how expert support can help manage the workload and prevent missed opportunities.

Session Audience

Founders, CFOs, and CTOs of scaleups (up to 250 FTE).
Scaleups with international growth ambitions looking to maximize non-dilutive funding from European programmes while managing risk.

Techleap: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄/ Job van der Voort (Remote)

📅 Thu, 13 Nov 📍 Beyond Republica Campus, Amsterdam Register here

Expanding internationally is no longer optional for ambitious startups. It’s essential for growth, resilience, and long-term success.

In this session, Techleap and Remote bring together two perspectives to explore how founders can successfully navigate this critical step.

Job van der Voort, Founder and CEO of Remote, will unpack why international expansion is critical.

How entering new markets drives access to customers and revenue
Why global reach builds anti-fragility and adaptability
How early expansion creates lasting competitive advantage

Anastasia Pshegodskaya, Director of Talent Acquisition at Remote, will show why talent lies at the core of every successful international expansion strategy.

Unlocking global talent pools to overcome local scarcity.
Balancing cost efficiency with quality and innovation.
Building teams that scale fast while sustaining company culture.

Together, Job and Anastasia will highlight the interplay between strategic leadership and talent strategy, offering founders a practical roadmap to scaling beyond borders.

Level Up 2025 - The Ultimate Startup Acceleration Event (you just missed it)

Date: September 30, 2025

Location: Evoluon, Eindhoven

Few events challenge entrepreneurs quite like Level Up 2025. Designed as a startup acceleration program, this event empowers founders and their teams to overcome roadblocks while scaling their ventures. Sessions include:

Business model refinement workshops.
Team-building strategies.
Investor café opportunities to perfect pitch delivery.

The clubhouse format presents valuable group problem-solving interactions tailored to address real-world challenges faced by startups.

Level Up 2025 takes the crown as the most comprehensive startup event happening this year. This isn't just another networking event - it's a complete business transformation experience designed specifically for ambitious entrepreneurs ready to scale.

World Summit AI 2025

Date: October 8-9, 2025 (you just missed it)

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Focused on artificial intelligence and its applications in business and society, World Summit AI Amsterdam is a global gathering of start-ups, investors, researchers, and tech leaders. Attendees can expect:

Trends and insights into AI-driven startups.
Networking opportunities connecting regional tech ecosystems.

This event is a significant opportunity to explore innovation shaping industries worldwide.

More information: World Summit AI

CES Unveiled Europe (you just missed it)

Date: October 28, 2025

Location: Amsterdam

A precursor to CES 2026, CES Unveiled Europe in Amsterdam showcases cutting-edge Dutch innovations. It's a preparation program for the Dutch trade mission to CES Las Vegas in January 2026, offering:

Opportunities for startups to present their ideas to international audiences.
Coaching and PR support ahead of the global stage at CES 2026.

This event is ideal for startups aiming to scale beyond the Netherlands and make breakthroughs in the international market.

More information: CES Unveiled Europe

Brainport Workshops (multiple events)

Check out Startup Events in other countries

🔗 Startup events in Cyprus

🔗 Startup events in Malta

🔗 Best Startup Events in Europe

October 2025: Foundation Building Phase (you just missed those)

October 1st - Personal Finance Mastery for Entrepreneurs | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: 82% of startups fail due to cash flow problems, not market issues
Strategic Value: Learn the financial disciplines that separate successful founders from failures
Insider Tip: The speakers often reveal funding sources they don't publicize elsewhere

October 6th - Walk-in Hours at The Gate | More Info

Time: 09:00-17:00
Location: The Gate - Alpha Hub, 2nd floor - Eeuwsel 57 Eindhoven
Why This Matters: Direct access to business developers without appointment scheduling
Strategic Value: Most founders ignore these "informal" sessions - which is exactly why they're valuable
Competitive Edge: One-on-one time with ecosystem leaders

October 8th - Investor-Ready: From Pitch Deck to Due Diligence | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building 2.12
Why This Matters: Your pitch deck is worthless if you can't handle due diligence
Strategic Value: Learn the legal and financial preparations that make VCs say yes
Networking Opportunity: Meet founders who've successfully closed rounds

October 13th - Sustainable Impact Mapping for Startups | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: ESG compliance is becoming mandatory for B2B sales
Strategic Value: Position your startup ahead of regulatory changes
Competitive Edge: Most founders ignore sustainability until it's too late

October 15th - How to Build a Really Powerful Team from the Start | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: Co-founder disputes kill 65% of startups
Strategic Value: Learn psychological frameworks for team dynamics
Action Item: Implement team assessment tools before hiring your next employee

October 20th - Protecting Your Ideas: Patents and IP Rights | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: One unprotected idea can cost you millions in competitor copying
Strategic Value: Understand patent filing strategies that actually work
Warning: Generic IP advice costs startups $50K+ in unnecessary legal fees

October 22nd - SPECIAL: How to Accelerate Your MedTech Startup | Register Here

Time: 13:00-15:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: MedTech has the highest barriers but biggest rewards
Strategic Value: Learn regulatory shortcuts that save 2-3 years
Exclusive Access: This specialized session typically has limited attendance

October 27th - From Great Idea to Real Business | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: Ideas are worthless - execution systems are everything
Strategic Value: Get the business model frameworks that actually scale
Reality Check: Most "revolutionary" ideas fail because of poor business fundamentals

October 29th - Early Stage Funding for Innovative Startups | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building 2.12
Why This Matters: Timing your funding rounds wrong can kill your startup
Strategic Value: Learn the funding sequence that maximizes valuation
Insider Intelligence: VCs attending often scout for deals at these events

October 29th - Financing Table 8 | More Info

Time: 8:30-11:00
Location: Alpha Building
Why This Matters: Direct access to active investors in intimate setting
Strategic Value: Real deals happen in these working sessions, not pitch competitions
Networking Gold: Morning sessions when investors are fresh and focused

November 2025: Growth & Scale Phase

November 3rd - Walk-in Hours at The Gate | More Info (You have missed it)

Time: 09:00-17:00
Location: The Gate - Alpha Hub, 2nd floor - Eeuwsel 57 Eindhoven
Why This Matters: Continued access to ecosystem leaders without barriers
Strategic Value: Follow up on October connections and build deeper relationships
Opportunity: Perfect timing for post-feedback pivots and strategy adjustments

November 5th - Investor Engagement: Make a Lasting Impression | Register Here (You have missed it)

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: First impressions with investors last forever
Strategic Value: Master the psychology of investor relations
Dangerous Mistake: Most founders focus on features instead of investment potential

November 7th - Equity Table 4 | More Info (You have missed it)

Time: 10:00-12:00
Location: Alpha Building
Why This Matters: Understanding equity distribution prevents founder conflicts
Strategic Value: Learn equity strategies that motivate teams without diluting control
Critical Timing: Morning session when complex topics get full attention

November 10th - The Science of Product Storytelling | Register Here (You have missed it)

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: Product storytelling drives 65% of purchase decisions
Strategic Value: Learn narrative frameworks that make complex tech understandable
Competitive Advantage: Most tech founders are terrible at storytelling

November 12th - AI & Intellectual Property: What Every Startup Must Know | Register Here (You have missed it)

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building room 2.12
Why This Matters: AI patent law is evolving rapidly - ignorance is expensive
Strategic Value: Understand IP protection in the age of machine learning
Future-Proofing: Position your IP strategy for AI integration

November 17th - Effective Media Communication for Startups | Register Here

Time: 14:00-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: Media coverage drives customer acquisition better than paid ads
Strategic Value: Learn PR frameworks that get journalists to notice you
ROI Insight: One good media story can replace $100K in advertising spend

November 18th - Brainport Meet-Up 4 | Register Here

Time: 15:30-18:00
Location: Alpha Building
Why This Matters: Ecosystem-wide networking with all stakeholders
Strategic Value: Meet potential partners, customers, and collaborators
Intelligence Gathering: Learn about emerging trends and market shifts

November 19th - AI-Tools for Tech Startup Founders | See the workshop presentation

Time: 15:00-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Instructor: By Violetta Bonenkamp, Fe/male Switch
Workshop Level: Basic
Why This Matters: AI automation is the #1 competitive advantage for startups in 2025
Strategic Value: Learn to build AI agents, automate SEO, and create digital twins
Exclusive Focus: Discover cost-effective strategies for crafting your own AI-powered tools
Practical Skills: Master effective prompting techniques and advanced mega prompts
Hidden Opportunity: Learn how to capitalize on complimentary AI credits most founders waste

November 24th - Special Startup Event | Check Details

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building
Why This Matters: Mid-week events often have more serious attendees
Strategic Value: Less crowded sessions allow for deeper conversations
Note: Event details available on The Gate events page

November 26th - European Grants for Startup Founders | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: Millions in grants go unclaimed because founders don't know they exist
Strategic Value: Access non-dilutive funding that doesn't cost equity
Hidden Opportunity: Grant funding often leads to additional investment connections

November 26th - Financing Table 9 | More Info

Time: 8:30-11:00
Location: Alpha Building
Why This Matters: End-of-month timing when investors finalize quarterly decisions
Strategic Value: Catch investors before year-end budget allocations
Strategic Timing: Perfect for Q4 funding pipeline discussions

December 2025: Optimization & Planning Phase

December 1st - Walk-in Hours at The Gate | More Info

Time: 09:00-17:00
Location: The Gate - Alpha Hub, 2nd floor - Eeuwsel 57 Eindhoven
Why This Matters: Year-end planning and relationship maintenance
Strategic Value: Perfect timing for 2026 strategy discussions
Opportunity: Advisors are typically more available before holidays

December 3rd - Financial Setup for Non-Financial Founders | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: Financial illiteracy kills more startups than competition
Strategic Value: Build financial systems that scale with growth
Cost Avoidance: Prevent the accounting disasters that cost $25K+ to fix

December 8th - Patent Search: How Unique Is My Idea? | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building 2.12
Why This Matters: Building on existing patents can trigger lawsuits
Strategic Value: Learn patent research techniques that prevent legal disasters
Time Saver: Avoid 6+ months of wasted development on non-patentable ideas

December 9th - Innovation Meets Hospital 4 | Register Here

Time: 15:30-18:00
Location: Alpha Building
Why This Matters: Healthcare innovation requires understanding clinical workflows
Strategic Value: Direct access to healthcare decision-makers
Market Intelligence: Learn what hospitals actually need vs. what you think they need

December 10th - You Started a Company, Now What? | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: Post-launch strategy separates survivors from failures
Strategic Value: Build operational frameworks for sustainable growth
Reality Check: Most founders celebrate launch then crash within 18 months

December 15th - Grant Writing: Ingredients for a Good Proposal | Register Here

Time: 15:30-17:00
Location: Alpha Building, room 2.12
Why This Matters: Grant writing is a skill that pays exponential returns
Strategic Value: Learn the psychology of grant reviewers
Success Rate: Proper grant writing techniques improve success rates by 300%

Strategic Event Selection: Your Decision Matrix

TNW Conference - Europe's Premier Tech Festival (don't miss it next year)

TNW Conference was held on June 19-20, 2025, at NDSM in Amsterdam is where Europe's tech elite gather. This isn't your typical stuffy conference - it's a festival atmosphere where serious business gets done.

The lineup was insane this year, featuring OpenAI, Hugging Face, and even the Tinder Swindler survivor sharing their stories. What sets TNW apart is its focus on connecting startups with the right investors and corporates. The event offered tailored programs specifically designed for different stages of your startup journey.

The networking opportunities were unmatched - thousands of founders, investors, and corporate innovators from across Europe will be there. If you're looking to spot the next tech unicorn or become one yourself, this is your playground. Don't miss it next year.

DevOpsDays Amsterdam - For the Technical Crowd (don't miss it next year)

Running June 18-20, 2025, at Pakhuis de Zwijger, DevOpsDays Amsterdam brought together 600 people from development, operations, QA, InfoSec, management, and leadership. This was the 13th edition, so they've definitely figured out how to make it work.

The format is brilliant - workshop day first, then 30-minute talks in the morning followed by Ignite talks (those rapid-fire 5-minute presentations that either inspire or terrify). The Open Spaces sessions in the afternoon were where the real magic happens, letting you dive deep into whatever's actually keeping you up at night.

Level Up Game Development Conference - Groningen (don't miss it next year)

For those in the gaming and tech space, the Level Up conference in Groningen on June 6, 2025, offered a unique perspective on game design and development. This event featured industry professionals sharing insights about the rapidly growing gaming sector.

The conference included six talks by industry professionals, game company booths showcasing current projects, and two hours of dedicated networking time. It's perfect for startups working in gaming, AR/VR, or interactive technologies.

Startup Village Amsterdam Events

The Startup Village Amsterdam hosts regular events throughout the year, including specialized workshops and masterclasses. Their upcoming events include finance academies, angel investing workshops, and community gatherings that provide ongoing support for the startup ecosystem.

These events are particularly valuable for their practical focus - you'll learn about term sheets, convertibles, equity structures, and investment agreements from experienced professionals.

Money 20/20 Europe - FinTech Focus (don't miss it next year)

Money 20/20 Europe hit Amsterdam June 3-5, 2025, and if you're building anything in fintech, payments, or financial services, this is your Super Bowl. The event attracts the biggest names in financial innovation and has become the place where new payment technologies get their first real exposure.

Amsterdam Tech Job Fair (don't miss it next year)

The Amsterdam Tech Job Fair on June 19, 2025, wasn't just about finding employees - it's about connecting with the talent ecosystem and understanding what skills are in demand. For startups, this insight is invaluable for planning your team growth.

JSNation and React Summit (don't miss it next year)

Running June 12-16, 2025, JSNation and the React Summit (June 13-17) are perfect for tech startups building web applications. These events showcased the latest in JavaScript and React development, crucial for staying competitive in the tech space.

HLTH Europe 2025 (don't miss it next year)

HLTH Europe at RAI Amsterdam from June 16-19, 2025, focused on health technology and digital health innovations. If your startup operates in healthtech, medtech, or digital wellness, this event connects you with investors and partners specifically interested in health innovation. Be there next year!

Why These Events Matter

The Dutch startup ecosystem has this unique quality - it's serious about business but doesn't take itself too seriously. These events reflect that perfectly. You'll find world-class speakers sharing stages with founders who are still figuring things out, and somehow that combination creates the most valuable conversations.

The networking here isn't the awkward business card shuffle you get at some events. People actually want to help each other succeed, maybe because the Dutch have figured out that rising tides lift all boats, or maybe it's just the influence of all that good coffee and stroopwafels.

Emerging Trends in 2025 Events

From sustainability initiatives to deep-tech innovation, 2025 marks significant developments in the Dutch startup ecosystem:

AI and Deep-Tech Dominance: Events increasingly embed workshops, networking, and showcases of AI applications.
Sustainability Missions: More events integrate eco-conscious themes, reflecting industry-wide priorities.

Notable Non-Dutch Events Impacting Netherlands-Based Entrepreneurs

Event Name	Date	Location	Details
TechBBQ (Copenhagen)	August 27-28, 2025	Copenhagen	Nordic innovation event ideal for Dutch startups expanding north.
Bits & Pretzels	September 2025	Munich	Startup festival offering networking and pitching opportunities.

These nearby European events play pivotal roles in influencing Dutch startups’ strategies and networking opportunities.

By participating in these events, you can gain deep industry insights, forge valuable connections, and position your startup for success locally and globally in 2025. Whether scaling your venture or entering new markets, the Dutch startup ecosystem and adjacent European events provide unparalleled opportunities.

FAQ on Startup Events in the Netherlands

What makes Level Up 2025 different from other startup events?

Level Up 2025 stands out because it combines practical business acceleration with innovative tools like SANDBOX and PlayPal for idea validation. Unlike generic networking events, it focuses on actionable strategies you can implement immediately to grow your startup.

When is the best time to attend startup events as a new founder?

The sweet spot is when you have a clear business concept but haven't fully committed all your resources yet. Events like Level Up 2025 offer validation tools that can save you from costly mistakes early in your journey.

Are these events worth the investment for early-stage startups?

Absolutely, especially events like TNW Conference and Upstream Festival that offer direct access to investors and strategic partners. The connections you make often pay for the ticket price many times over.

How do I prepare for startup networking events?

Focus on your elevator pitch, bring plenty of business cards, and research attendees beforehand. Events like the Corporate x Startup Speed Dating require specific preparation for rapid-fire introductions.

What's the difference between tech conferences and startup-specific events?

Startup events like Level Up 2025 focus on business building, funding, and scaling challenges, while tech conferences like JSNation dive deep into technical implementation and development trends.

Should I attend events outside my industry sector?

Yes, cross-pollination often leads to breakthrough insights. TNW Conference brings together diverse industries, creating unexpected collaboration opportunities.

How important is timing when choosing which events to attend?

Critical. Early-stage startups benefit most from validation-focused events like those featuring SANDBOX tools, while scaling startups should prioritize investor-heavy events like Upstream Festival.

What should I expect from the networking portions of these events?

Quality over quantity. Events like Startup Village Amsterdam workshops offer structured networking that leads to meaningful business relationships rather than just collecting business cards.

Are virtual components available for these Dutch startup events?

Many events now offer hybrid formats. Leapfunder workshops provide online options for finance and angel investing education, making them accessible regardless of location.

How do I measure ROI from attending startup events?

Track specific metrics: new partnerships formed, investor meetings scheduled, and actionable insights gained. Events like Level Up 2025 provide frameworks for measuring business impact post-event.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.

Violetta Bonenkamp

2025-11-12 09:00 Events