Top 10 Alternatives to Yes! Delft: Best Startup Incubators in the Netherlands in 2025
Top 10 Alternatives to Yes! Delft: Best Startup Incubators in the Netherlands in 2025
Try our AI Grant Finder and Application Writer to quickly find an EU grant that is right for your startup, and have it write a draft of your application.
In 2025, the Netherlands continues to buzz with innovation and entrepreneurial activities. Beyond the renowned Yes! Delft, several other excellent startup incubators cater to the nation's dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, freelancer, or business owner, choosing the right incubator can significantly impact your venture’s success. Here we explore the top 10 alternatives to Yes! Delft, providing insights, statistics, and a guide to help you choose the incubator that best suits your startup needs.
Why Consider Alternatives to Yes! Delft?
Yes! Delft has long been celebrated for its comprehensive support and resources for startups, but it’s not the only player in the game. Other incubators offer unique programs and resources that might better align with your specific needs, be it industry focus, stage of development, or type of support offered.
Top 10 Startup Incubators in the Netherlands in 2025
1. F/MS Startup Game
Fe/male Switch Fe/male Switch, initiated by Violetta Bonenkamp, is a pioneering online incubator with a distinctive gamified approach. Ideal for aspiring female entrepreneurs, it offers a comprehensive startup simulator, skill development through micro-modules, and networking opportunities. Their innovative sandbox feature lets users validate startup ideas with an AI co-founder called PlayPal.
2. JENTS International
JENTS International This incubator is well-regarded for its robust accelerator program and strategic corporate partnerships. It provides startups with extensive resources, including business development support, mentoring, and access to a broad network of investors and industry experts.
3. Aimforthemoon
Aimforthemoon Based in Amsterdam, Aimforthemoon operates as a corporate startup studio. It offers services such as business development, co-working spaces, design sprint facilitation, and startup workshops. This incubator is perfect for startups looking to collaborate closely with established corporations.
4. Startup Lab
Startup Lab Aimed at tech startups, Startup Lab provides a 12-month incubation program designed to help entrepreneurs refine their business models and scale up efficiently. Notable alumni include the fintech giant iZettle.
5. Female Switch
Female Switch This program offers a detailed 15-month incubation experience focusing on female-led startups. With funding opportunities and impactful success stories, Female Switch is dedicated to fostering female entrepreneurship and innovation.
6. Tracxn
Tracxn Tracxn provides an extensive list of the top accelerators and incubators in the Netherlands, including key details and services offered. It’s a valuable resource for finding the best fit for your startup needs.
7. Sharpsheets
Sharpsheets This platform offers an in-depth analysis of the top startup accelerators in the Netherlands, helping founders understand each program’s unique features, funding opportunities, and success rates.
8. The Amsterdam Startup Hub
Amsterdam Startup Hub Located in the heart of the Netherlands' entrepreneurial scene, the Amsterdam Startup Hub focuses on fostering innovation and providing various essential support services like mentoring, networking events, and workspace.
9. The Hague Startup Hub
The Hague Startup Hub offers a nurturing environment for startups in The Hague by providing resources such as funding, mentoring, and access to a network of investors and other entrepreneurs.
10. Techstars Amsterdam
Techstars Amsterdam Techstars Amsterdam is part of the global Techstars network, providing a well-established accelerator program that includes mentorship, funding, and market access to startups across various industries.
How to Choose the Right Incubator: A Step-by-Step Guide
Identify Your Needs: Assess what stage your startup is at and what kind of support you need—funding, mentorship, workspace, or networking.
Research Programs: Look into the specific offerings of each incubator, including their specialty areas and notable alumni.
Evaluate Resources: Consider the quality of resources available, such as access to investors, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Check Success Stories: Look at the incubator’s track record and success stories to gauge its effectiveness.
Consider Location: Depending on your business needs, the geographical location can play a significant role in your decision.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Vetting Programs Thoroughly: Failing to research an incubator’s track record and resource offerings can lead to choosing a program that doesn’t align with your needs.
Ignoring Fit: Each incubator has its unique culture and focus. Ensure the incubator’s values and focus align with your startup's goals.
Underestimating the Commitment: Understand the time and effort required to fully participate in an incubator program.
The PlayPal Advantage
For those using Fe/male Switch’s startup game, the PlayPal acts as your AI co-founder. It helps in various aspects:
Guidance: Offers advice and clarity on tasks and goals.
Real-time Feedback: Provides instant feedback on your progress and ideas.
Personal Development: Engages in conversations about your startup journey, helping refine strategies and plans.
Conclusion
The Netherlands boasts a vibrant ecosystem perfect for startup incubation. While Yes! Delft remains a stellar choice, the alternatives listed here each offer unique benefits, be it through specialized programs, robust networking opportunities, or innovative approaches like the F/MS Startup Game. Choose an incubator that aligns best with your needs and watch your startup thrive in 2025 and beyond.
FAQ
1. Why consider alternatives to Yes! Delft?
Yes! Delft is renowned, but other incubators offer unique programs and resources that may align better with specific industry needs, stages of development, or types of support.
2. What is the Fe/male Switch incubator?
Fe/male Switch is an innovative online incubator focused on aspiring female entrepreneurs. It features a startup simulator, skill development micro-modules, and an AI co-founder called PlayPal. Learn more about Fe/male Switch
3. What does JENTS International offer?
JENTS International provides a robust accelerator program with extensive resources, mentoring, and access to a broad network of investors and industry experts. Explore JENTS International
4. What is Aimforthemoon’s specialty?
Aimforthemoon operates as a corporate startup studio offering business development, co-working spaces, design sprint facilitation, and startup workshops. Discover Aimforthemoon
5. How does Startup Lab support tech startups?
Startup Lab offers a 12-month incubation program, helping tech startups refine their business models and scale up efficiently. Notable alumni include iZettle.
6. What is Female Switch’s incubation program like?
Female Switch offers a 15-month incubation program focusing on female-led startups. It provides funding opportunities and has a track record of impactful success stories. Learn more about Female Switch
7. How can Tracxn help in choosing an incubator?
Tracxn lists the top accelerators and incubators in the Netherlands, highlighting key details and services to assist startups in finding the best fit. Explore Tracxn
8. What insights does Sharpsheets offer?
Sharpsheets provides an in-depth analysis of the Netherlands' top startup accelerators, detailing their unique features, funding opportunities, and success rates. Discover Sharpsheets
9. What services does the Amsterdam Startup Hub provide?
The Amsterdam Startup Hub offers mentoring, networking events, and workspace, fostering innovation in the heart of the Netherlands' entrepreneurial scene. Explore Amsterdam Startup Hub
10. What are the benefits of Techstars Amsterdam?
Techstars Amsterdam is part of a global network providing mentorship, funding, and market access to startups across various industries. Learn more about Techstars Amsterdam