Startup Playbook: success through failure

Top 15 Startup Incubators in The Netherlands in 2025

Top 15 Startup Incubators in The Netherlands in 2025
The Netherlands is a thriving hub for innovation, offering a robust ecosystem for startups to grow and scale.

With a variety of incubators providing mentorship, funding, and access to networks, the country is an ideal destination for early-stage companies.

Below is a detailed list of the top 15 startup incubators in The Netherlands in 2025, their programs, funding opportunities, and success stories.

1. Rockstart

  • Program: Focuses on impact-driven startups in Energy, AgriFood, and Emerging Technologies.
  • Funding Opportunities: €50,000 in initial funding for 6-8% equity.
  • Success Stories: Alumni include 3D Hubs, which secured over $30 million in funding.
  • Application Link: Rockstart

2. Fe/male Switch

  • Program: A gamified startup simulator for women entrepreneurs, combining AI-driven mentorship with mental well-being support.
  • Funding Opportunities: Free Startup School; premium plans start at €2.5/month.
  • Success Stories: Many participants have launched successful startups and secured funding.
  • Application Link: Fe/male Switch

3. Startupbootcamp

  • Program: A 3-month accelerator focusing on fintech, health tech, and IoT startups.
  • Funding Opportunities: €20,000 for 6-8% equity and access to a €1 million follow-on fund.
  • Success Stories: Supported Tictrac, a health tech platform now valued at over $50 million.
  • Application Link: Startupbootcamp

4. UtrechtInc

  • Program: A 10-week accelerator for early-stage startups in software, health, and sustainability.
  • Funding Opportunities: Access to Rabobank’s pre-seed fund and mentorship.
  • Success Stories: Alumni have secured significant follow-on funding and partnerships.
  • Application Link: UtrechtInc

5. Yes! Delft

  • Program: Supports hardware and digital startups with mentorship and office space.
  • Funding Opportunities: Non-equity-based support with no upfront fees.
  • Success Stories: Alumni include startups that have achieved rapid growth and funding.
  • Application Link: Yes! Delft

6. Antler

  • Program: A 6-month program focusing on co-founder matching and early-stage startups.
  • Funding Opportunities: €100,000 for 10% equity and a €2,500 monthly allowance.
  • Success Stories: Helped Omni, a storage platform, secure over $50 million in funding.
  • Application Link: Antler

7. WorldStartup

  • Program: Supports impact-driven startups in nature, food, health, and smart cities.
  • Funding Opportunities: Tailored support with no upfront fees.
  • Success Stories: Alumni have secured significant funding and partnerships.
  • Application Link: WorldStartup
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8. HighTechXL

  • Program: A 9-month program for deep tech startups, focusing on MVP development.
  • Funding Opportunities: No direct investment, but offers mentorship and corporate partnerships.
  • Success Stories: Alumni include startups that have secured significant follow-on funding.
  • Application Link: HighTechXL

9. Techstars (by ABN AMRO)

  • Program: A 3-month accelerator for fintech startups, offering intensive mentorship.
  • Funding Opportunities: $120,000 for 6% equity.
  • Success Stories: Supported SendGrid, an email API platform now valued at over $3 billion.
  • Application Link: Techstars

10. EIT Climate-KIC

  • Program: A 12-month program focusing on climate tech startups.
  • Funding Opportunities: €50,000 in funding and access to a global network.
  • Success Stories: Helped Climeworks, a carbon capture company, secure over $100 million in funding.
  • Application Link: EIT Climate-KIC

11. ACE Incubator

  • Program: Supports tech startups in AI, IoT, and blockchain.
  • Funding Opportunities: Mentorship, funding, and connections to investors.
  • Success Stories: Alumni include startups that have scaled operations and gained market traction.
  • Application Link: ACE Incubator

12. Startup Lab

  • Program: A 12-month incubation program for tech startups.
  • Funding Opportunities: Up to NOK 3,000,000 in funding.
  • Success Stories: Supported Kahoot!, an educational platform now valued at over $1 billion.
  • Application Link: Startup Lab

13. Seedcamp

  • Program: A 12-month program for early-stage tech startups.
  • Funding Opportunities: Up to €250,000 in funding.
  • Success Stories: Helped TransferWise (now Wise), a fintech company, secure over $1 billion in funding.
  • Application Link: Seedcamp

14. H-FARM

  • Program: A 12-month incubation program with mentorship and access to investors.
  • Funding Opportunities: Up to €100,000 in funding.
  • Success Stories: Supported Satispay, a mobile payment platform now valued at over €1 billion.
  • Application Link: H-FARM

15. Sting

  • Program: A 12-month program focusing on tech startups.
  • Funding Opportunities: Up to SEK 500,000 in funding.
  • Success Stories: Helped iZettle, a fintech company, secure over $500 million in funding before its acquisition by PayPal.
  • Application Link: Sting

Conclusion

The Netherlands’ startup ecosystem is thriving, thanks to the support of these incubators.

From funding and mentorship to networking and market access, these programs provide invaluable resources for startups to innovate and scale.

Entrepreneurs looking to launch or grow their ventures should explore these opportunities to turn their ideas into successful businesses.
2025-01-17 11:32