Top 10 Alternatives to TechStars in 2025: Best Startup Incubators in the Netherlands
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.
As the entrepreneurial landscape evolves, startup incubators continue to play a crucial role in providing the necessary resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for nascent ventures. In the Netherlands, a number of startup incubators have gained prominence for their innovative programs and robust support systems. Here, we explore the top 10 alternatives to TechStars for startup incubators in the Netherlands in 2025, ensuring that entrepreneurs, startup founders, freelancers, and business owners have access to the best resources available.
Why Choose a Startup Incubator?
Startup incubators are essential for helping early-stage companies navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. They often offer:
- Mentorship: Guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
- Funding: Access to capital through venture capitalists and angel investors.
- Networking Opportunities: Connections to potential partners, customers, and other startups.
- Educational Resources: Workshops, seminars, and other learning opportunities.
According to a 2025 survey, 80% of startups that participated in incubator programs reported higher success rates and faster growth compared to those that did not.
Top 10 Startup Incubators in the Netherlands in 2025
1. F/MS Startup Game (Fe/male Switch)
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup game that focuses on empowering female entrepreneurs. It offers a comprehensive platform for ideating, building, and scaling startups. The program includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to an AI co-founder, PlayPal, which guides users through the startup process.
2. JENTS International
JENTS International is renowned for its robust accelerator programs that offer extensive mentorship, funding opportunities, and business development services. They focus on helping startups scale globally with a strong network of partners.
3. Aimforthemoon
Aimforthemoon operates as a corporate startup studio offering services such as startup creation, business development, and co-working spaces. Their programs are designed to support both individual entrepreneurs and corporate ventures.
4. Startup Lab
Startup Lab has a proven track record of helping tech startups secure significant funding. Their 12-month incubation program includes mentorship, funding opportunities, and extensive networking support, making it a great alternative to TechStars.
5. Collider
Collider specializes in supporting startups in the MadTech (Marketing and Advertising Technology) and eCommerce sectors. They provide a highly focused accelerator program designed to fast-track the development of participating startups.
6. HighTechXL
HighTechXL is known for its intense accelerator programs that help startups build minimum viable products (MVPs) and strong teams from the ground up. Their focus on high-tech innovation makes them a standout incubator in the Netherlands.
7. Rockstart
Rockstart focuses on early-stage startups in the Energy, AgriFood, and EmergingTech industries. With comprehensive support from seed funding to mentorship, Rockstart has helped over 260 startups globally.
8. HealthInc
HealthInc provides support specifically for health-related startups. Their program offers access to medical experts, funding opportunities, and a strong network of healthcare industry partners.
9. StartLife
StartLife is dedicated to agri-food tech startups, providing specialized programs that include funding, mentorship, and connections to corporations and research institutions in the agricultural sector.
10. Yes!Delft
Yes!Delft is one of Europe’s leading tech incubators, supporting a wide range of industries including robotics, medtech, and cleantech. They offer extensive resources, including lab facilities, funding, and a large network of mentors and partners.
How to Choose the Right Incubator: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify Your Needs: Understand what resources, mentorship, and networks your startup requires.
- Research Programs: Look into the specifics of each incubator’s program. Consider their industry focus, duration, and support structures.
- Evaluate Success Stories: Check the track record of startups that have previously graduated from the program.
- Apply to Multiple Incubators: Increase your chances of acceptance by applying to several programs that align with your needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Fit: Ensure the incubator aligns with your startup’s industry and needs.
- Overlooking Terms: Carefully review the terms and conditions, including equity stakes and funding obligations.
- Neglecting Culture: Choose an incubator whose culture and mentorship style match your startup’s values.
Deep Insights into the Incubator Ecosystem
In 2025, the Dutch startup ecosystem continues to flourish with a variety of incubators catering to different industries and stages of startup development. The focus has notably shifted towards providing more specialized programs and leveraging AI and data-driven insights to support startups more effectively. With increasing globalization, many Dutch incubators are also prioritizing programs that help startups scale internationally.
Add for PlayPal (an AI Friend)
Introducing PlayPal, the perfect AI friend designed to guide you through your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you need advice on business strategies, help with legal documents, or just a confidant to discuss your ideas, PlayPal is here to assist.
- Learn More and Start Chatting with PlayPal: Chat with PlayPal
Conclusion
The top 10 alternatives to TechStars in the Netherlands in 2025 offer a diverse range of programs to support startups at every stage. By leveraging these incubators, entrepreneurs can access crucial resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to propel their ventures towards success. Whether you are a fledgling startup or looking to scale, these incubators provide the necessary support to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Remember, the right incubator can be a game-changer, so choose wisely and make the most of the resources available to you.
FAQ
1. Why should I choose a startup incubator?
Startup incubators are essential for helping early-stage companies with mentorship, funding, networking opportunities, and educational resources which can lead to higher success rates and faster growth.
2. What is Fe/male Switch (F/MS Startup Game)?
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup game that empowers female entrepreneurs through mentorship, networking, and guidance from an AI co-founder named PlayPal. Learn more about F/MS Startup Game
3. What services does JENTS International offer?
JENTS International offers extensive mentorship, funding opportunities, and business development services aimed at helping startups scale globally.
4. How does Aimforthemoon support startups?
Aimforthemoon operates as a corporate startup studio providing startup creation, business development, and co-working spaces, supporting both individual entrepreneurs and corporate ventures.
5. What makes Startup Lab a good alternative to TechStars?
Startup Lab's 12-month incubation program includes mentorship, funding opportunities, and extensive networking support, helping tech startups secure significant funding.
6. Which industries does Collider specialize in?
Collider specializes in supporting startups in the MadTech (Marketing and Advertising Technology) and eCommerce sectors through a focused accelerator program.
7. What type of support does HighTechXL offer?
HighTechXL focuses on high-tech innovation with intense accelerator programs that help startups build minimum viable products (MVPs) and strong teams from the ground up.
8. What industries does Rockstart focus on?
Rockstart supports early-stage startups in the Energy, AgriFood, and EmergingTech industries, providing comprehensive support from seed funding to mentorship.
9. Who can benefit from HealthInc's support?
HealthInc provides specialized support for health-related startups, offering access to medical experts, funding opportunities, and a strong network of healthcare industry partners.
10. What is the advantage of joining Yes!Delft?
Yes!Delft is one of Europe’s leading tech incubators, supporting a wide range of industries including robotics, medtech, and cleantech, with extensive resources, lab facilities, funding, and a large network of mentors.
