The timing is not coincidental
The launch of DutchStartup.ai coincides with two important publications that underscore the urgency. Last week, a group of more than fifty experts presented the National AI Delta Plan, a call to transform the Netherlands from an AI consumer to a strategic European player. Shortly thereafter, the AI Deep Dive by ROM-Nederland and Invest-NL (written by Stefan Leijnen) was published, outlining the strategic choices needed for next-gen and energy-efficient AI, including reducing fragmentation, organizing more scale, and making targeted (larger) investments.
The conclusions are clear. The Netherlands has the knowledge and the infrastructure. What is lacking is connection, capital, and visibility. DutchStartup.ai is built to fill exactly those gaps.
ROM-Nederland immediately on board as Founding Partner
At the launch, ROM-Nederland immediately comes on board as Founding Partner. Arjan van den Born, director of ROM Utrecht and spokesperson for ROM Nederland: 'From ROM-Nederland, we fully embrace this initiative because we believe that the Netherlands deserves a strong, connected AI startup community. On behalf of all ROMs, we will share our events, relevant trade missions, and international trips through DutchStartup.ai. This way, we contribute to one place where all AI startups in the Netherlands can find, know, and strengthen each other.'
Also read: 7 ways AI Agents will change the work landscape next year
From fragmentation to connection
DutchStartup.ai already brings together more than 350+ Dutch AI startups and their 1200+ founders. The platform is not only for the ecosystem but also within the ecosystem. In the coming months, the initiative will focus on expanding the national platform, adding partners, and producing targeted content such as the Founder Video series to attract international investors and talent.
Also read: Starters of AI: the future of the labor market
Call to the market
The initiators call on companies, investors, and organizations to support the initiative. Max Pinas and Willem Blom, founders of DutchStartup.ai: 'The foundation is laid. Now is the time to build together the hub for Dutch AI. We invite everyone who believes in the power of our ecosystem to join us, both startups and partners who support our initiative. You can sign up via www.dutchstartup.ai'
