The Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 indicates the Dutch startup ecosystem has slipped to 10th place overall and remains 6th in Europe. The United States and the UK lead globally. Despite this downturn, the Netherlands experienced a 26% growth rate, particularly in ecommerce, where it ranks fifth worldwide. Amsterdam is the main hub for startups in the country, rising to 26th globally and fifth in Europe, thanks to its fintech sector. However, this growth lags behind other European nations like France and Sweden, both exceeding 30% growth.
"A key trend we observe in the Netherlands is Amsterdam's rapid growth, with its startup ecosystem expanding by over 30% in 2025," Eli David Rokah, CEO at StartupBlink, told TNW.
The country's top-performing sector was ecommerce and retail, where it ranks fifth globally and first in the EU. Prominent startups include grocery delivery unicorn Picnic.
However, it's not all bad news for the Dutch startup ecosystem, which saw an above-average growth rate of over 26% this year.
While the city remains fifth in Europe and fourth in the EU, this strong momentum is helping it close the gap with top-tier European ecosystems like Stockholm and Berlin.
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