Debate on Foreign Acquisitions in Dutch Cybersecurity Industry
The Hague, Wednesday, 5 February 2025.
Joris den Bruinen addresses foreign takeovers, highlighting insufficient domestic capital as a challenge to keeping Dutch cybersecurity innovation at home.
Current State of Dutch Cybersecurity Market
Contrary to popular belief, Dutch cybersecurity companies aren’t being exclusively acquired by foreign entities. According to Security Delta (HSD) managing director Joris den Bruinen’s analysis, Dutch companies actually lead in acquisitions within their domestic market [1]. Based on a comprehensive 12-year tracking period, domestic buyers outpace international acquirers from France, the United States, and the United Kingdom [1].
Market Dynamics and Growth Challenges
The cybersecurity sector in the Netherlands faces two primary challenges: limited domestic market size and capital constraints [1]. These factors can potentially influence companies’ decisions to seek foreign investment or acquisition opportunities [GPT]. Den Bruinen’s perspective suggests that foreign acquisitions might actually contribute positively to Dutch innovation capabilities rather than diminishing them [1].
Strategic Implications for Dutch Innovation
Through his role at Security Delta (HSD), headquartered in the Netherlands, Den Bruinen provides a nuanced view of the market dynamics [1]. Rather than viewing foreign acquisitions as a threat, his analysis suggests they might serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the Dutch cybersecurity ecosystem [1]. This perspective challenges the common criticism that Dutch cybersecurity companies are too readily acquired by foreign entities [1].