Dutch Tech Founders Gain Global Insights in NYC
Netherlands, Monday, 24 March 2025.
Dutch startup leaders learned from industry giants on scaling internationally and adapting in the U.S., during a strategic Techleap expedition to New York City.
Strategic Networking and Knowledge Exchange
Last week, from March 18-20, 2025, a select group of Dutch tech founders participated in an intensive three-day program in New York City, organized by Techleap [1]. The expedition featured workshops, networking events, and presentations from successful entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights for Dutch companies looking to expand internationally [3]. Notable speakers included David M. Wyler, founder of Bilt Rewards, who shared his experience in building strategic partnerships, and Adriaan Kolff of Matchr, who emphasized the importance of cultural adaptation when entering the U.S. market [1].
Dutch-American Tech Collaboration
The program demonstrated the growing ties between Dutch and American tech ecosystems. Eric Mahecha from Adyen provided strategic insights on how Dutch companies can leverage their cultural strengths while scaling in the U.S. market [1]. The expedition, led by Techleap, a Dutch non-profit organization that has been accelerating the Netherlands’ tech ecosystem since 2015 [2], brought together prominent founders including Camilla Scholten, Jos Lazet, and Clare Jones [1].
Future Growth Prospects
The timing of this expedition is particularly significant as recent data shows European startups face funding challenges compared to their U.S. counterparts. According to RTP Global’s analysis, while 13.6% of U.S. startups raise over $5 million, only 8.7% of European startups achieve similar funding levels [4]. This expedition represents part of a broader initiative to strengthen the Dutch tech sector, with Techleap actively working to improve access to capital, markets, and talent for Dutch companies [2].