What happens in the startup scene in The Netherlands right now? Find out in another Dutch startup news update!
News & Updates
Dutch startup ecosystem gets its own political lobby group – DSA
The Dutch Startup Association (DSA), for a couple of years in the making, is officially open for business since last week. The associaiton, led by entrepreneurs from the startup ecosystem, intends to become the primary voice for startups towards policy makers and politicians. DSA president Ronald Sars: “We intend to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and policymakers. Startups and scale-ups that seek influence in the public debate are more than welcome to join!”
Get in the Ring founder Hendrik Halbe launches Ventureplus
Partnering with Dragons’ Den-celebrity James Caan Hendrik Halbe has started VenturePlus. The aim of the new startup scounting initiative is to tap into the network of Halbe (he made through Get in the Ring) and Caan’s financial resources. Startups and corporates are matched and VenturePlus co-invests.
UtrechtInc’s PressureCooker and Science Venture programs will close soon
UtrechtInc, the accelerator and incubator of Utrecht University and the University Medical Center Utrecht is starting its programs with a next batch of startups which have a focus on health and education in february. If you’re into getting mentoring, support and want to prepare for pitchting to investors in the coming months you can apply now. Deadline for the programs is Febuary 19.
Funding
Fintech startup Ohpen raises 25 million euro in Series C
Amsterdam-based startup Ohpen has raised 25 million euro in a Series C round from private equity firm Amerborgh. The startup will use the capital raised to set up shop in a still to be determined third country, most likely in Germany, France, Canada, Australia or the United States of America.
Shypple raises funding form BOM
The comparison startup for see freight Shypple has raised an undisclosed amount from the Brabant Development Cooperation (BOM). Shypple will use the capital raised to up the development of its platform and add more people to the team. The startup aims to help its clients to do benchmarking, get freight quotes, compare different quotes and filter on departure or arrival date, price and transit time.
3D printing company Aectual raises 1.8 million euro
The Amsterdam-based 3D printing company Aectual has raises 1.8 million euro from AKEF, DOEN Participaties and American company Sprout reports (in Dutch). Aectual is already making waves in the 3D printing world by using robotics and forward-thinking design methods to create infinitely customisable and sustainable flooring solutions, among which a floor for the international Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
HR startup Talmundo raises 1.3 million euro from TIIN Capital
The 1.3 million euro raised comes on top of the 500.000 euro TIIN capital invested in the seed round of the company a year ago. The new funding round enables the HR onboarding startup to strenghten its position in its Benelux home markets, as well as to establish a local presence in the UK and France.
Monday Read
Smaller war chests deliver bigger exits
The majority of exits take place through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and more bits of VC wisdom in this article.
Startups are (still) making weird name choices
I liked Purple Squirrel the most. Here is a amusing and maybe inspiring article on weird startup names.
Photo Credit: Christopher A. Dominic