Tech Takeovers: Amsterdam’s most talked-about startup acquisitions of 2024

The Dutch startup ecosystem continues to captivate international attention. The State of Dutch Tech 2024 report reveals that in 2023, acquisitions in the Dutch startup ecosystem saw a notable increase, with 63 per cent of Dutch startups and scale-ups being acquired by non-Dutch companies.

This shows that international companies are still very interested in Dutch innovation, despite challenges such as slower growth and a funding gap for scaling ventures.

A major chunk of these startups is from Amsterdam. As the city evolves into a tech powerhouse, acquisitions by large firms and investors reflect its growing significance in the global business landscape.

On that note, today, we bring you a curated list of Amsterdam-based startups that were acquired this year.

Some of the information was sourced from Dealroom.

The Digital Concierge

The Digital Concierge was acquired by Great Stay, a digital guest communications company, that has now added 160 new apps to its platform of over 600 worldwide. This acquisition strengthens Great Stay’s market position and enhances its ability to simplify host and guest interactions.

The Digital Concierge’s apps will be integrated into Great Stay’s platform over the next three months, welcoming new users to an expanded, feature-rich ecosystem.

CodeSandbox

Together AI has acquired CodeSandbox, an Amsterdam-based startup known for its cloud-based development environments utilised by over 4.5 million developers monthly. This deal enables Together AI to introduce the Together Code Interpreter, a built-in feature of its Inference Platform that allows large language models (LLMs) to execute code directly. 

This integration aims to enhance generative AI applications by facilitating agentic workflows, data analysis, and AI-assisted development. Additionally, CodeSandbox has launched the CodeSandbox SDK beta, an API designed to create and run virtual machine sandboxes securely at scale.

TimeChimp

Visma, a provider of mission-critical cloud software, has acquired TimeChimp, an Amsterdam-based company specialising in time tracking, project management, and invoicing solutions. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Established in 2015, TimeChimp serves over 4,000 customers in the Netherlands and Belgium, offering an intuitive platform that integrates with various accounting and payroll systems to streamline workflows. 

This acquisition aims to enhance Visma’s portfolio by providing businesses with additional tools to improve efficiency. TimeChimp will continue to operate independently within the Visma group, maintaining its current services while leveraging Visma’s resources for further development.

Braingineers

Valsplat, a strategic design and research agency, has acquired Braingineers, an Amsterdam-based company specialising in neuromarketing technology that analyses subconscious behaviour and emotional responses to digital products.

This acquisition aims to enhance user experience (UX) research by integrating neuroscience techniques, such as EEG measurements, to provide deeper insights into consumer interactions with digital media. 

Braingineers’ neurolab will relocate to Happy Labs, Valsplat’s research facility in Amsterdam, facilitating broader access to neuromarketing research. The combined entity will comprise nearly 60 employees across offices in Amsterdam and Nieuwersluis, offering clients comprehensive services from needs analysis to conversion optimisation.

Notably, Braingineers’ Managing Director, Roger van der Spek, will not transition to the new organisation. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Acmetric

ADC, a data and AI consultancy, has acquired acmetric, an AI and data science strategy firm led by Dr. Christian Nauerz, former data science leader at Uber, along with Dr. Paolo Gorgi and Dr. Marc Nientker.

This acquisition aims to enhance ADC’s expertise and expand its international presence, aligning with its goal to become a leading global data and AI consultancy. The integration of acmetric’s academic and industry experience is expected to provide clients with comprehensive data-driven solutions across various sectors, including technology, retail, and aviation.

NeuroReality

XRHealth, a US-based extended reality (XR) therapy platform, acquired Amsterdam’s NeuroReality, including its cognitive rehabilitation product “Koji’s Quest”. This acquisition aims to enhance XRHealth’s physical, emotional, and cognitive rehabilitation offerings through XR technology. 

NeuroReality specialises in virtual reality (VR) games designed to improve cognitive skills such as attention, memory, and executive functions, making rehabilitation more engaging and accessible. The integration of NeuroReality’s solutions is expected to provide patients and clinicians with a more comprehensive set of tools for therapy and rehabilitation.

Equals

Brunel, a global recruitment consultancy, acquired a 50.1 per cent majority stake in Equals, a firm dedicated to empowering and supporting women’s career growth in the technology sector. This partnership aims to enhance diversity in the tech industry and address the increasing demand for IT professionals. 

Brunel plans to leverage its extensive client network and expertise to support Equals in attracting more women to the IT field. Equals offers programmes such as exposure through events and campaigns, education via their academy, and a supportive member club to foster women’s career development in tech.

Ligo and Firm24

Amsterdam’s Ligo and Firm24, which specialise in online incorporations and related legal and administrative services, have joined Your.Online, a platform for building businesses online. Both companies help small and medium-sized entrepreneurs through their business journey using digital processes.

Together, Firm24 and Ligo have already assisted over 200,000 SMEs with company formations, specialist legal services, and administrative procedures.

Ligo is a legal tech platform that allows SME businesses and enterprises to create, negotiate, sign, and manage their legal documents. By automating these processes with its Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) solution, the Dutch company helps businesses increase productivity, optimise collaborations with stakeholders, and increase revenue.

Firm24 is an online platform for corporate services. It offers all administrative and legal requirements that a Dutch company is obliged to comply with at a fixed price. These include incorporating a Dutch BV, filing annual accounts, various tax returns, and payroll administration.

Hiiper

Effective Media & Marketing (EMM), the holding company of Scoupy founders Geert Luyendijk, Jeroen Lubbers, and Valentijn Bras, is selling its majority stake in Amsterdam’s Hiiper to Woolsocks AG.

Hiiper is a data and insights company with access to a representative panel of Dutch consumers who share their purchase data daily, including receipts and bank transactions for both online and offline spending. 

This comprehensive data allows Hiiper to map household budgets, assess B2C market trends, and analyse consumer behaviour. The company provides actionable insights and purchase-based audiences for online targeting.

Mock Flower

Amsterdam-based Bloom & Wolf, a premium silk flower provider, has acquired Mock Flower, a competitor in Amsterdam’s silk flower market. Mock Flower aimed to ease the strain on the fresh flower supply chain by providing high-quality silk flowers and personalised service to consumers and corporate clients.

SwipeGuide

L2L, a company specialising in connected workforce solutions, has acquired Amsterdam-based SwipeGuide. 

SwipeGuide is a B2B SaaS company that specialises in frontline training solutions. It is dedicated to simplifying complex processes through an intuitive mobile app. Deployed across 93 countries, SwipeGuide simplifies frontline training for more than 300,000 factory employees.

Winc Academy

Amsterdam-based Winc Academy, an online education platform, became a part of the Complementair Groep (DCG) family. Winc Academy offers online courses for anyone to learn in-demand digital skills regardless of location, time, or prior knowledge (anytime, anywhere).

SpotOnMedics

Harlem-based Health Cloud Initiative (HCI), a company that develops software for healthcare professionals, acquired the shares of SpotOnMedics, a provider of EHR software for physical therapists, from VvAA.

The acquisition enables both companies to better respond to the changing healthcare market and contribute to a higher quality of care. SpotOnMedics continues to operate independently under the HCI umbrella, with its team from the Hoofddorp office.

Tonny Media

Podimo, a podcast and audiobook subscription service in Europe, has acquired Amsterdam-based podcast production house Tonny Media, enhancing their partnership. Both companies will continue to operate independently while collaborating on sales and expertise, with no changes to the content enjoyed by their listeners.

Founded in 2020, Tonny Media is a media company known for podcast production. It also develops video formats, advertising campaigns, and media strategies.

TP Tuned

Amsterdam-based TP Tuned, a boutique specialising in transfer pricing automation, has partnered with investment firm Vortex Capital Partners. Vortex has now become a majority shareholder alongside management.

Vortex will support TP Tuned’s goal of becoming a leading provider of transfer pricing documentation services and software. It will also help expand TP Tuned’s offerings across global markets organically through new acquisitions.

XLABS

Amsterdam’s XLABS, a company specialising in experience-level Agreements (XLAS), announced the merger with London-based Bright Horse, creating an international Experience Management powerhouse that provides XLA training and consultancy.

Through this merger, the new company will offer a range of XLA training, consulting, and implementation services to enterprise clients worldwide. Both companies will continue to operate under their own names for the foreseeable future.

XLABS specialises in Xperience Level Agreement (XLA). It offers a wide range of training and consulting services, as well as advice on technology and tool selection.

Textkernel

Bullhorn, a company specialising in recruitment software, has acquired Amsterdam’s Textkernel, an AI-powered recruitment and talent management solutions provider, reportedly for €300M. 

Textkernel specialises in AI-powered recruitment technology. Its solutions automate matching demand and supply in the job market for thousands of recruitment agencies, employers, and job boards.

The company’s offerings include CV parsing, matching, labour market analytics, semantic search, sourcing tools, and a mid-office application for the staffing industry, enhancing efficiency in HR and recruitment processes.

Flusk

Bubble, a no-code application development platform, acquired Amsterdam-based Flusk, a security and application monitoring tool. This acquisition aims to enhance Bubble’s security features, enabling users of all technical levels to implement cybersecurity best practices as they build and scale their businesses.

Flusk’s integration will provide intuitive, out-of-the-box access to advanced security and compliance features, reinforcing Bubble’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in creating secure, scalable applications.

Salonized

Treatwell, the hair and beauty booking platform, has acquired the remaining stake in Salonized, an Amsterdam-based salon software company, becoming its sole shareholder. This acquisition, valued at approximately €25M, follows Treatwell’s initial investment in Salonized in 2021. 

Salonized claims to be a market leader in salon software in the Netherlands and Belgium, supporting over 15,000 salons across Europe. The merger will integrate Salonized’s products, team, and expertise into Treatwell, enhancing innovation for salon services.

Move

Move, an Amsterdam-based mobile-first agency, has joined Framna, an international digital product agency formed by the merger of Shape from Denmark and Bontouch from Sweden.  

This integration aims to enhance Framna’s presence in the Dutch market and strengthen its expertise in financial services, insurance, and aviation sectors. Move’s team of 150 employees will contribute to Framna’s mission to become a leading global digital product agency.

WeTransfer

Milan-based Bending Spoons, a provider of digital technology products, acquired WeTransfer, a digital file-sharing and collaboration platform. As a part of the acquisition, the Italian company pledged to donate at least $3M to The Supporting Act Foundation over the next two years.

The Foundation aims to support emerging artists and artist-led groups from under-represented communities. Additionally, Bending Spoons pledged to continue reserving 30 per cent of WeTransfer’s advertising space to give back campaigns and editorial content.

After the acquisition in July for an undisclosed amount, Bending Spoons plans to axe about 75 per cent of WeTransfer’s staff, TechCrunch reports.

Bugaboo

Mubadala Capital, the asset management arm of Mubadala Investment Company, has agreed with Bain Capital to acquire a majority stake in Amsterdam-based Bugaboo Group, a stroller and premium children’s products company.

Bugaboo, a B Corp-certified company, designs strollers and parenting solutions for families. The company innovates with strollers, car seats, travel cots, and accessories. The company claims that its products are crafted to be comfortable and user-friendly.

ScamAdviser

ScamAdviser, a platform dedicated to scam detection, announced the development of its Anti-Scam Intelligence (ASI) technology, which integrates AI-driven anti-scam capabilities and a comprehensive scam data network into business operations.

This initiative aims to provide real-time scam defense for businesses and end-users, addressing the rise of AI-driven scams. 

ScamAdviser is also building a global anti-scam ecosystem, collaborating with over 400 government agencies, non-profits, and companies to enhance scam protection worldwide. The ASI solution can be integrated into existing business products via API or SDK, or through dedicated scam prevention services supported directly by ScamAdviser.

Pricewise

Moltiply Group Spa’s Mavriq Division has signed binding agreements to acquire 80 per cent of Pricewise Group BV, an online comparison and brokerage operator in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam-based Pricewise is a platform that helps consumers save on fixed costs like energy, insurance, internet, TV, mobile, and savings. It simplifies complex contracts, offering clear and understandable comparisons. With just a few clicks, users can compare options and save significant amounts.

The agreed enterprise value for 100 per cent of Pricewise’s shares is €25M, with the purchase financed through cash and/or existing credit lines. This acquisition aims to strengthen Mavriq’s position in the online comparison and brokerage market.

SnappCar

AutoBinck Group, a Dutch family-owned business focusing on mobility and energy, has become the full owner of SnappCar, a company that claims to be the largest car-sharing platform in the Netherlands.

This deal consolidates ownership from numerous shareholders to a single entity. Furthermore, SnappCar’s founder, Victor van Tol, is returning as the CEO of the company.

SnappCar is a car-sharing platform where over 10,000 car owners share their vehicles with others. Through the platform, users can rent cars from their neighbours, often finding vehicles located within walking distance from their own homes.

Offerte.nl

Utrecht-based Solvari, a platform where people find renovation and sustainability jobs, has acquired Amsterdam’s Offerte.nl, an SME mediator in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Offerte.nl connects people who need services with local businesses. The company has been operating in the Netherlands for 10 years and expanded to Belgium in 2021 and Scandinavia in 2023.

Peecho

London-based Prodigi, a global print-on-demand platform, acquired Peecho, an Amsterdam-based cloud printing solutions provider.

Founded in 2009, Peecho is a cloud printing platform that offers a global network of print partners and advanced print shop software to enable on-demand printing for creatives and enterprises. 

The Dutch company’s technology transforms digital content into premium printed products such as photo books, magazines, and business stationery. 

Steam Data Suite

Newzoo, a provider of games market data and insights, has acquired Steam Data Suite, a platform offering sales and marketing optimisation tools for game developers and publishers.  

This deal aims to enhance Newzoo’s data offerings by integrating robust, first-hand data from Steam Data Suite, thereby providing clients with more comprehensive insights into the gaming industry. 

The integration will strengthen Newzoo’s position in the market and support game developers and publishers in making informed strategic decisions.

Direct Diagnostics

Amsterdam-based 819 Capital Partners announced the acquisition of Direct Diagnostics from Sanquin Health Solutions (SHS). The deal includes additional growth funding from 819.

Direct Diagnostics plans to utilise the growth investment to expand its operations, targeting both domestic and international B2C and B2B markets. The investment is facilitated through 819’s Evergreen Fund I.

Direct Diagnostics offers personalised healthcare solutions and actionable recommendations. The company aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health, enhancing their quality of life through preventive diagnostic tests. By shifting focus from disease control to prevention, the company aims to transform the healthcare system.

Felyx

Amsterdam-based Felyx, a shared e-moped solutions company, merged with the Spanish company Cooltra.

Felyx claims to reshape urban mobility by offering sustainable and efficient transportation to all – a shared e-moped solution. It aims to link people through convenient, environmentally friendly, and shared riders, giving everyone the freedom to move around in a more green urban environment and make the city more livable.

With a fleet of over 6,000 electric mopeds, the company operates in over 13 cities and provides service to more than 1 million registered users.

Validata Group

DISA Global Solutions, a provider of employee screening and compliance services, has acquired Validata Group, a European background screening company based in Amsterdam.  

This acquisition enhances DISA’s international capabilities and expands its presence in the European market. 

Validata, founded in 2009, serves thousands of international clients and conducts over 250,000 screenings annually. The integration of Validata’s technology and expertise is expected to strengthen DISA’s global screening solutions and compliance services.

Vood

Mama’s Maaltijden, a meal company, acquired the vegan brand Vood, known for its high-quality plant-based products. By acquiring Vood into its brand portfolio, Mama’s Maaltijden strengthens its presence in the ready-to-eat meal segment, particularly in the growing vegan market.

Additionally, Vood’s expertise in online sales is of great value to Mama’s Maaltijden and will contribute to the further improvement of the digital presence of the entire group.

Aigent

Amsterdam-based Aigent, a company specialising in AI-driven agent coaching, monitoring, call transcription, and post-call analytics, was acquired by New York’s outsourcing and offshoring consulting firm Ubiquity.

Aigent is a live voice AI software designed for contact centres. It listens to live voice calls, offering real-time prompts and alerts to aid in resolving customer issues during the first call. 

The company’s features include risk and fraud protection, ensuring “high-quality” customer service, and supporting agent training and retention. Aigent caters to clients in fintech and banking, healthcare and healthtech, as well as insurtech.

Deepdesk

Rotterdam-based Anywhere365, a SaaS Enterprise Dialogue Management software provider, acquired Amsterdam’s Deepdesk BV, an AI Assistant technology provider.

Deepdesk’s AIx solution enhances customer experience using proprietary and generative AI models. According to Anywhere365, this move strengthens its market position by integrating Deepdesk’s Intelligent AI Assistant technology.

Innopay

Oliver Wyman, a global management consulting firm and a business of Marsh McLennan, has completed its acquisition of Innopay, an international consultancy specialising in digital transactions.

This strategic move aims to enhance Oliver Wyman’s capabilities in digital payments, open finance, digital identity, and data sharing. Innopay will continue to operate from its offices in Amsterdam and Frankfurt, now as a specialist consulting business within Oliver Wyman’s European region.

Knab

BAWAG Group has acquired Amsterdam-based Knab – a bank for self-employed people, by purchasing 100 per cent of its shares from ASR Nederland N.V. for €510M.

Knab is an online bank specialising in serving the self-employed, with nearly 400,000 customers predominantly in this domain. It helps customers to make informed choices for a secure financial future. 

The firm claims that in 2023, one in three self-employed individuals who opened a business bank account did so with Knab. In the first half of 2023, Knab reported a net profit of €64.5M.

CoorpID

Encompass Corporation, a provider of real-time digital Know Your Customer (KYC) profiles, has acquired Amsterdam’s CoorpID and Blacksmith KYC from ING. 

This move aims to develop a Corporate Digital Identity (CDI) platform that addresses challenges in the identification and verification of corporate clients. The integration of CoorpID and Blacksmith KYC is expected to enhance Encompass’s capabilities in providing comprehensive KYC solutions for financial institutions.

CoorpID, founded by ING Labs in 2018, addresses complex KYC challenges by enabling global banks to automate customer outreach and securely gather private KYC data from corporate clients. 

The platform serves over 500 multinationals across Europe, providing tools to store, manage, and share KYC documents with banks and partners. Its integration with Encompass enhances the creation of a complete CDI, combining public and private information to streamline customer outreach, reduce redundancy, and improve compliance efficiency for financial institutions.

Calypso Biotech

Amsterdam-based Calypso Biotech, a biopharmaceuticals company that discovers and develops novel therapies for autoimmune diseases, agreed to be acquired by Novartis, a Swiss medical company. 

Upon completion of the acquisition, Calypso shareholders will receive $250M at closing and up to $175M based on achieving predetermined milestones. 

Calypso, a spin-out from Merck, is focused on the R&D of monoclonal antibodies for various autoimmune indications, with expertise in IL-15 biology. IL-15 is a broad, untapped immune axis that controls barrier function and downstream immune cascades in many chronic autoimmune diseases. 

The Dutch company’s lead product — CALY-002, is a potential best-in-class therapeutic antibody that binds to and neutralises Interleukin-15.

MultiSafepay

Amsterdam-based MultiSafepay, a payment service provider, has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ant International and will integrate with Antom to enhance digital payment solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe.  

This strategic partnership aims to offer convenient, secure, and accessible payment services, leveraging Antom’s advanced technology and digital capabilities to expand product offerings and SME merchant coverage in the region. 

Since 1999, MultiSafepay has been simplifying payments for SMEs, providing payment solutions to over 18,000 businesses.

Homerun

Oxford-based ISH Holding (ISH) acquired Homerun, an Amsterdam-based recruitment platform. Homerun specialises in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Homerun is a recruitment platform that claims to be the all-in-one tool that helps small businesses make meaningful hires. It specialises in a SaaS Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Focused on enhancing the candidate experience, the startup streamlines the hiring process for businesses, allowing organised communication and team-based candidate reviews. 

The company’s client base includes Decathlon Netherlands, Douglas, Trifork, Dopper, Amac, Belsimpel, Joolz, and Mr Marvis, among others.