Amsterdam’s Techleap.nl leaps into action after budget cuts; launches Pledge campaign to foster Dutch tech ecosystem

Amsterdam-based Techleap.nl, a non-profit organisation, announced the launch of a Pledge campaign. 

The initiative aims to invite individuals with relevant expertise, funding capabilities, and valuable connections to actively participate in shaping the future of Techleap and the Dutch tech landscape.

This announcement comes shortly after the Dutch government reduced Techleap.nl’s budget to €15M for three years. However, the move has sparked a tremendous outpouring of support and admiration, highlighting the significance of investing further in technology.

“You’ve heard the news by now: the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy is halving Techleap’s budget. Worrying? Not at all! Instead of shrinking in the face of budget cuts, we’re embracing our entrepreneurial spirit. This only fuels our determination to achieve our mission!” mentions Techleap.nl. 

Overwhelming support

Techleap.nl also mentions that it has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the organisation, as well as offers to contribute. “That’s why we’re reaching out to invite all those who believe in our mission – founders, venture capitalists, corporates, regional ecosystem builders, knowledge institutions, and you – to join us in supporting this goal with a pledge,” it says. 

Prince Constantijn Van Oranje-Nassau also took to LinkedIn to share his perspective.

He says, “To start I am happy that TL has a future. I see the lower budget as a challenge to do more with less. We will now raise additional funds and accelerate the growth of our communities and programs. And of course, we will continue to collect data and monitor the most relevant developments in the Dutch tech market.” 

He continues “We’ll keep working closely with the ecosystem and government to identify and remove bottlenecks for scaling tech ventures and help design system interventions where needed. More details will follow later this month, as announced bij minister Adriaansens.

He adds, “In previous parliamentary letters minister Adriaansens stated that she is taking action to increase the growth of startups and scaleups with a focus on deep tech companies. Secretary of State Marnix van Rij has also announced that he will work with her on a competitive employee options scheme.” 

“This gives confidence that the government will take indispensable measures such as increasing VC funding, improving talent education, acquisition, and retention, and professionalizing the Dutch tech transfer system,” he concludes.

Techleap.nl: Accelerating tech ecosystem of the Netherland

Techleap.nl is a non-profit organisation, funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of The Netherlands, to help quantify and accelerate the Dutch tech ecosystem. 

With programmes and initiatives that enhance access to financing, markets, and people, Techleap.nl claims to offer the ideal environment for technology firms to expand. 

Constantijn van Oranje is Techleap.nl’s Special Envoy.

The firm also claims to provide selected scale-ups with the “best” learning and network infrastructure through the Rise Programme. 

The programme helps these scale-ups gain access to leading experts, networks, and resources to learn from the best Dutch entrepreneurs and grow internationally. 

Additionally, the programme also puts scale-ups on the global map with corporates, investors, and media.