Year in review: Our top 10 stories of 2018

While 2019 is right ahead, we take a step back and look at the best stories of 2018 for Silicon Canals. This year was all about some great news, insights and inspiring stories in the Dutch tech startup ecosystem. With the year closing, the biggest news of Takeaway.com acquiring the German division of Delivery Hero also fills our hearts with pride and we are hoping for a really successful 2019.

So here we take a look at the most sizzling stories in 2018 before we step into 2019! We wish all our readers, a Happy New Year in advance. See you next year!

#1 Rotterdam startups rocking the tech world

Rotterdam is one of the major attractions for startups in the Netherlands. The city is gaining traction since the past couple of years and is called ‘Boston of the Netherlands’. Some of the exciting startups that have emerged from the shining city are Coolblue, MetrixLab, Helloprint, HousingAnywhere, InvoiceSharing, Travis the Translator, MP Objects, Sensara and Quantib.

#2 Mind-blowing Dutch tech startups

The Netherlands is a startup hotbed on the European continent. In the country, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Delft, Utrecht and Eindhoven are progressing into tech hubs for the ambitious startups. Among the countless inventive minds, there are startups such as Welbo Robots, Mapiq, InsureApp, Food Story, HoloFil, Quicargo, Sensiks, Nerdalize, TicTag, and Wizzymaps that have created big news this year.

#3 Convious raised €3.6 million funding

Convious, a Dutch AI startup raised €3.6 million funding from its existing investors Capital Mills and others. This funding will be used to build a team to develop a platform that will use AI for users to shop online with personalised price offers. The startup is also looking forward to hiring software engineers and data scientists to strengthen its team.

#4 Ligo raised €500k funding

Ligo, a legal startup based in Amsterdam raised €500k in one month from private investors. The investment will be channelled to accelerate the company’s growth, strengthen and expand its team and make their legal services better with machine learning. Its founder Wendy Bogers was mentioned at the 39th position in the Forbes list of 100 Female Founders in Europe.

#5 Fintech startups from the Netherlands

The Fintech ecosystem in the Netherlands is booming with many companies being active in this business sector. There are a number of fintech startups rapidly growing in the country. And, some of the notable startups in the fintech industry are Adyen, Ohpen, BUX, FRISS, Digital Insurance Group and Blanco Services.

#6 Apple, Trimble and HERE to acquire TomTom

TomTom, the digital mapping and routing company has been facing threats from Apple and Google as these tech giants are also expanding their mapping solutions. Earlier this year, there were reports that TomTom is planning to sell its growing Telematics business. And, Apple, Trimble, HERE and others are trying to acquire the Dutch satellite navigation pioneer.

#7 TravelBird quit operations

Dutch startup TravelBird, which revolutionised the travel booking space announced that it quit its operations and declared financial distress. It stated that it quit operations as it failed to raise further funding to pay suppliers. The startup raised over €20 till date before it announced that it suspended its operations.

#8 Innovative Belgium startups

Belgium is also progressing into a major attraction for the startups of late. Several companies are originating in Belgium and are gaining traction in the business world. Some of the interesting Belgium startups are Rombit, RetailSonar, Intuo, Octinion, eRowz and Yields.io.

#9 Most valuable European startups

The Dutch business ecosystem is emerging to be successful in Europe’s technology industry. Some of the biggest and most valuable European startups are Adyen, Booking Holdings, ASML, Philips and NXP Semiconductors.

#10 Fastest growing companies in the Netherlands

Given that the technology companies are growing at a rapid pace, there are interesting innovations across categories. Some of the fastest growing tech startups in the Netherlands are Amber, APOC Aviation, Channable, Hotelchamp, Lone Rooftop, Otrium, Recruitee.com, Temper, Vamp and ZIVVER.

Stay tuned to Silicon Canals for more updates in the tech startup world.

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