Find Startups in Arnhem
Arnhem is home to over 100 emerging startup ventures. Join 200+ startups already on Foundersbase - be among the first 50 joining in Arnhem and discover promising early-stage innovation partners today!
Find startups →↓ Explore the startup ecosystem of Arnhem

Startup Ecosystem in Arnhem

Startup Ecosystem in Arnhem
Startup Ecosystem in Arnhem
Arnhem has cultivated a specialized sustainable technology ecosystem by combining exceptional energy expertise, green infrastructure leadership, and strategic positioning within the Netherlands' innovation network to build focused technology ventures particularly in energy transition and circular economy solutions. The city has nurtured promising companies like Sympower's demand response energy platform, Venturi's clean mobility solutions, and Allego's EV charging infrastructure, reflecting the region's industrial and energy heritage now pivoting toward sustainability. The funding landscape leverages both specialized clean technology investors like SET Ventures and strategic corporate investment from energy companies, alongside public funding instruments specifically supporting green innovation. The innovation infrastructure centers around specialized programs like Connectr Energy Innovation focusing exclusively on energy transition ventures and IPKW (Industriepark Kleefse Waard) supporting sustainable manufacturing. Throughout the city, innovation clusters have developed around the IPKW industrial district housing many clean technology ventures, Arnhems Buiten energy campus, and increasingly connecting to nearby Nijmegen through regional collaboration. What gives Arnhem startups their edge is exceptional energy infrastructure including early hydrogen deployment and advanced grid testing facilities, specialized technical talent in energy systems and industrial engineering, lower operating costs compared to western Netherlands cities, and strategic location connecting to both German industrial markets and Dutch innovation centers - though entrepreneurs must navigate limited ecosystem maturity beyond the energy sector, smaller risk capital availability compared to Amsterdam or Eindhoven, less international visibility, and sometimes traditional industrial approaches to innovation collaboration.
Arnhem has cultivated a specialized sustainable technology ecosystem by combining exceptional energy expertise, green infrastructure leadership, and strategic positioning within the Netherlands' innovation network to build focused technology ventures particularly in energy transition and circular economy solutions. The city has nurtured promising companies like Sympower's demand response energy platform, Venturi's clean mobility solutions, and Allego's EV charging infrastructure, reflecting the region's industrial and energy heritage now pivoting toward sustainability. The funding landscape leverages both specialized clean technology investors like SET Ventures and strategic corporate investment from energy companies, alongside public funding instruments specifically supporting green innovation. The innovation infrastructure centers around specialized programs like Connectr Energy Innovation focusing exclusively on energy transition ventures and IPKW (Industriepark Kleefse Waard) supporting sustainable manufacturing. Throughout the city, innovation clusters have developed around the IPKW industrial district housing many clean technology ventures, Arnhems Buiten energy campus, and increasingly connecting to nearby Nijmegen through regional collaboration. What gives Arnhem startups their edge is exceptional energy infrastructure including early hydrogen deployment and advanced grid testing facilities, specialized technical talent in energy systems and industrial engineering, lower operating costs compared to western Netherlands cities, and strategic location connecting to both German industrial markets and Dutch innovation centers - though entrepreneurs must navigate limited ecosystem maturity beyond the energy sector, smaller risk capital availability compared to Amsterdam or Eindhoven, less international visibility, and sometimes traditional industrial approaches to innovation collaboration.
Arnhem startups in numbers
Startups in Arnhem on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 46% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 54% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 38% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Arnhem are evolving. A significant share (62%) report open positions, making this a valuable space for entrepreneurial talent looking to join a team early. In terms of funding, 49% of startups are currently seeking investment, while others pursue different approaches to growth. Startups in Arnhem are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Aerospace, E-Commerce, and Internet. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Data Privacy & Security, Wildlife Conservation, Carbon Footprint Reduction, and Sustainable Agriculture, adding purpose-driven perspectives to the local startup scene. Whether you’re interested in supporting founders, investing in early-stage ventures, or finding opportunities to get involved, the startup activity in Arnhem offers a great starting point.
Job Offerings
More than (46%) of startups in Arnhem are actively recruiting talent, while (54%) are focused on building with their current team.
Startup Stage
The Arnhem startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (38%) currently at the Prototype stage.
Funding Need
About (67%) of early-stage startups in Arnhem are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (33%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.
Top innovation sectors
Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Arnhem are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.
Impact Focus
Startups from Arnhem on Foundersbase most often focus on Data Privacy & Security, driving innovation in this area.
Discover the startup ecosystem in Arnhem

Early-stage Startups. Entrepreneurs. Private Investors.
Our platform connects startup supporters, mentors, collaboration partners, and angel investors with promising early-stage ventures in Arnhem and around the globe. Join our startup community today, its free!
- Discover emerging ventures before anyone else.
- Connect with early-stage startups for collaboration opportunities.
- Support, mentor, and engage with innovative founding teams.
As featured in