Find Startups in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is home to over 500 emerging startup ventures. Join 200+ startups already on Foundersbase - be among the first 50 joining in Rotterdam and discover promising early-stage innovation partners today!
Find startups →↓ Explore the startup ecosystem of Rotterdam
Startup Ecosystem in Rotterdam
Startup Ecosystem in Rotterdam
Startup Ecosystem in Rotterdam
Rotterdam has transformed from industrial port to innovation hub, combining exceptional logistics expertise, architectural innovation, and sustainability focus to build technology ventures addressing urban and industrial challenges with global relevance. The Netherlands' second-largest city has leveraged its distinctive commercial heritage and rebuilding spirit to create an entrepreneurial community particularly strong in areas where Rotterdam has natural advantages. Companies like Mendix, Coolblue, and Harbor demonstrate particular strength in logistics technology, e-commerce operations, and industrial solutions reflecting the city's position as Europe's largest port. The funding landscape bridges traditional maritime investment with emerging venture capital through funds like Rotterdam Port Fund, SHIFT Invest, and Innovation Quarter, alongside strategic corporate engagement from port-related industries seeking external innovation and digital transformation capabilities. Throughout Rotterdam, distinctive innovation districts have emerged from industrial transformation - Merwe-Vierhavens (M4H) focuses on circular manufacturing, Rotterdam Science Tower houses technology ventures near Erasmus University, and the RDM Rotterdam site repurposes former shipyards for maritime innovation. Rotterdam startups benefit from the city's exceptional testbed environment for logistics, mobility, and climate technologies, strong engineering talent pipeline from technical universities including nearby Delft, pragmatic business culture valuing efficiency and measurable impact, and bold architectural identity attracting creative professionals. Entrepreneurs still navigate challenges including sometimes overshadowed position compared to Amsterdam's startup scene, talent competition from corporate headquarters offering stability, limited local venture capital requiring connections to Amsterdam-based investors, and occasionally siloed innovation pockets - yet Rotterdam continues developing its distinctive entrepreneurial identity at the intersection of industrial strength, sustainable innovation, and urban transformation.
Rotterdam has transformed from industrial port to innovation hub, combining exceptional logistics expertise, architectural innovation, and sustainability focus to build technology ventures addressing urban and industrial challenges with global relevance. The Netherlands' second-largest city has leveraged its distinctive commercial heritage and rebuilding spirit to create an entrepreneurial community particularly strong in areas where Rotterdam has natural advantages. Companies like Mendix, Coolblue, and Harbor demonstrate particular strength in logistics technology, e-commerce operations, and industrial solutions reflecting the city's position as Europe's largest port. The funding landscape bridges traditional maritime investment with emerging venture capital through funds like Rotterdam Port Fund, SHIFT Invest, and Innovation Quarter, alongside strategic corporate engagement from port-related industries seeking external innovation and digital transformation capabilities. Throughout Rotterdam, distinctive innovation districts have emerged from industrial transformation - Merwe-Vierhavens (M4H) focuses on circular manufacturing, Rotterdam Science Tower houses technology ventures near Erasmus University, and the RDM Rotterdam site repurposes former shipyards for maritime innovation. Rotterdam startups benefit from the city's exceptional testbed environment for logistics, mobility, and climate technologies, strong engineering talent pipeline from technical universities including nearby Delft, pragmatic business culture valuing efficiency and measurable impact, and bold architectural identity attracting creative professionals. Entrepreneurs still navigate challenges including sometimes overshadowed position compared to Amsterdam's startup scene, talent competition from corporate headquarters offering stability, limited local venture capital requiring connections to Amsterdam-based investors, and occasionally siloed innovation pockets - yet Rotterdam continues developing its distinctive entrepreneurial identity at the intersection of industrial strength, sustainable innovation, and urban transformation.
Rotterdam startups in numbers
Startups in Rotterdam on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 38% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 62% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 40.6% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Food, Real Estate, and Software. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Ocean Protection, Global Health, Biodiversity, and Data Privacy & Security, 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 Rotterdam offers a great starting point.
Job Offerings
More than (38%) of startups in Rotterdam are actively recruiting talent, while (62%) are focused on building with their current team.
Startup Stage
The Rotterdam startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (40.6%) currently at the Prototype stage.
Funding Need
About (56%) of early-stage startups in Rotterdam are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (44%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.
Top innovation sectors
Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Rotterdam are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.
Impact Focus
Startups from Rotterdam on Foundersbase most often focus on Ocean Protection, driving innovation in this area.
Discover the startup ecosystem in Rotterdam
Early-stage Startups. Entrepreneurs. Private Investors.
Our platform connects startup supporters, mentors, collaboration partners, and angel investors with promising early-stage ventures in Rotterdam 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
