As someone who has worked across multiple ecosystems and disciplines, I was intrigued by Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands’ insights in his recent interview about Techleap’s updated mandate, its upcoming privatization, deeptech challenges within the Dutch ecosystem, and Europe’s broader tech struggles. From my perspective as an entrepreneur and innovator immersed in deeptech and startup logistics, this conversation brings to light actionable lessons for founders and policymakers alike. Let me break down why his perspective matters, where improvements are overdue, and what you need to know to move the needle on innovation.
Key Takeaways from Prince Constantijn's Vision
Here’s what stood out in the conversation:
1. Techleap’s Updated Mandate
Techleap, originally a government-supported program for scaling startups, is set to evolve into a privatized entity with dual functions:
- A public non-profit arm focused on building deeptech ecosystems.
- A private arm concentrating on founder education and scaling programs like RISE.
This balanced approach could address long-standing gaps in founder support while ensuring sustainability beyond 2029, when Techleap’s public funding mandate ends. The move to privatize founder-centric activities is ambitious, it’s hard to create growth under government wings and then shift the dynamics to a privately funded entity. Founders will need to shift their mindset: the price tag may increase, but the quality should too.
2. What Dutch Deeptech Needs Right Now
The Dutch deeptech scene is brimming with potential but faces bottlenecks in scaling industrial projects, accessing capital, and manufacturing at scale. According to Techleap’s State of Dutch Tech report, Dutch startups are operating one year behind the European average in terms of tech progression and two years behind the U.S.
Actionable Steps for Founders
- Leverage deeptech hubs: Look into initiatives backed by the European Innovation Council and Invest-NL, these organizations are pushing funding campaigns aimed at industrial scale-ups.
- Prototype to pilot: Founders often succeed in prototyping but stumble at mass production. Start conversations with facility players in Germany or Switzerland (you’ll thank me later).
- Build relationships with investors globally: Capital for battery plants or chip facilities won't come from local sources alone; networking across Silicon Valley, Shenzhen, and Eindhoven is essential.
Remember, when you scale globally, operations need to align with local laws across multiple nations. I always advise founders to integrate compliance early, it’s easier than untangling the mess later.
3. Privatization: A Double-Edged Sword
Privatization is both promising and complex. By shifting part of Techleap’s programs into the hands of private funding, the aim is to retain agility and founder focus. However, as a tech entrepreneur familiar with public-private dynamics, I know this won’t come without challenges.
How Founders Should Prepare
Adopt a participant-driven mentality. Techleap’s vision of engaged community ownership, where founders take a proactive role, makes it clear: your involvement shapes the output. Treat this as a long-term relationship. Programs like RISE, especially, emphasize founder networks over transactional interactions, so it’s worth investing your time and energy.
4. AI and Europe’s Strategic Challenges
Prince Constantijn emphasized Europe’s struggles in developing AI sectors fast enough to compete with the US or China. Dutch AI holds promise but lacks momentum because founders think locally or too small. This resonates deeply with me, ambition is an underestimated skill in tech entrepreneurship.
How Dutch AI Can Bloom
- Go niche: Specialized solutions like applied industrial AI or customized local large language models (LLMs) could thrive. For instance, chipmakers like Axelera or machine learning leaders could shift U.S.-led narratives.
- Tap into unique opportunities: The Netherlands already has a competitive edge in AI (Amsterdam, for example, boasts Europe’s highest density of talent per capita). Use this as leverage.
- Align ambition with early-stage backers: Instead of bootstrapping indefinitely, founders should push through Series A rounds faster. That sense of urgency is missing, but vital.
Where We’re Falling Short: Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best plans fail when executors repeat foundational errors. Based on both Techleap’s findings and personal experience, these are the most common pitfalls:
-
Underestimating the importance of industrial scaling
Prototype success doesn’t equal scaling success, especially for deeptech businesses. Many entrepreneurs fail to consider logistics, materials, and manufacturing as critical from the onset. -
Misaligned founder networks
Community is everything, but transactional relationships don’t last. Avoid static mentorship setups and invest time into cultivating authentic, dynamic networks. -
Ignoring cross-border funding complexities
While it’s tempting to chase capital from U.S. VCs, European compliance issues often slow foreign-based investments. Familiarizing yourself with international laws ensures momentum is maintained. -
Over-reliance on AI without human insight
AI tools are transformative, but solely relying on tech-driven insights leads to one-dimensional strategies. Thought leaders like Prince Constantijn emphasize bringing human nuance back into the equation.
How Founders Can Thrive Under Techleap 2.0: A Quick Guide
As Techleap transitions, founders must take charge of their own scaling story. Here’s how:
1. Start with Founder Networks
Look into Techleap’s TeamNL metaphor, a structure where successful founders become mentors. Join programs like RISE not just for resources but relationships.
2. Push Academia and Industry Collaboration
Incorporate as much knowledge spillover from local Dutch universities as possible. Partnerships with technical institutes are invaluable when scaling deeptech.
3. Think Pan-European
Don’t limit yourself regionally; align ambitions with EU-focused backers. Groups like Bpifrance and EIC fund innovation provided founders strategically pitch beyond borders.
4. Prioritize Manufacturing Expertise
If your deeptech product requires hardware or facilities, stop shopping locally, industrial heroes often lie abroad. Source partnerships in Germany, Switzerland, and beyond.
Conclusion: What Prince Constantijn's Insights Mean for Entrepreneurs
To strike gold, founders operating in the Dutch tech landscape need to embrace the urgency Prince Constantijn hints at throughout his interview. Deeptech may be complex, slow-moving, and tough to scale, but leaders, myself included, have seen incredible transformation when ambition aligns with access to support.
Whether you're chasing AI dreams or piloting battery components, remember: velocity and cultural vision win the race. Europe needs you and your big ideas, not just your prototypes. And as Techleap evolves, the platform provides tools, but only ambition will turn those tools into success.
If there’s one message all founders should take away here, it’s this: scale boldly, build thoughtfully, and think bigger than you ever thought possible.
For more detailed insights and actionable resources, explore Techleap’s Programs and their transformative initiatives for founders. Let's push Europe forward together.
FAQ
1. What is Techleap's updated mandate and structure?
Techleap is transitioning into a hybrid model with a public non-profit arm focused on deeptech ecosystem building and a private arm centered on scaling founders through programs like RISE. Learn more about Techleap's updated mandate
2. Why is privatization essential for Techleap’s future?
Privatization aims to retain agility, ensure sustainability beyond government funding, and focus on founder communities. Founders need to adopt a proactive mindset to succeed under this model. Learn more about Techleap’s privatization
3. What challenges do Dutch deeptech startups face?
Dutch deeptech startups struggle with scaling industrial projects, manufacturing at scale, and securing substantial capital. They lag behind Europe and the U.S. in terms of tech progression. Explore Dutch deeptech challenges
4. What actionable advice does Prince Constantijn offer for founders in deeptech?
Constantijn recommends leveraging European Innovation Council initiatives, prototyping to pilot programs with German/Swiss facilities, and establishing global investor relationships. Compliance with international laws is key when scaling globally. Check out the actionable advice
5. How should founders prepare for Techleap’s transition?
Founders should embrace community-driven ownership, prioritize long-term engagement, and participate actively in programs like RISE. Building networks is critical for success. Discover how to prepare for Techleap's transition
6. Why is velocity crucial in scaling startups?
Prince Constantijn emphasizes that growth velocity and founder vision often outweigh size in determining success. Ambition and urgency are underestimated skills in entrepreneurship. Learn more about the importance of velocity
7. What are the gaps in Europe’s AI strategy according to Prince Constantijn?
Europe struggles with pace in AI development compared to the U.S. and China. Dutch AI startups need to focus on specialized solutions, Series A rounds urgency, and leveraging unique talent opportunities in cities like Amsterdam. Discover Europe’s AI gaps
8. How can the Dutch startup ecosystem improve its appeal to founders?
Constantijn suggests better fiscal stimulation, increased incentives, and more support for industrial scaling. Building an attractive ecosystem can reduce startup exodus trends. Learn how the Dutch ecosystem can evolve
9. What is TeamNL and how can founders leverage it?
TeamNL is a metaphor for fostering founder networks based on Olympic teams. Successful entrepreneurs act as mentors, driving collaborative, dynamic communities. Explore TeamNL’s benefits
10. What recommendations exist for accessing early-stage funding in the Netherlands?
Dutch startups should explore alternatives like convertibles, debt tools, and philanthropic seed funds. Examples include the Graduate Entrepreneur Fund in Rotterdam and Delft. Learn more about Dutch funding options
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.