In the bold and innovative world of autonomous driving, Elon Musk’s Tesla recently captured headlines with a claim that Europe was on the brink of approving its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. For entrepreneurs watching Tesla’s journey, this is a classic example of hype meeting the often slow and cautious rigors of regulation. As the European Union’s Dutch regulator (RDW) swiftly clarified, February 2026 is earmarked for a demonstration of Tesla's technology, not a confirmation of its approval, a distinction that carries significant implications for tech companies looking to scale globally.
From the lens of Violetta Bonenkamp, a seasoned European entrepreneur with years of experience navigating regulatory waters and scaling startups, this scenario is rich with lessons for business owners, particularly those in highly regulated sectors such as tech, transportation, or medtech. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and five insights to consider as you strategize for success in similar environments.
Understanding the Challenge: Tesla vs. European Union Regulations
Tesla's long-standing dream of making its FSD software available in the EU faces a daunting barrier: Europe’s comprehensive and conservative regulatory framework. The Dutch RDW, the national vehicle licensing authority, recently countered Tesla’s public claim that approval is imminent. Elon Musk himself has criticized Europe’s “layer cake of bureaucracy,” but it's this very structure that aims to ensure public safety and accountability.
The question isn't whether Tesla’s technology can pass the standards, it may well be among the most sophisticated of the autonomous driving systems, but whether Tesla will play by the EU's rules, which emphasize transparency, real-world data validation, and a rule-by-rule compliance process. For startups and businesses eyeing the European market, this is a critical lesson in understanding and respecting regional barriers to entry.
5 Entrepreneurial Insights from Tesla’s Approval Saga
-
Regulation Is as Much a Game as Innovation
The European Union has strict safety and quality parameters, especially for disruptive technology like autonomous driving. As Bonenkamp points out, there’s no shortcut: “The rules exist for a reason, even if they sometimes seem outdated. High-growth startups need to bake compliance as a strategic lever into their innovation workflow.” Tesla, in this case, should have accounted for an incremental acceptance of its software, demonstrating safety through cumulative milestones.Entrepreneur’s takeaway: Before unveiling your game-changing product, dig deep into local, national, and sub-regional compliance frameworks. Tools like EU policy trackers or onboarding specialized consultants like compliance officers can speed up this process. For beginners, even simple research on platforms like TechCrunch’s coverage can pinpoint potential regulatory hurdles.
-
Communication Is Key: Underpromise and Overdeliver
A major critique of Tesla’s announcement was the overenthusiasm paired with premature calls for public support. The brand's assertion that the RDW had committed to granting Netherlands National approval came back to haunt them when the regulator contradicted Musk's message.Bonenkamp warns entrepreneurs, “Misperceptions, even if unintentional, can tarnish credibility with regulators, investors, and customers. What we say publicly, especially about regulated milestones, can ripple through multiple stakeholder groups.”
Entrepreneur’s takeaway: Whether you're announcing a product launch, regulatory win, or key milestone, clarity and caution matter. Communicate progress directly but without creating the impression that your innovation is a done deal unless there’s hard evidence to support it.
-
Efficient Data-Driven Demonstrations Are Key
RDW’s plan to evaluate Tesla's FSD rests heavily on demonstrations proving that the technology aligns with EU safety benchmarks. Tesla has reportedly conducted over one million kilometers of testing across 17 countries in the EU, yet this cannot serve as a shortcut for full compliance. RDW has requested further evidence, highlighting the often underestimated importance of localized testing.Entrepreneur’s takeaway: Build localized, measurable case studies to demonstrate your technology to regulators. For instance, Tesla’s testing might resonate more with regulators if paired with country-specific impact data, such as how FSD aligns with existing parking or traffic management systems in European cities.
-
Patience Can Shape the Market for You
Bonenkamp is quick to highlight that there’s often a developmental lag between innovation and the legal framework governing it. “Sometimes, regulatory mechanisms need to catch up, and it's our job as entrepreneurs to bridge that gap, ethically and collaboratively,” she emphasizes. Tesla’s push for rule-by-rule exemptions from the broader regulatory framework may eventually lead to future compliance innovations specific to autonomous driving software.Entrepreneur’s takeaway: Early-stage companies entering regulated markets should prepare for delays. Find allies in policymakers to advocate for the introduction of necessary regulations, but remain open to adjusting your technology for compliance. Operating in a new region is a negotiation, not an ultimatum.
-
Prepare for Public Scrutiny and Backlash
By urging Tesla enthusiasts to pressure the RDW into expediting approval, Tesla inadvertently highlighted a public relations misstep. Not only was the move premature, but RDW had to issue a statement asking the public to halt communications with their office.Entrepreneur’s takeaway: Embrace a level-headed marketing plan that allows your customer or supporter base to rally around clear, ethical, and achievable milestones. Don’t overreach or leverage stakeholders to push a regulatory entity, such pressures can backfire and impair your eventual acceptance.
Applying This Framework in Other Industries
The lessons from Tesla's experience are universal: any entrepreneur in fintech, healthcare, or another regulated industry must prioritize collaboration, compliance, and communication with regulatory authorities. Violetta Bonenkamp believes that businesses should adopt gamified methods like those in her proprietary gamepreneurship approach, which encourages iterative, goal-focused growth aligned with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies.
How to Apply These Learnings in Your Startup
- Involve Regulatory Partners Early: Engage regulators during early development; focus on relationship building rather than confrontation.
- Run Localized Tests: Tailor your product for specific regional laws and validate with region-focused data.
- Educate Your Stakeholders: Let teams know about potential delays, the rigorous standards, and your commitment to safety.
- Prepare for Alternative Scenarios: Just like Tesla needs fallback plans if RDW approval doesn’t materialize, create contingency roadmaps for your product expansions so you can continuously adapt.
Red Flags to Avoid
When navigating regulatory landscapes, founders commonly fall into these pitfalls:
- Assuming “One Size Fits All”: If a product works in the U.S., it doesn't mean it will pass European, Asian, or Australian safeguards.
- Delaying Compliance Studies: Postponing regulatory engagements doesn’t lead to “happier inspectors,” as Bonenkamp puts it; it results in delays, if not complete regulatory refusal.
- Overhyping Your Approval Timeline: Perception matters, and you want to be seen as a responsible corporate citizen instead of a reckless disruptor.
Wrapping It All Up: Lessons for the Future
While Tesla’s FSD claims may seem misplaced in the short term, the incident underscores a broader reality for entrepreneurs: international markets, especially in the EU, are not easily penetrated when technology collides with deep regulatory forces. As Bonenkamp reminds us from her wealth of experience across industries, navigating regulation is part of the innovation process.
Entrepreneurs shouldn’t shy away from regulated markets like Europe but rather should approach them as opportunities to build resilient and adaptable systems that push industries forward. Tesla has the resources and bold ambition to lead this charge in autonomous driving, but its journey highlights the importance of respecting local rules, excelling in iterative validation, and fostering transparency.
For founders developing new technologies, the roadmap couldn’t be clearer, achieve regulatory trust through calculated, data-driven steps. In the words of Violetta Bonenkamp: “Success as an entrepreneur is the ability to solve problems, even the seemingly bureaucratic ones. Every problem is an opportunity hiding under the guise of hassle.”
FAQ
1. What did Tesla claim about its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software approval in Europe?
Tesla claimed on social media that the Dutch regulator, RDW, was set to approve its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software for use in the Netherlands by February 2026. Explore details on Tesla's claims and RDW's role
2. What was the Dutch regulator RDW's response to Tesla’s announcement?
RDW clarified that February 2026 marks only a demonstration of Tesla's FSD capabilities, not an approval. They emphasized that safety is paramount, and future decisions would depend on testing outcomes. Check RDW's clarification details
3. How has Tesla prepared for FSD approval in Europe?
Tesla has conducted over one million kilometers of testing in 17 European countries and submitted safety documentation to European authorities. Explore Tesla's preparation steps
4. Why is Tesla seeking a rule-by-rule exemption for FSD in Europe?
Tesla is aiming to overcome outdated EU regulations by seeking exemptions on a rule-by-rule basis rather than modifying FSD functionality, which they claim could make it unsafe. Learn more about Tesla's exemption plans
5. What is the significance of RDW's February 2026 demonstration for Tesla’s FSD?
The demonstration represents an opportunity for Tesla to prove FSD’s compliance with EU safety standards, but it does not guarantee approval for widespread use. Understand the February 2026 milestone
6. How did Tesla’s public communication impact its credibility with RDW?
Tesla's public request for supporters to thank RDW for an approval that hasn't been granted prompted RDW to ask the public to stop contacting them, highlighting a misstep in Tesla's communication strategy. Read about Tesla's PR issues
7. How does the EU regulatory process differ from Tesla’s usual markets like the U.S.?
The EU regulatory process for autonomous technology is stricter and emphasizes thorough safety validations, unlike the more flexible frameworks Tesla has navigated in the U.S. Learn about the EU regulatory landscape
8. What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from Tesla’s EU regulatory challenges?
Tesla’s experience highlights the importance of patient compliance, precise communication, and collaboration with regulators when introducing disruptive technologies in strictly regulated markets. Explore five insights for entrepreneurs
9. What safety concerns has RDW raised about autonomous driving software like Tesla’s FSD?
RDW has emphasized that traffic safety remains its top priority and that real-world testing and compliance with safety standards are essential before granting approval. Understand RDW’s safety focus
10. Why is local compliance testing critical for Tesla’s success in Europe?
Localized testing demonstrates how Tesla’s software adapts to region-specific challenges, like traffic rules and road conditions, which are crucial for gaining regulatory trust in diverse markets. Explore the value of localized testing
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.