What Startupbootcamp Amsterdam does

Startupbootcamp, founded in 2010 in Amsterdam and co-founded by Ruud Hendriks and Patrick de Zeeuw, is a global network of industry-specific startup accelerators operating across 20+ countries with regional offices in Europe, Australia, Africa, LATAM, MENA, and Asia. The core product is a portfolio of 3-month intensive accelerator programs that select 10-30 startups per cohort, taking 6-8% equity in exchange for mentorship, seed funding (typically €15K cash plus program services, or up to €300K for premium tracks like Fin+Tech Italy), investor introductions, and corporate pilot facilitation. The company has accelerated 1,600+ startups since inception with a combined portfolio valuation of €5.6B, an 8.3x MOIC, and a 76% four-year survival rate.

The business operates three revenue streams: (1) equity appreciation from 6-8% stakes in 1,600+ portfolio companies, (2) corporate open innovation services through a structured Scoping-Scouting-Selecting-PoC-Piloting framework sold to 100+ Fortune 500 partners (including PwC, Microsoft, AWS, Mastercard, Deutsche Bank, Unilever, Heineken, Kraft Heinz, Nestlé), and (3) a tokenized public investment vehicle via the Nxchange platform (world's first publicly traded accelerator since 2019) plus dedicated funds such as the A$5M Sustainable Fintech Fund. The proprietary FuelUp technology platform, acquired in 2019, maintains a 500,000-startup database with continuous AI-assisted web-scraping and venture readiness scoring.

In October 2019, Startupbootcamp completed a tokenized IPO on Nxchange raising €2.325M and became the first publicly traded accelerator globally. The company has since expanded into AI/Web3 (AIvolution), DeepTech & Robotics, MENA via a Meta partnership, Brazil with a R$50M commitment, and a range of vertical programs (FinTech, HealthTech, FoodTech, PropTech, Sustainability, Mobility). Leadership includes Group CEO Kauan Von Novack and regional CEOs (e.g., Ibrahim Seksek for MENA), with the company targeting investment in 100,000 startups over the next decade. Startupbootcamp was ranked #1 Startup Accelerator in Europe by Financial Times/Statista in 2024 and 2025.

Name

Startupbootcamp Amsterdam

Legal name

Startupbootcamp

Website

https://startupbootcamp.org

Company type

Public

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Startupbootcamp is a global network of industry-specific startup accelerators operating in 20+ countries, running 3-month programs that provide mentorship, funding, and corporate pilot access to early-stage startups in exchange for 6-8% equity, while delivering open innovation services to Fortune 500 partners like Microsoft, AWS, Unilever, and Kraft Heinz.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Acceleration Services

NAICS

Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

akta.pro primary industry

Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD), Venture Studios / Company Builders (FSANAAAH)

Keywords

• Startup acceleration programs
• Venture mentorship services
• Corporate open innovation
• Technology scouting platform
• Seed stage equity

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Equity in Startups: Startupbootcamp takes an 8% equity stake in startups joining their accelerator programs in exchange for services including mentorship, funding, and network access. For the fintech accelerator, startups receive €15,000 to cover program costs in exchange for 6-8% equity.
2. Open Innovation Services for Corporates: Corporate-startup collaboration programs where Startupbootcamp facilitates scouting, selecting, and implementing startup solutions for enterprise clients. Services include scoping sessions, PoC sprints, pilot programs, and ongoing guidance.
3. Public Investment (Tokenized IPO): Startupbootcamp became the world's first publicly traded accelerator through a tokenized IPO on Nxchange, raising €2.325 million for the SBC Fintech Amsterdam 1921 program with minimum investment tickets of €37,500.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Startupbootcamp Amsterdam runs a global network of industry-specific 3-month intensive accelerator programs for early-stage startups, providing mentorship, investor access, corporate partnerships, and educational workshops in exchange for 6-8% equity stakes. The organization also offers Open Innovation Services that help corporations identify, select, and pilot startup solutions through a structured Scoping-Scouting-Selecting-PoC-Piloting framework, while operating the proprietary FuelUp technology scouting platform with a database of 500,000 startups.

Product overview

Startupbootcamp is a global network of industry-specific startup accelerators offering a portfolio of programs across multiple verticals. The core offering consists of 3-month intensive accelerator programs providing mentorship, investment access, corporate partnerships, and educational workshops. Programs span AI & Web3 (AIvolution), DeepTech & Robotics, Health & Lifescience, Food & AgriTech, Energy & Climate, Sustainability, Mobility & Transportation, PropTech, Sustainable FinTech, Fashion (Styleit), Sports Tech, and female entrepreneurship (Momentum). Supporting offerings include pre-accelerators (VentureAus, EnergyInc), regional accelerators (AfriTech, FoodTech Tasmania, Georgia), and specialized programs like Decarbonize and Production & Industry. Technology platforms include FuelUp (startup scouting database with 500K startups) and Open Innovation Services for corporate-startup collaboration. Events include the FUTRXPO tech conference. Investment vehicles include the A$5M Sustainable FinTech Fund and SBC Bold 2 portfolio. Recent programs include Australian-Grown Innovation (horticulture) and Llama Design Drive (Meta AI partnership).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bold 2: Investment portfolio program for startups selected into AIvolution and DeepTech accelerators
• Sustainable Fintech Fund
• Momentum
• Powered
• Australian-Grown Innovation
• Llama Design Drive

Products and services

• DeepTech & Robotics Accelerator Accelerator for startups pioneering scientific breakthroughs and disruptive engineering innovations in autonomous mobility, Edge AI & ML, Nanotechnology, and advanced robotics applications. Accepted 10 startups from 3,000+ applications in first cohort with mentors, investor network, and partner deals.
• AIvolution Accelerator AI & Web3 accelerator supporting solutions that harness AI and blockchain to revolutionize industries, addressing data privacy, decentralized finance, AI ethics, and Web3 application development. Provides \u20ac500K+ in partner deals and access to investor network.
• Energy & Climate Accelerator Accelerator designed to drive the transition to renewable energy and combat climate change by fostering disruptive innovations globally. Part of Startupbootcamp's industry-specific program portfolio headquartered in Amsterdam.
• Food & AgriTech Accelerator Accelerator for technologies along the food value chain addressing food safety, digitalization, and sustainability. The program supports founders transforming agricultural waste into biotech products, plant-based solutions, and food traceability innovations.
• Health & Lifescience Accelerator Accelerator for breakthrough solutions in health and life sciences designed to improve lives and shape the future of healthcare. Part of Startupbootcamp's vertical-specific program portfolio.
• FinTech & Cybersecurity Accelerator Accelerator for fintech and cybersecurity startups offering up to \u20ac300K investment plus mentorship for market launch. The SBC Fintech Amsterdam 1921 program cohort formed the basis for the world's first tokenized IPO on Nxchange in October 2019.
• Open Innovation Services Corporate-startup collaboration services using a structured Scoping-Scouting-Selecting-PoC-Piloting framework to help corporations identify, select, and implement startup solutions. Engagements include scoping sessions, PoC sprints, pilot programs, and ongoing guidance. Notable clients include Kraft Heinz (34 startups identified, AlphaSense partnership implemented), Heineken, Unilever, JTI, and PwC.
• FuelUp Technology Scouting Platform Technology scouting platform acquired by Startupbootcamp containing a database of 500,000 startups with continuous internet scraping capabilities to identify new ventures and suitable startup matches. Includes AI-driven venture identification and automated outreach functionality used in corporate open innovation programs.
• FUTRXPO Conference Premier tech innovation conference at Circa Amsterdam showcasing emerging technologies, bold innovators, and industry leaders with 2,000+ expected attendees. Features the FUTR150 initiative celebrating top 150 global innovators and focuses on Future of Sustainability, Energy & Food, and Mobility sectors.
• Sustainable FinTech Fund A$5 million fund deployed over 3 years to invest in 30 global fintech startups focused on sustainability through finance. Managed by Tim Poskitt as part of the Sustainable Fintech accelerator operations in Australia.
• SBC Bold 2 Portfolio Investment portfolio for startups from Bold 2 initiative combining AI & Web3 (AIvolution), DeepTech & Robotics, and Food & AgriTech programs with access to Startupbootcamp investor network and \u20ac500K+ in partner deals.
• Powered (Energy System Innovation) Alliander's startup collaboration program managed by Startupbootcamp for energy system transition. Focuses on dynamic demand forecasting, energy hubs, and real-time grid monitoring with 10 selected startups.
• Llama Design Drive Meta partnership program using Llama 3.1 open-source LLM across UAE, KSA, and Egypt. Features three four-week sprints with capacity-building workshops; startups can fast-track to global Startupbootcamp programs with up to $500K funding.
• Momentum (Female Entrepreneurship Program) Four-month hands-on program helping female entrepreneurs with business setup, including superpowers identification, network building, and idea formulation. Addressed the underrepresentation of women in the Dutch startup ecosystem where only 10% of founders are women.
• AfriTech Accelerator Pan-African accelerator for impact and sustainability startups providing $50,000 grants, market and government access events across the continent, and connections to a global ecosystem. Includes the ASIP Accelerator Program supported by the Gates Foundation ($7M HealthTech project) and partnership with FMO Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank.
• FoodTech Tasmania Food and AgriTech accelerator based in Launceston, Tasmania (UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy), supporting food innovation companies with global market expansion. Partnerships include Meat & Livestock Australia, Alt Protein CRC, Aldi, and Tasmanian Government.
• Australian-Grown Innovation Program Three-stage mentorship program (Engage, Incubate, Build) for Australian growers and horticulture supply chain launched in partnership with Hort Frontiers and Cluster Connect. Addresses climate resilience, value-added innovation, AI solutions, and supply chain improvements.
• Sustainability Accelerator Accelerator for sustainability startups and scaleups focused on sustainable business models creating social value and financial returns. Part of Startupbootcamp's industry-specific program portfolio.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,600+ startups accelerated with combined portfolio valuation of €5.6 billion
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability14 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• PwCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal professional services firm partnering with Startupbootcamp as a mentor and corporate partner, helping with open innovation programs and startup scouting.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing cloud infrastructure and startup support through Microsoft's for Startups programs.
• AWScoreTechnology or IntegrationAmazon Web Services provides cloud credits and technical support to Startupbootcamp portfolio companies.
• MastercardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial technology partner engaging with fintech startups through Startupbootcamp's accelerator programs.
• Deutsche BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBanking partner collaborating on fintech innovation and startup acceleration programs.
• UnilevercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsumer goods giant partnering for innovation in sustainability and new business model development through Startupbootcamp programs.
• HeinekencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeverage company engaging with Startupbootcamp for innovation in new business models, with Innovation Director Santiago Murphy participating in programs.
• Kraft Heinz CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFMCG giant engaged in open innovation services with Startupbootcamp, resulting in AlphaSense partnership for market intelligence. Marcus Alves serves as Global VP Partner.
• Coca-ColacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeverage company participating in Startupbootcamp's corporate innovation ecosystem.
• NestlécoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood and beverage giant engaged in innovation partnership with Startupbootcamp through Innoleaps collaboration.
• NxchangecoreTechnology or IntegrationNext-generation stock exchange powering Startupbootcamp's tokenized IPO, enabling public investment in accelerator programs.
• McKinsey & CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal management consulting firm providing expertise and mentorship through Startupbootcamp's ecosystem.
• Digital MagicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian business incubator partnering in Fin+Tech accelerator program for fintech and insurtech startups.
• Fintech DistrictcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian fintech hub acting as channel partner for Fin+Tech accelerator, connecting startups with the fintech ecosystem.
• NexicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean PayTech company participating as corporate partner in Fin+Tech Italy accelerator.
• CredemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian banking group engaged as corporate partner in Fin+Tech program for fintech innovation.
• MetaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor partnership launching Llama Design Drive in MENA region using Meta's Llama 3.1 open-source AI. Startups can fast-track to global programs with up to $500K funding. Program spans UAE, KSA, and Egypt with 4-week sprints.
• RTA (Roads and Transport Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDubai transport authority guiding design challenges for Llama Design Drive in mobility sector.
• Chalhoub GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLuxury retail group participating in Llama Design Drive for retail and consumer challenges.
• Dubai HoldingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDubai government investment company involved in Llama Design Drive for real estate and energy distribution challenges.
• AlliandercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch DSO (Distribution System Operator) partnering on Powered program for energy system innovation. Focuses on dynamic demand forecasting, energy hubs, and real-time grid monitoring with 10 selected startups.
• Porto DigitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Latin America's largest technology parks in Recife, Brazil, where Startupbootcamp Brazil is located.
• InnoleapscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate innovation partner co-launching FUTRXPO conference and collaborating on open innovation programs with Unilever, Nestlé, and FrieslandCampina.
• Tasmanian GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for FoodTech Tasmania accelerator, with Coordinator-General John Perry supporting startup engagement.
• Meat & Livestock AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural industry body partnering with FoodTech Tasmania for food innovation and sustainability.
• AldicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetail partner supporting FoodTech Tasmania program for food innovation startups.
• Hort FrontierscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation arm of Australian horticulture industry partnering on Australian-Grown Innovation program for grower-led solutions across climate resilience, value-added innovation, and supply chain improvement.
• Cluster ConnectcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustralian innovation connector facilitating the Australian-Grown Innovation program with Hort Frontiers and Startupbootcamp.
• Alt Protein CRCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative Research Centre for alternative proteins supporting FoodTech Tasmania startups.
• SpotifyminorOthersMusic streaming platform referenced in media innovation context as pioneer in on-demand subscription model.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Founders Factory: Founders Factory combines accelerator programs with venture studio creation and corporate partnerships (Aviva, L'Oréal, etc.) — directly comparable to Startupbootcamp's dual accelerator + open-innovation model and corporate-startup collaboration framework.
• Techstars: Techstars operates one of the largest global accelerator networks with mentorship-driven 3-month programs across multiple verticals and a corporate-startup partnership offering — the closest direct competitor to Startupbootcamp's model, scale, and industry-specific vertical strategy.
• MassChallenge: MassChallenge is a global, industry-agnostic accelerator network with vertical-specific programs (FinTech, HealthTech, FoodTech) and strong corporate partner engagement — directly comparable to Startupbootcamp's vertical specialization and equity-free program model.
• Plug and Play Tech Center: Plug and Play runs industry-specific accelerator programs in Fintech, Health, Retail, and Mobility with deep corporate partnerships (similar to Startupbootcamp's Kraft Heinz, Meta, and Alliander relationships) and a global footprint across the US, Europe, and Asia.
• Antler: Antler is a global accelerator that invests at pre-seed across 30+ cities, taking equity stakes and offering mentorship-driven programs — comparable to Startupbootcamp's geographic dispersion, equity-for-services model, and 3-month intensive format.
• 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups): 500 Global operates a global accelerator network with equity-for-services model, mentor-driven cohorts, and emerging-market presence — comparable to Startupbootcamp's vertical structure, equity stake approach, and LATAM/MENA expansion strategy.

Emerging players

• Highline Beta: Highline Beta is a venture builder and corporate accelerator focused on co-creating startups with Fortune 500 partners — comparable to Startupbootcamp's Open Innovation services and corporate-startup PoC framework.
• Seedstars: Seedstars runs accelerators and competitions focused exclusively on emerging markets (Africa, LATAM, Asia, MENA) with venture-building and corporate programs — comparable to Startupbootcamp's AfriTech, Brazil, Mexico, and MENA initiatives.

Broad incumbents

• Wayra (Telefónica): Wayra is the corporate accelerator of Telefónica, providing industry-specific programs with deep telecom partnerships across LATAM and Europe — comparable to Startupbootcamp's corporate-startup collaboration services and emerging-market presence.
• Y Combinator: Y Combinator is the world's most prominent accelerator, having funded over 5,000 companies including Airbnb and Stripe. While not vertical-specific, it sets the global benchmark for accelerator outcomes, branding, and founder mindshare that Startupbootcamp competes against internationally.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sbcAmsterdam
• YouTubeyoutube.com/startupbootcampglobal
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/startupbootcamp
• Instagraminstagram.com/startupbootcamp

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments32 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Startupbootcamp Amsterdam