Groningen Business Space

What Groningen Business Space does

Groningen Business Space (DBA: Groningen Home of Talent Business Space) is a regional economic development and talent attraction portal operated by Stichting Groningen & Partners, a non-profit foundation headquartered at Gedempte Zuiderdiep 22, Groningen, Netherlands. The web-based platform (business.groningen.nl) aggregates and publishes content about the Groningen region across five strategic sectors: Health Economy, Digitalization, Energy, Manufacturing, and Food Transition. It serves three primary user groups: entrepreneurs considering business establishment or relocation, job seekers and professionals (including international talent), and corporate decision-makers evaluating the region for investment or expansion. Content includes company profiles, employee stories, practical guides, job listings, and event information, and the platform is integrated with regional support services such as the Groninger Groeifonds, NOM investment agency, Campus Groningen, Founded in Groningen, GroBusiness, and the New Energy Coalition.

The platform is a free, publicly-funded information portal with no commercial revenue model. Groningen & Partners is largely financed by the province and municipality of Groningen, supplemented with project and partnership contributions, and operates without profit motive. The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, relying on content marketing, regional partnerships, and ecosystem events rather than paid distribution. The technology stack is conventional: a content-managed website with standard integrations to Google Analytics, Vimeo, and YouTube. There are no proprietary AI/ML features, mobile applications, or disclosed APIs. Founded around 2006, the organization is described as having 11-50 employees, though headcount is not publicly disclosed in detail. The platform functions less as a software product and more as a regional marketing and ecosystem-orchestration layer, leveraging the underlying competitive advantages of the Groningen region itself rather than any technical differentiation.

Name

Groningen Business Space

Legal name

Stichting Groningen & Partners

Website

https://business.groningen.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Groningen Business Space is a free, publicly-funded web portal operated by Stichting Groningen & Partners that promotes the Groningen region as a destination for businesses, entrepreneurs, and talent across five sectors: Health Economy, Digitalization, Energy, Manufacturing, and Food Transition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Groningen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Public funding: Groningen & Partners operates as a non-profit foundation (Stichting Groningen & Partners) largely funded by the province of Groningen and municipality of Groningen, supplemented with contributions from collaborations and projects. No commercial revenue model.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Groningen Business Space is a free, non-commercial regional economic development information portal that promotes the Groningen region to businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals. It provides sector-specific content across health economy, digitalization, energy, manufacturing, and food transition; company profiles; job listings; employee and founder stories; practical guides for business establishment; and event information. The platform is operated by the non-profit foundation Stichting Groningen & Partners and is funded by the province and municipality of Groningen.

Product overview

Groningen Business Space is a regional economic development and talent attraction platform operated by Groningen & Partners. The offering consists of a unified information and promotion platform that showcases Groningen as a location for talent, work, and business across five strategic sectors: health economy, digitalization, energy, manufacturing, and food transition. The platform provides guides for business establishment, company profiles, job listings, stories from professionals, and event information. It connects businesses with support services including the Groninger Groeifonds, NOM investment agency, Campus Groningen innovation hub, Founded in Groningen network, and GroBusiness entrepreneurs' service desk.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Groningen Business Space Information Portal Free, non-commercial regional economic development and attraction portal for the Groningen province. Provides consolidated information about the region for businesses, entrepreneurs, and talent across five strategic sectors (health economy, digitalization, energy, manufacturing, food transition), including company profiles, job listings, professional stories, practical business establishment guides, and event listings. Operated by Stichting Groningen & Partners and funded by the province and municipality of Groningen.
• Business Establishment Guides Practical guides and information resources for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to establish, relocate, or scale in the Groningen region. Topics include funding (Groninger Groeifonds), business networks (Founded in Groningen, Campus Groningen, NOM), and free support services (GroBusiness). Delivered as website content via business.groningen.nl/guides.
• Sector-Specific Economic Development Content Sector pages and curated content for the five strategic Groningen sectors: Health Economy (Gezondheidseconomie), Digitalization, Energy, Manufacturing (Maakindustrie), and Food Transition (Voedseltransitie). Each sector page presents opportunities, leading companies, knowledge institutions, and ecosystem partners for that vertical.

Quantifiable outcome

• Highest employment growth rate among Dutch cities (2015-2024)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

53 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Founded in GroningencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork organization connecting startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers, SMBs, and large companies in Groningen. Brings successes to attention, presents new technologies developed in Groningen, and puts city talent in the spotlight at national and international levels.
• Campus GroningencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe fastest growing campus in the Netherlands with 250+ companies, 3 knowledge institutions (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, UMCG, Hanzehogeschool Groningen), approximately 50,000 students, and 20,000+ jobs. Hub for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
• GroBusinesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree business gateway for the province of Groningen. Provides independent expertise, insight into financial regulations, and knowledge on topics including financing, growth, innovation, digitalization, sustainability, personnel, sales & marketing, and international business. Part of Economic Board Groningen, funded by province of Groningen and National Program Groningen.
• Economic Board GroningencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports Groningen SMB through programs like GroBusiness. Economic development organization bringing together business, government, and knowledge institutions to strengthen the regional economy.
• Business Generator GroningenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps with research, thinking about protecting inventions, collaborations with other companies, and obtaining financing. Support for research and innovation.
• NoorderlinkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of companies in Northern Netherlands with vacancies and networking opportunities for professionals.
• Make it in the NorthminorGTM or Marketing Partner200+ English-language jobs in Northern Netherlands for international professionals.
• ZorgpleinNoordminorGTM or Marketing Partner300+ healthcare organizations in Northern Netherlands with job listings.
• Banenrijk NoordminorGTM or Marketing Partner450+ job listings in Northern Netherlands across various sectors.
• TopDutchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPromotion platform for Northern Netherlands, positioning the region for innovative companies and talent.
• New Energy CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of 100+ partners from education, knowledge institutions, business, government, and societal organizations accelerating energy transition in Northern Netherlands. Focuses on hydrogen, smart grids, and green energy.
• HyNorthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccelerates transition to hydrogen in Northern Netherlands by connecting businesses, governments, and knowledge institutions. Publishes annual Hydrogen Investment Plan with 80+ projects and approximately 10 billion euro planned investment until 2030.
• Groningen SeaportscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManager and developer of seaports in Delfzijl and Eemshaven. Developing into the energy port of Northern Netherlands where gas from Norway and offshore wind electricity come ashore, and companies build hydrogen production facilities.
• Royal AvebeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative of 2,000+ potato farmers from Netherlands and Germany producing high-quality ingredients based on potato starch and protein for food, animal feed, and industrial applications. Headquartered in Veendam.
• HydrogreennminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnects businesses, education, and government bodies in Northern Netherlands around hydrogen applications. Through workshops and projects, shares knowledge and collaborates on applications in industry and mobility.
• ICOG (Industry Cluster East Groningen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNine industries in East Groningen working together to replace natural gas with hydrogen and reduce CO2 emissions through electrification, green gas, and hydrogen use.
• WarmteStadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers sustainable heat and cold to buildings in Groningen city using sources like sun, water, and datacenter waste heat. Stores summer heat for winter use.
• Parrhesia FermenteryminorOthersFermentation company in the food transition sector.
• Marne MosterdminorOthersMustard producer in the food transition sector.
• MAAK HETminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint campaign by companies in Northern industry and technology to strengthen the image of manufacturing and attract and retain technical talent. Provides insight into companies, training opportunities, and career paths.
• NewthexminorOthersProduces and supplies doors, hatches, and lift systems for superyachts and defense. Invested in by Groninger Groeifonds with NOM. Important player in maritime sector for Groningen.
• NedmagminorOthersManufacturing company where Ralph works as E-engineer and project leader, featured in 'Makers van het Noorden' video showcasing manufacturing industry careers.
• BilfingerminorOthersCompany where George works as lead mechanical engineer, featured in 'Makers van het Noorden' video.
• ZwartwoudminorOthersInterior builder serving companies throughout Netherlands from Groningen, known for circular and sustainable interior projects including Gasunie building renovation.
• LIFE CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThrough LIFE Capital platform, connects 65+ companies in Life Sciences & Health sector. Organizations work together on attracting, developing, and retaining talent. Important driver for health economy ecosystem.
• Healthy Ageing CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnects healthcare, science, education, and entrepreneurship. Features high-quality research facilities from UMCG and university, incubator buildings, company laboratories, GCP labs, and data facilities.
• LifelinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollects, manages, and shares data for research into healthy aging. Scientists research why some people live longer than others using data and body materials from tens of thousands of participants.
• Groninger ZorgakkoordminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare organizations, governments, and housing corporations in North and East Groningen working on new healthcare infrastructure including earthquake-resistant buildings and new forms of care delivery.
• UMCG (Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity medical center with three core tasks: care, education, and research. Delivers complex care for rare conditions, trains 3,400 students annually, and conducts research on healthy aging. Part of Healthy Ageing Campus.
• OfichemminorOthersPharmaceutical company developing, producing, and distributing active pharmaceutical ingredients. Supports pharmaceutical organizations worldwide in translating new molecules to scalable production.
• Lode HoldingminorOthersParent company of Lode, ProCare, aXtion, Umaco, and Omnium. Active in lifestyle, sports, prevention, and healthcare. Develops products and services for measuring, monitoring, and supporting movement and performance.
• ICONminorOthersWorld leader in conducting clinical and bioanalytical research for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Located in Groningen with pharmacist Shahrazad Haddad featured as employee testimonial.
• InnocoreminorOthersLeading developer of biodegradable injectable depots.
• OphtecminorOthersMedical device company in the health sector.
• EnatomminorOthersMedical technology company.
• CC DiagnosticsminorOthersWorking with UMCG on a test for cervical cancer that should be more efficient, cheaper, and more women-friendly than existing tests.
• CerteminorOthersMedical diagnostics company.
• PhynixminorOthersFormer oil platform in Eemshaven converted to testing ground for offshore hydrogen production. 2.5 MW electrolyzer. DOT, Shell, and educational institutions collaborate on research and training.
• ShellminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating on Phynix hydrogen project for offshore hydrogen production research and training.
• EngieminorOthersBuilding hydrogen production facilities at Groningen Seaports.
• RWEminorOthersBuilding hydrogen production facilities at Groningen Seaports.
• EquinorminorOthersBuilding hydrogen production facilities at Groningen Seaports.
• Groningen Werkt SlimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports SMB companies in Groningen province with independent advice on energy saving and energy generation. Provides insight into energy consumption and guidance on measures, investments, and subsidies.
• Groningen Stroomt DoorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps companies in Groningen municipality reduce network congestion impact. Works with companies, network operators, and knowledge institutions on smart solutions for efficient power use.
• Energy AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAt Zernike Campus, stimulates international projects, innovation, and talent development. Students, starters, and entrepreneurs find opportunities through internships, traineeships, and education.
• EnTranCeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative providing space for practice-oriented education, experiments, and collaboration with businesses. Stimulates lifelong learning and strengthens knowledge and skills for energy transition.
• Energiehub050minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative providing space for practice-oriented education, experiments, and collaboration with businesses in energy sector.
• WaterstofWijk WagenborgenminorOthersPilot project in Wagenborgen where residents of 33 homes cook and heat using hydrogen with hybrid heat pumps. Ten-year project showing hydrogen's potential for sustainable future.
• ResatominorOthersTechnology leader in hydrogen refueling solutions with 60 public and private hydrogen refueling stations across Europe.
• QbuzzminorOthersOperating 30 hydrogen buses with their own hydrogen refueling points. Bus depot at Peizerweg specially equipped for zero-emission buses.
• Hydrogen Valley Airport EeldeminorOthersWhere hydrogen and aviation meet. Working together on hydrogen flying.
• GasunieminorOthersConnects hydrogen production, storage, and industry. Green hydrogen for industry in Delfzijl and storage in salt caverns underground.
• Royal BodewesminorOthersTraditional Dutch shipyard with 200+ years of history building ships for customers worldwide. Located in Hoogezand with operations across three sites. Builds approximately 8 ships per year with 1,500-15,000 ton capacity.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Choose Paris Region: Paris Region's investment-promotion agency attracting foreign companies to the Île-de-France region. Comparable as a European regional economic development and investment-attraction agency, but operating in a different geography and at a materially larger scale than Groningen Business Space.
• Invest in Bavaria: Bavaria's inward-investment agency under the state's economic ministry. Comparable as a publicly-funded European regional investment-promotion agency that markets the region to international companies and talent, but operating in Germany rather than the Netherlands.

Direct peers

• InnovationQuarter: Regional development agency for Zuid-Holland investing in and attracting innovative companies. Comparable because it combines regional marketing, investment promotion and sector development in a publicly-funded Dutch agency model, similar to Groningen & Partners.
• Amsterdam inbusiness: Official regional economic development and investment-promotion agency of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Directly comparable as a Dutch municipal/regional economic development platform that markets the region to foreign investors, talent and entrepreneurs across sector verticals.
• The Hague Business Agency: The Hague's foreign investment and business establishment agency. Closely comparable as a Dutch municipal/regional platform that recruits foreign companies, supports business establishment, and provides sector marketing for the region.
• Rotterdam Partners: Rotterdam's regional marketing and economic development organization. Comparable in mission (positioning a Dutch region to businesses, talent and visitors) and in the public-private, publicly-funded governance model used by Stichting Groningen & Partners.
• NOM (Investerings- en Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij voor Noord-Nederland): Regional development company for the Northern Netherlands (Drenthe, Friesland, Groningen). Already a partner of Groningen Business Space; comparable as a publicly-funded regional development agency in the same geography that also recruits foreign companies and invests in regional SMEs.
• BOM (Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij): Brabant's regional development company providing capital, talent and market programs to innovative companies. Comparable as a Dutch regional development agency that markets Brabant and supports business establishment, similar in mandate and funding model to Groningen & Partners.

Others

• TopDutch: Marketing program for the Northern Netherlands, positioned as the international-facing brand for the region. Comparable as a regional promotion platform but more of a marketing coalition than a fully operating economic development agency; overlaps heavily with Groningen & Partners' territory.

Broad incumbents

• Invest in Holland (NFIA): The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency's national investment-promotion brand. Comparable as the umbrella investment-promotion platform, but operating at the national level and serving all Dutch regions rather than specializing in a single province.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/groningen.business.nl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/businessgroningen

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Groningen Business Space