Leidse Studentenvereniging voor Internationale Betrekkingen SIB-Leiden

What Leidse Studentenvereniging voor Internationale Betrekkingen SIB-Leiden does

SIB-Leiden (Leidse Studentenvereniging voor Internationale Betrekkingen SIB-Leiden) is the oldest student association dedicated to international relations in the Netherlands, founded on 30 November 1947 in Leiden and operating under the umbrella foundation SIB-Nederland, which coordinates the four SIB city chapters in Amsterdam, Groningen, Utrecht, and Leiden. The association serves university and hogeschool students regardless of field of study, offering a combined portfolio of intellectual programming (monthly lectures, embassy visits, debates with professors, diplomats, and politicians), signature networking events (the annual Japanse Tafeltjes Avond with diplomats from over 60 countries and the Haagsche Tafeltjes Avond with Dutch politicians from all governing levels), and traditional Dutch student social culture (weekly borrels at Breehuys 16, cantus events, annual gala, introductieweekend, and ledenweekend). The association counts approximately 400 members across six disputen and six genootschappen, and runs three annual trips (Euroreis, Winterreis, Zomerreis).

The association is funded primarily through annual membership dues of €70 (reduced to €35 after five years), with an introductory half-year EL CID membership at €35 and an alumni subscription at €12 per year through the Stichting Oud-Leden (SOL). Recruitment is event-driven, anchored to the annual EL CID introductory week and the Leiden university information market, supplemented by word-of-mouth, member referrals, and an Instagram presence. SIB-Leiden does not develop proprietary technology; its digital footprint is limited to a WordPress-based website, an online members' shop, and a standard registration form. The organization is governed by an annually elected student board, has no commercial revenue model, no external ownership, and operates as a non-profit association with total annual inflows likely well under €50,000.

Name

Leidse Studentenvereniging voor Internationale Betrekkingen SIB-Leiden

Legal name

Leidse Studentenvereniging voor Internationale Betrekkingen SIB-Leiden

Website

https://sibleiden.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SIB-Leiden is a 78-year-old Dutch student association serving approximately 400 university students in Leiden with international relations programming, including lectures, embassy visits, diplomat and politician networking events, annual trips, and traditional social activities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Student Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

University & Academic Conference Venues (THAHAAAD)

Keywords

• Student association services
• International relations education
• Student networking events
• Diplomatic engagement programs
• Membership-based organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Leiden

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fee of €70 per member. After five years of membership, members pay a reduced rate of €35 per year. During the EL CID introductory period, new members can opt for a half-year payment of €35, which converts to a full membership if not cancelled by December 31.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SIB-Leiden is a Dutch student association that sells annual memberships (€70/year) granting access to international relations programming: monthly lectures with politicians, diplomats, and professors; the annual Japanse Tafeltjes Avond (JTA) and Haagsche Tafeltjes Avond (HTA) speed-dating events with diplomats from 60+ countries and Dutch politicians; embassy visits; three annual trips (Euroreis, Winterreis, Zomerreis); weekly borrels at the association's own venue in Leiden; and access to internal disputen and genootschappen.

Product overview

SIB-Leiden is a student association for international relations offering an annual membership (€70) that grants access to a comprehensive portfolio of activities. The core offering combines content-focused activities (lezingen/lectures, embassy visits, and international travels) with social activities (weekly borrels, parties, cantus events). Key signature events include the Japanse Tafeltjes Avond (diplomat networking) and Haagsche Tafeltjes Avond (politician networking). The association organizes three annual trips: Euroreis, Winterreis (Europe), and Zomerreis (international). Members can join disputen (Bacchus, Civera, Imperium, Onder Voorbehoud, Via Viator, Breeteliers) and genootschappen for specialized interests. Additional offerings include the SIB-Shop merchandise, Atlas members' magazine, and the Stichting Oud-Leden (SOL) alumni foundation. An introductory EL CID membership (€35) is available for new students during the introduction week.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Annual SIB-Leiden Membership Annual membership costing €70 per year (collected automatically by the treasurer in late November), granting access to all SIB-Leiden activities including borrels, lectures, travels, committees, and dispuut groups. After five years of membership, the fee is reduced to €35 per year. Open to all university and hogeschool students in the Netherlands regardless of study field.
• EL CID Introductory Membership Special introductory membership for students who sign up during the annual EL CID introduction week, priced at €35 for the first half-year. If not cancelled by December 31, it converts to a full annual membership with an additional €35 payment.
• SOL Alumni Membership Alumni membership via the Stichting Oud-Leden (SOL) foundation for former SIB members, priced at €12 per year, providing quarterly newsletters, an annual reunistenborrel, and ongoing connection to the association.
• Lezingen (Monthly Lectures) Approximately two monthly content activities including lectures, Q&As, and debates featuring high-profile speakers such as politicians, diplomats, professors, political youth organizations, directors, writers, and experts on international relations and current affairs. Included with membership.
• Japanse Tafeltjes Avond (JTA) Annual signature networking event where approximately 150 students engage in multiple 20-minute speed-dating rounds with more than 50 diplomats from various countries. Held at Leiden City Hall since 2019. Included with membership.
• Haagsche Tafeltjes Avond (HTA) Annual political speed-dating event in which students engage in multiple rounds with politicians from virtually all parties and across all governing levels, including local council members, mayors, Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives) members, senators, and European Parliamentarians. Included with membership.
• Ambassadebezoeken (Embassy Visits) Organized visits to embassies and diplomatic representations in the Netherlands — including those of the USA, Russia, Belgium, and Israel — offering members direct access to diplomats and the chance to discuss both country situations and personal aspects of diplomatic life. Included with membership.
• Euroreis (European Trip) Annual multi-day trip to a European city involved in European politics, visiting institutions such as the European Parliament, NGOs, and European organizations. Open to all members, especially first-years. Included with membership.
• Winterreis Annual week-long trip to a destination within or near Europe (past destinations include Budapest, Moscow, Tel Aviv), visiting various institutions while exploring local culture and cuisine. Approximately twenty members participate. Included with membership.
• Zomerreis Annual two-week international trip to destinations outside Europe (past destinations include South Korea, Armenia, Singapore, Tanzania, and the USA), visiting embassies, ministries, international organizations, and companies. About twenty members participate. Included with membership.
• Borrels en Feesten (Weekly Social Drinks and Parties) Weekly Wednesday borrel at Breehuys 16 (Breestraat, Leiden), supplemented by themed parties, disputen borrels, and the annual gala. Organized by the Spaßcommissie. Included with membership.
• SIB-Shop Branded Merchandise Branded merchandise available through the online SIB-Shop, including SIB-das (tie), SIB-strikje (bow tie), SIB-vest, SIB-sokken (socks), and SIB-dopper (water bottle) for formal events and casual wear.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 20 years, students have engaged with diplomats from more than 60 countries at the annual Japanese Tables Evening.
• +2 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SIB-NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIB-Nederland is the umbrella organization of all SIB cities (Amsterdam, Groningen, Utrecht, and Leiden). It coordinates national activities including the annual joint gala, reunistenborrel (alumni gathering), and congress. Leiden, as the oldest SIB city, participates in the national governance of SIB-Nederland.
• Stichting Oud-Leden (SOL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SOL maintains contacts between the SIB and its alumni, keeps former members informed of the association's activities, organizes an annual reunistenborrel, and publishes four newsletters per year. Membership costs €12 per year.
• Nederlandse Vereniging voor de Verenigde Naties (NVVN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIB-Nederland maintains contact with the NVVN at the national level. The SIB-Leiden voorzitter (chair) traditionally organizes a UN seminar in cooperation with the NVVN.
• Nederlands Genootschap voor International Zaken (NGIZ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIB-Nederland maintains a relationship with the NGIZ as part of its national-level contacts with external organizations.
• International Students Movement of the United Nations (ISMUN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSIB-Leiden was affiliated with ISMUN from 1948 but ended the relationship in late 1990 due to a corruption scandal and misuse of ISMUN's founding principles.
• Leids Universiteits Fonds (LUF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe LUF supports projects of students, PhD candidates, and professors at Leiden University. It has been promoting the flourishing of Leiden University since 1890.
• Storage ShareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStorage Share offers SIB members a special deal: 3 months of free storage locker rental upon showing their student card, then €10/month thereafter. Located at Rooseveltstraat 54, Leiden.
• Gaslicht.comminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnergy comparison service offering SIB members maximum welcome discounts and 100% transparent overview of energy suppliers. Named Website of the Year 2025.
• e-Boekhouden.nlminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAccounting software provider offering SIB members bookkeeping, invoicing, quotes, hour registration, CRM, and inventory management.
• TopScriptieminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThesis and research project support service helping students across the Netherlands with topic selection, research setup, statistics, data analysis, writing, and overcoming procrastination and exam anxiety.
• Party Verhuur LeidenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent equipment rental company (tents, party supplies, stages, hospitality equipment) serving Leiden and surroundings. Taken over by three young entrepreneurs in January 2025.
• StudiedminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEducation company offering personalized learning experiences, structured lesson plans, and flexible support for Dutch students to achieve academic success.
• Rijschool RijmewijsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDriving school offering a student package with favourable rates, flexible scheduling around studies, and personal attention. SIB members can text 'Deal Sib-Leiden' for a discount.
• DrukbedrijfminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPrinting company offering printing services for clothing, posters, almanacs, and other merchandise for the association and its members.
• PoliswijzerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndependent health insurance comparison website rated 9.6 by users. SIB participates in the Poliswijzer sponsor programme allowing members and supporters to compare health insurance while supporting the association.
• Curry TimeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant offering curry and Thai specialties at student prices. SIB members receive a discount upon showing their student card.
• Next LeidenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent venue in Leiden credited on the SIB website footer as a partner supporting the association's activities.
• Bohemian BirdsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a partner on the SIB-Leiden website, providing promotional or event-related support.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• AIESEC Netherlands: Global student-run organization with a Dutch chapter that operates membership-based international relations programming, networking events, and exchanges for Dutch university students — directly comparable in target audience, mission, and self-governed student operation.
• Politika Leiden: Leiden-based political science student association offering comparable recurring lectures, social events, and trips for politically and internationally interested students. Competes directly with SIB-Leiden for the same Leiden student demographic.
• SIB-Groningen: Direct sibling chapter under the SIB-Nederland umbrella, operating under the exact same model (international relations focus, membership dues, disputen, lectures, JTA/HTA-style events) at the University of Groningen. Most directly comparable peer given identical product, pricing, and governance structure.
• ESN Leiden: Local chapter of the Erasmus Student Network focused on international students at Leiden, offering events, trips, and networking. Comparable via its Leiden base, international focus, recurring events calendar, and member-funded operating model.
• European Youth Parliament Netherlands: National chapter of the European Youth Parliament, organizing political and international-relations programming, debates, and sessions for Dutch high-school and university students. Overlaps SIB-Leiden in the IR/politics engagement space with comparable event-driven structure.
• SIB-Amsterdam: Direct sibling chapter under SIB-Nederland at a university in Amsterdam, operating the same membership, lecture, dispute, and travel structure. Originally co-founded alongside Leiden before being dissolved and re-established; comparable across model, audience, and content.
• SIB-Utrecht: Direct sibling chapter under SIB-Nederland at Utrecht University, offering the same annual membership model, IR-focused programming, embassy visits, and trips. Compares to SIB-Leiden on every meaningful dimension except city and exact event scale.
• ELSA Netherlands: European Law Students' Association Dutch chapter — a membership-based student association offering networking, international events, and institutional visits. Comparable peer via similar membership-fee model, international focus, and target audience of internationally interested Dutch university students.

Broad incumbents

• The Hague Model United Nations: Large established Model UN organization operating conferences and international-relations programming out of The Hague. Comparable via IR/diplomacy focus and content-led programming for Dutch and international students, though larger and conference-organized rather than year-round membership association.

Emerging players

• L.A.N.X. Leiden: Leiden international student association offering international orientation events, networking, and trips. Comparable in Leiden base and international student focus, though narrower remit than SIB-Leiden's IR/policy specialization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/sibleiden
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leidse-studentenvereniging-voor-internationale-betrekkingen-sib-leiden

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

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 Leidse Studentenvereniging voor Internationale Betrekkingen SIB-Leiden