2026 Scale-ups confidence survey

The Netherlands has the highest level of exit preparedness in EMEA, with 62% of Dutch scale-ups reporting a formal exit plan compared to the regional average of 39%. This reflects a more deliberate, value-maximising approach to eventual exit.

Funding appetite is strong, with 78% of Dutch scale-ups actively seeking additional capital, primarily through equity from new investors (73%), followed by government grants and subsidies (46%). Venture capital plays a dominant role in the funding mix (54%). The report highlights that 2026 has already seen unprecedented rounds of up to €250 million, increasingly backed by Dutch and European sources, with the Netherlands continuing to lead in deeptech across semiconductors, quantum computing, and AI-driven ventures.

Growth ambitions are increasingly constrained by people and market dynamics. Specialist talent scarcity is cited by 57% of Dutch respondents, while 49% point to rising candidate compensation expectations, the highest in EMEA on that measure. The Netherlands also records the region's highest headcount reduction rate at 14%, indicating a more cautious approach to workforce planning. On valuation, 34% report a significant impact from the current economic climate, pointing to real pressure despite overall confidence.

Dutch scale-ups are increasingly embedding AI into the heart of their businesses, though turning it into a direct revenue driver is still in the early stages. Enhancing products and customer experience is the top priority (62%), closely followed by building scalable architectures and advanced AI automation (51%). The Netherlands also leads the region in prioritizing AI cybersecurity and governance (22%). While AI has become a central investment theme, 14% of Dutch companies report no material impact yet, highlighting that the transition from simple internal efficiency to true AI-driven monetization is still a work in progress.