ScaleUp Dashboard 2021

The ScaleUp Dashboard is one of our annual research publications about scaleups in the Netherlands. In this report, we analyse the latest developments of the Dutch scaleup ecosystem up to 2020. How many scaleups are there in the Netherlands and in which sectors? Have scaleups been growing and, if so, at what pace? Most importantly, what is their impact on the economy? Download the report to find out.

“Data and insights about scaleups are crucial. Not only for generating policies and relevant support programs, but also to inspire others and show that growth is possible.”

– Prof.Dr. Justin Jansen

The Dutch scaleup climate

After years of growth, the number of scaleups in the Netherlands came to a standstill by the end of 2019. Now in 2020, the number of scaleups declined for the first time since 2014.

Approximately 53 percent of all companies managed to grow despite the COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, 42 percent had to downsize in response to the crisis compared to 38 percent in 2019.

Top 10 scaleup sectors

Most fast-growing companies are located in wholesale and retail trade, renting and business support services, and consultancy and other specialised services

Top 10 scaleup municipalities

Amsterdam is the city in the Netherlands with the most scaleups (305), followed by Rotterdam (110) and Utrecht (75)

A scaleup is defined as a company with at least 10 employees that has grown by at least 20 percent per year over a three-year period (OECD, 2007). A company is considered fast-growing when it can be defined as a development-stage business, that is looking to grow in terms of market access, revenues, and number of employees.

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More scaleup research

At Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, our research focuses on innovative firms, such as scaleups or fast-growing companies and startups. We often cooperate with national authorities such as ministries and development agencies (in Dutch: Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij), but also local institutions, such as regions, provinces and municipalities. Together we look at the (local) innovation ecosystem and work on a way to strengthen the scaleup climate and help innovative companies to grow further. Read below for an overview of our research projects. You can find out more about the ScaleUp Dashboard 2020 here and send an email to research@ece.nl to request earlier versions.

Get in touch with our research team

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