Your fastpass to US market entry.

Are you a Dutch tech company looking to scale to the US this year? Boost your efforts by joining our US market entry acceleration program.

Pre-apply here

We focus on Dutch Tech pioneers.

Scaling up internationally is challenging in multiple ways. This program positions you to enter the US market competitively from day 1.

We support tech businesses working on innovative, scalable and sustainable solutions.

The ScaleNL Accelerator is an ideal fit with companies that have an established business in The Netherlands (product-market fit, solid user base) and have US expansion on their strategic roadmap for the next 12-24 months.

Get your fastpass to US market entry.

Pre-apply here

Three pillars of focus in your US expansion.

We’ve been supporting Dutch tech going to the US for years. Based on that, we see the need for Dutch Founders and their companies to focus on these areas in their US market expansion.

01

US Mindset Shift

The key to success in the US is understanding the way Americans build companies, do business, make buying decisions, etc. and adapting to level your playing field.

We do this throughout the program by connecting you to local American advisors & experts, Founders that are operating there, and taking you in person to the US to get locally connected.

us-accelerator

02

Go-To-Market & Business Strategy

Although it’s one country, the US is not one market. East Coast and West Coast do things differently and don’t focus on the same industries. The same even goes for Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The program will help you prepare your US market entry strategy and identify what to adapt in your business for your new audience. It’s up to you to make it happen.

Pre-apply here
go-to-market

03

Pitching & Fundraising

Mastering the art of the pitch to a new audience is not easy. We’ve assembled over the course of the program top advisors and experts to help coach you through the process from delivery training to slide analysis.

And once you’ve become a pitch expert we help you naturally connect with new investors that could bring smart capital to your company.

Pre-apply here
pitching-fundraising

What to expect from the program

Our program is built around coaching from local American advisors, Ask-Me-Anythings with Founders that have done this before, and 1-1 sessions on your business with seasoned experts in the US market. The highlight of the program is a business trip to the West Coast of the US, where you’ll be personally introduced to the local ecosystem.

Key Dates

July 17, 2023
Enrolment open for West Coast '23 Program
August 21, 2023
Enrolment closes for West Coast '23 Program
August 30, 2023
Selection day *In person* for West Coast '23 Program
September 1, 2023
Announcement of Selected Startups for West Coast '23 Program
September 18, 2023
Current West Coast '23 Program Start
December 3 - 9, 2023
US Business Trip for West Coast '23 Program

FAQ

Who is this program for?

As long as your decision to go to the US is intentional and strategic, we encourage you to apply! Tech startups should meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Your startup is a tech-first company with an innovative and scalable solution
  • Your product is connected to one or more Sustainable Development Goals
  • Your startup has reached at least product-market fit in the Netherlands and is ready to scale
  • You have a financial runway until at least mid-2024 (for the current W23 program)
  • You are already planning to expand to the US and/or raise funding in 2023-2024. You may have even taken some steps to make this happen. (For the current W23 program)
  • We welcome startups from any vertical to apply for the program.

Still have doubts about whether your business is a fit? Email us.

How many companies are selected for the program?

Ten companies are selected to join the program. We will invite 15-20 teams to Selection Day in Amsterdam, where they will pitch to valuable stakeholders of the ecosystem and receive a lot of insightful feedback. A professional selection committee will make the final selection of ten companies that will join the program.

We are accepting pre-applications for our next batch, apply here!

What are the costs each company will incur by joining the program?

The program is funded by the Dutch government to help Dutch tech pioneers scale in the US.

 

You will need to cover your own travel and accommodation costs when we travel to the US for two weeks. We will provide some guidance on different types of accommodation to suit different budgets, as well as share partner discount codes and promotions where applicable.

 

We recommend that you have enough runway to join the program and until you can raise more funding and have a budget internally to invest in your expansion to the US.

No other costs are involved for you to join the program.

What does the selection process look like?

A selection committee during our Selection Day consisting of advisors and partners with experience in scaling to the US, investing in startups and building companies will judge the top 15-20 applicants based on their pitches. Each team will receive a lot of valuable feedback from these days. A team can only attend the selection day in person, dial-in pitching is not possible.

During Selection Day, you will pitch to our independent Selection Board in Amsterdam. Based on the input and feedback from both days, the Selection Board will select the 10 companies that will join the program.

Check the full FAQ here

Go to FAQ

ScaleNL Accelerator

ScaleNL is initiated by the Netherlands Government and the Startup Liaison Network in the US. We provide a platform, an academy, an accelerator, events, programs and a mentor community, while also connecting Dutch founders with US investors and capital.

We’re supported by local entrepreneurial communities in eight US tech hubs. Our network expands from coast to coast, so there’s always an opportunity for your startup to take the next step. In cities such as New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other emerging hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver.