Your fastpass to US market entry.

Are you a Dutch (deep)tech company with US ambitions? Fast-track your expansion with our US market entry acceleration program.

Apply now for East Coast 2026

We focus on Dutch (deep)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.

Apply

Three pillars of focus in your US expansion.

We've been supporting Dutch tech going to the US for years. We know where Founders need to focus to make their US expansion work.

We’re supported by local entrepreneurial communities in eight US tech hubs. Our network extends 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.

Get your fastpass to the US market through the ScaleNL Accelerator!

Apply now for the East Coast 2026 edition

01

US Mindset Shift

The key to success in the US is understanding how Americans build companies, do business, and make buying decisions, and adapting so you can compete on equal footing.

Throughout the program, we connect you with local American advisors, experts, and Founders operating on the ground. In the end, we take you to the US in person to get locally connected.

02

GTM & Business Strategy

The US isn’t a single, uniform market. Regions like the East and West Coast – and even cities like New York and Boston – can differ greatly in business culture and focus.

This program helps you shape a market entry strategy and adapt your business to resonate with the right audience. The next step is yours.

03

Pitching & Fundraising

Mastering the art of the pitch for a new audience is not easy. Over the course of the program, we bring in top advisors and experts to coach you through it, from delivery training to slide analysis.

And once your pitch is sharp, we help you connect naturally with investors who can bring smart capital to your company.

Start your US expansion today.

Applications for East Coast 2026 close September 4

What to expect from the program

ScaleNL Accelerator is an 8-week US market entry program for Dutch tech companies.

The program is built around coaching from local American advisors, Ask-Me-Anything sessions with Founders who have done this before, and 1-1 sessions on your business with experts who know the US market. The highlight: a business trip to the East Coast, where we personally introduce you to the local ecosystem.

Program Overview

July 2

Applications Open

September 4

Applications Close

September 24

Selection Day (in person, Amsterdam)

Week 1 | October 28

Welcome & Program Introduction (in person, Amsterdam)

Week 2 | November 2 - 5

Program Kick-Off in London (in person, London & Rugby)

Week 3 - 6 | November 9 - December 4

Preparatory Program (hybrid)

Week 7 | December 7 - 11

US Business Trip (in person, New York & Boston)

Week 8 | December 14 - 18

Alumni Onboarding

We've done this before

February 16, 2026

ScaleNL Accelerator East Coast 2025 Recap

December 19, 2024

ScaleNL East Accelerator 2024: A Deep Dive into the US Tech Scene

April 17, 2023

Game changers: ScaleNL Accelerator East Coast 2023

FAQ

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

Your startup is a (deep)tech-first company with an innovative and scalable solution
Your startup has achieved at least product-market fit in the Netherlands and is ready to scale
You have a financial runway until at least end-2027
You are already planning to expand to the US and/or raise funding in 2027-2028. You may have even taken some steps to make this happen.
We welcome startups from any vertical to apply for the program!

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

We will invite 15-20 teams to pitch at our in-person Selection Day. Each founder will pitch to an experienced selection committee, do a brief Q&A and receive feedback. The selection committee will ultimately come to a final selection of ten companies that will join the program.

The program is sponsored by the Dutch government and committed corporate partners to help Dutch tech pioneers scale in the US. A participation fee of EUR 4500 applies to each startup. Our program is equity free.

You will need to cover your own travel and accommodation costs for the 4-day UK kick-off, and for the 5-day US business trip, which includes stops in New York and Boston. We will provide some guidance on different types of accommodation to suit different budgets, as well as share available partner discount codes and promotions where applicable and available.

We recommend that you have enough runway to join the program and sustain operations until you raise more funding, as well as an internal budget to invest in your expansion to the US.

An experienced selection committee, consisting of advisors and partners with experience in scaling to the US, investing in startups and building companies, will assess the top 15-20 applicants based on their applications and pitches (5 minutes). Each founder will have time for a Q&A and receive valuable feedback. Founders should attend the selection day in person, unfortunately dialing-in for your pitch is not possible.

Not sure yet if you’re a fit?

Check all FAQs Contact us

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.

Apply for East Coast 2026