Welcome to the small Dutch town where billion dollar dreams are made

Amsterdam, baby!!

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The startup fairytale

Who said you need to move to Palo Alto?

I couldn’t help myself. This story appeared in my newsfeed, and I just had to yield to the temptation to ‘Dutchify’ it: “Welcome to the Small California Town Where Billion-Dollars Dreams Are Made”.

Without having to read on, it was obvious the town in question was Palo Alto. For a long time now we’ve been fed the startup fairytale with Palo Alto as its castle. For many reasons (and very valid reasons at that), America provides fertile ground for entrepreneurs sowing the seeds of startup success. And if we were to put culture, infrastructure and the number of accelerator programs aside, the pure hype that comes from this town is enough to give traction to any new venture.

Europe needs to take steps to catch up, and one of them is to get better at self-promotion. So, watch out Palo Alto, welcome to Amsterdam! The Dutch capital has a few fine attractions that you, well, don’t. (Let’s not be prudish, we all know what we’re talking about…) Plus, we have a great technology and startup scene. Who says this can’t be the home of billion dollar dreams? TomTom and Philips sure proved the opposite!

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Central Station

The main station (which is being renovated as we speak) is where most train travellers arrive to start their Amsterdam journey, hoping the Dutch startup vibe will rub off on them. There’s more to see, so hop on a tram and get yourself into the canal area!

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Greenwoods

For a breakfast of champions – think poached eggs and smoked salmon on toasted muffins - try the English tea room Greenwoods on one of Amsterdam’s picturesque canals.

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The Hub

Office space is no problem here. Hang out at the Hub with other entrepreneurs and collaborate collectively.

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Casengo

Casengo’s office. The next big thing!!

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Dutch Startup Map

Check out other Amsterdam billion dollar babies at Dutch Startup Map.

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Razmataz

Good coffee is within cycling distance. Jot down those tech disruptions over a brew at Razmataz.

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Café de Balie

Home to the Open Coffee Meetup, this is where aspiring entrepreneurs and investors talk shop.

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Café de Doffer

Café de Doffer may look inconspicuous, but this is the place to go if you want to find out how many hackers can you squeeze into a Dutch café.

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22Tracks

The musical impetus while we work away at hacking is provided by Amsterdam startup 22Tracks.

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Amsterdam Canals

Who needs a business lunch when you can have a business cruise?

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What are you waiting for?

The billion dollar fairytale is being rewritten. Whilst Palto Alto has indeed made dreams come true, can it brag about an authentic, newly refurbished Royal Palace smack in its town centre? Didn’t think so!