Dutch Hidden Gem: The Digital Mainport as an AI Engine

The Outlines of a Specialist

Figures from the first half of 2025 present a remarkable picture. Of all startup investments in Amsterdam, 16.7% were directed towards AI, a higher percentage than in the much larger ecosystems of London (11.9%) and Paris (12.8%) [1]. While this relative success conceals the fact that the absolute investment amounts in those cities are much higher, it signals something more important: a deep, specialized focus. While others aim broadly, Amsterdam is building concentrated expertise.

Sources: Sifted [1], Bristows [7]

This is not a sign of weakness, but the blueprint of a smart player. It reveals an ecosystem that does not strive to be the largest but aims to be the best in a specific, capital-efficient niche: complex B2B and deep tech AI.

The Foundation: The Digital Goldmine

The explanation for this specialization lies in the unique infrastructure of the Netherlands. With AMS-IX, Amsterdam hosts the world's second-largest internet exchange, a digital goldmine that has faster growth and a larger economic impact than both Schiphol and the Port of Rotterdam combined [8]. For AI companies, where data transfer speed is crucial, this offers a nearly unfair advantage.

Up to now, this foundation has primarily served as a passive facilitator. The next step in the ecosystem's maturation is to actively cultivate this strength. The growing consensus is that digital infrastructure deserves the same strategic focus as physical mainports, with policies and investments designed to fully leverage the opportunities it provides.

Opportunities for Investors and Startups

For savvy investors and ambitious startups, this 'hidden gem' is a market full of possibilities. The relative undervaluation combined with technical superiority creates a unique momentum.

For investors:

1. Valuation Arbitrage: The opportunity to invest in technologically advanced AI companies at valuations significantly lower than in overheated markets like London or Silicon Valley.

2. Infrastructure as a ‘Moat’: Investing in startups whose business models directly benefit from AMS-IX's low latency and high connectivity. This offers a sustainable competitive advantage that is difficult to replicate.

3. Proven B2B Market: The Dutch ecosystem has a strong track record in building scalable, profitable enterprise software. This reduces the risk compared to consumer-oriented AI applications.

For startups:

1. Technical Advantage: Direct access to one of the fastest and most reliable digital networks in the world, essential for training models and delivering real-time AI services.

2. Specialized Talent: A deep pool of engineering talent experienced in building complex B2B products, fueled by top universities and tech giants.

3. The Perfect Test Market: The combination of a tech-savvy population and a compact, manageable market makes the Netherlands the ideal launch base for European roll-outs.

Realizing the New Mainport

The way forward is clear. By formally recognizing digital infrastructure as the third mainport of the Netherlands, a national policy can be developed that aligns energy, spatial planning, and investments. This creates the stability and growth opportunities necessary to overcome current data center stagnation [5].

By coupling this strategic recognition with an innovation fund that invests in companies leveraging the unique power of the digital mainport, the Netherlands can convert its relative lead into an absolute one. The time is ripe to polish the hidden gem and see Amsterdam not just as a surprising AI hub, but as the logical engine of the next generation of European technology.

Max Pinas
Founder Dutchstartup.ai & studio hyra