⚠ Summarised by AI based on an external source. Last updated: 9 Mar 2026. Starthubs is not liable for any inaccuracies. Always consult the official challenge information.
The ScaleNL Accelerator is a 12-week US market entry programme initiated by the Dutch government for Dutch (deep)tech companies ready to scale across the Atlantic. The West Coast 2026 cohort selects ten companies through an in-person Selection Day on 26 March. The programme combines US mindset coaching from American advisors, go-to-market strategy development, pitch and fundraising training, and a 5-day business trip to Los Angeles and San Francisco in June 2026. ScaleNL is supported by local entrepreneurial communities in eight US tech hubs from coast to coast. The programme is equity-free with a participation fee of €4,500. Applications close 17 March — only 8 days left.
What is ScaleNL looking for?
ScaleNL selects ten companies per cohort through a competitive process. The programme focuses on three pillars:
- US Mindset Shift: understanding how Americans build companies, do business and make buying decisions — connecting you to local American advisors, experts and founders operating in the US
- GTM & Business Strategy: shaping a market entry strategy adapted to specific US regions and audiences — the US is not a single uniform market
- Pitching & Fundraising: mastering the art of the pitch for a US audience with delivery training, slide analysis and natural connections to American investors
The programme includes a 2-day kick-off in London, 9 weeks of hybrid preparatory sessions and a 5-day US business trip to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Full details and application via the ScaleNL website.
Who is this for?
- Dutch (deep)tech-first companies with an innovative and scalable solution
- Product connected to one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Achieved at least product-market fit in the Netherlands and ready to scale
- Financial runway until at least mid-2027
- Already planning US expansion and/or fundraising in 2027–2028
- All verticals welcome — from SaaS and AI to cleantech and medtech
- Must attend Selection Day (26 March) in person
What's in it for you?
- Government-sponsored programme — equity-free with €4,500 participation fee
- Coaching from local American advisors and "Ask Me Anything" sessions with founders who have scaled to the US
- 1-on-1 sessions with seasoned US market experts tailored to your business
- 5-day business trip to Los Angeles and San Francisco with personal introductions to the local ecosystem
- Connections to US investors and capital through ScaleNL's network across 8 US tech hubs (New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco, LA, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver)
- Access to the broader ScaleNL platform, mentor community and events after the programme