Amsterdam-based Farmless, a startup focused on producing carbon-negative food ingredients by converting renewable energy and CO2, has secured a €1M grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The grant will support the company in validating its fermentation method for protein production, a process that does not require agricultural land, in an operational environment. 

“Our protein is locally brewed at the Farmless Brewery in Amsterdam, using food grade ingredients and a regionally produced, sustainable feedstock,” says the Dutch company in a LinkedIn post.

What does Farmless offer?

Founded by Adnan Oner, Farmless has developed a fermentation platform that produces protein locally, unaffected by climate and agricultural land constraints. 

Using natural microorganisms and a liquid mix of CO2, hydrogen, nitrogen, and renewable energy, the process requires up to 5,000 times less land than beef production. The resulting protein, containing all essential amino acids, can be used to create meat, dairy, and egg alternatives. 

Farmless aims to reduce reliance on animal products, restore farmland, and combat ecological issues caused by agriculture, such as biodiversity loss and climate change. The company seeks to offer economically viable alternatives to animal-based proteins.

Brief about the ERDF

The ERDF aims to reduce economic, social, and territorial disparities across EU regions by providing funding to public and private bodies. 

For the 2021-2027 period, the fund will support investments focused on making Europe and its regions more competitive, greener, connected, social, and closer to citizens. 

Key areas of investment include innovation, support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), digitisation, low-carbon initiatives, mobility enhancement, inclusive employment, and education.

The ERDF operates under shared management, with local authorities leading projects tailored to regional needs. It is governed by the Common Provisions Regulation.

Amsterdam-based Nebius Group, an AI infrastructure company, announced on Monday that it has entered into definitive agreements for a $700M (approximately €667M) private placement financing from a select group of institutional and accredited investors.

It includes participation from Accel, NVIDIA, and certain accounts managed by Orbis Investments.

The Dutch company will use the funds to further build out its full-stack AI infrastructure – including large-scale GPU clusters, cloud platforms, and tools and services for developers.

Arkady Volozh, founder and CEO of Nebius Group, says, “The foundation of our business is our expertise in building advanced technology infrastructure. We have demonstrated the scale of our ambitions, initiating an AI infrastructure build-out across two continents. This strategic financing gives us additional firepower to do it faster and on a larger scale. I’m grateful to our investors for the trust they have placed in us – our team is ready to deliver.”

Issuing Class A shares

Nebius Group will issue 33,333,334 Class A shares for $21.00 each in a private placement. This price is about 3% higher than the average price of the shares since trading started again on Nasdaq. The deal will close once standard conditions are met, says the company in the press release.

Additionally, the Board has decided that the Company no longer needs to buy back its Class A shares after seeing strong trading and liquidity since trading resumed on Nasdaq on October 21, 2024.

In August 2024, shareholders approved a plan to repurchase up to 81M Class A shares at a maximum price of $10.50 each. This price was based on available cash after selling the Company’s Russian business.

John Boynton, Chairman of the Board of Nebius, says, “The authorisation to potentially repurchase shares was originally intended to provide legacy shareholders who wanted to exit our new business an opportunity to do so, especially in light of the prolonged suspension of trading on Nasdaq. Based on the strong level of investor engagement and technical dynamics that we have observed following the resumption of trading on Nasdaq, we believe that those shareholders who may have wanted to exit have had an opportunity to do so at a price higher than the maximum repurchase price authorised by shareholders,”

‍“The Board has determined that the best way to maximise value for the Company’s shareholders is to invest our capital into our core AI infrastructure business, where the Company believes there is a substantial market opportunity,” adds Boynton.

As a result of the combination of strategic financing and the decision not to deploy any capital toward repurchasing Class A shares, the Company now expects to deliver an annualised run-rate revenue (“ARR”)1 by year-end 2025 of $750M to $1B.

Nebius Group: Building AI infrastructure

Founded by Arkady Volozh, Nebius is a technology company that provides the infrastructure needed for the global AI industry. This includes GPU clusters, cloud platforms, and tools for developers.

The company’s core business is an AI-centric cloud platform built for intensive AI workloads.

With proprietary cloud software architecture and hardware designed in-house (including servers, racks, and data centre design), Nebius gives AI builders the computing, storage, managed services, and tools they need to build, tune, and run their models.

The AI-native Nebius GPU cloud is designed to manage the full ML lifecycle – from data processing and training to fine-tuning and inference – all in one place.

The new Nebius AI Studio inference service expands the company’s offerings for app developers. It provides access to advanced open-source models in a user-friendly environment at competitive prices per token.

The Dutch company, a preferred cloud service provider in the NVIDIA Partner Network, offers high-end infrastructure optimised for AI training and inference.

The company’s core AI infrastructure division is supported by a team of approximately 400 skilled engineers, delivering a genuine hyperscale cloud experience tailored specifically for AI developers.

DutchBasecamp (DBC), an Amsterdam-based non-profit organisation that helps startups and scale-ups towards international growth, on Thursday, announced a strategic partnership with ACE, an expert in assisting companies with their global expansion.

The partnership is focused on helping startups grow internationally.

DutchBasecamp and ACE are working together to share their knowledge and networks, offering better support to Dutch companies during the internationalisation process.

It includes:

• Identifying the next target market
• Developing go-to-market strategies
• Setting up operational activities
• Ensuring successful execution in new markets through local expertise

ACE: Assisting companies with their global expansion

ACE guides businesses through international expansion by providing tailored administrative solutions and support.

With over 10 years of experience and a global network, ACE has helped over 260 corporates, SMEs, startups, and scale-ups navigate the complexities of international growth.

From entity setup and tax compliance to payroll and bookkeeping, their services ensure a smooth and confident transition into new markets.

“Through our partnership with DutchBasecamp we extend our practical support for market expansion and are now able to assist companies in the early stages of exploring and preparing for international expansion, says Mattijs Sibbing, Founder and CEO of ACE. “We guide our clients from strategy to implementation, enabling them to operate more efficiently and

successfully in new markets.”

DutchBasecamp: Specialist in international strategy development

DutchBasecamp empowers startups and scale-ups to grow internationally by providing tailored coaching, tools, and programmes.

With years of experience and a global network, DutchBasecamp has supported over 750 startups and scale-ups in identifying the right markets, developing effective go-to-market strategies, and overcoming the challenges of international expansion.

“This partnership enables us to support companies at every stage of their internationalisation process,” says Hugo Niezen, Director at DutchBasecamp. “Thanks to ACE’s international presence, we can help companies achieve their growth ambitions worldwide.”

“This partnership secures the future of DutchBasecamp and enables us to continue working towards our mission: helping impactful companies succeed internationally,” adds Tim Scholte, Member of the Supervisory Board at DutchBasecamp.

The month of November has proven to be promising for the capital city of the Netherlands as it continues to solidify its position as a hub for startups, innovation, and growth. 

Several startups across industries have secured funding this month, signalling investors’ confidence and growth potential.

This funding not only boosts the city’s growth reputation but also brings multiple opportunities for job seekers. 

Several companies are expanding their teams, opening up roles for skilled professionals who want to contribute to high-growth ventures.  

Curious to explore these opportunities?

We’ve compiled a list of Amsterdam-based startups that raised funding in November 2024 and are hiring.

Check it out now!  

Cradle

CEO: Stef van Grieken

Fund raised in November 2024: €69.5M

Hiring: Yes| Apply here

Cradle is a Dutch-Swiss biotech startup that empowers scientists to ‘reverse engineer’ proteins with the desired specific properties and has built a working platform already used by several early-stage design partners. 

The Amsterdam-based company’s machine learning platform helps scientists to design and program ‘cell factories’ faster and improve the chances of getting the experimental results they want. 

Pyramid Analytics

Founder/s: Avi Perez, Herbert Ochtman, Omri Kohl

Fund raised in November 2024: €47.4M

Hiring: No

Pyramid Analytics is a decision intelligence platform provider. The platform provides instant access to any data, enables automated governed self-service for users, and serves any analytics need.

The Amsterdam-based platform also reduces cost and complexity and accelerates growth and innovation by combining data prep, business analytics, and data science with AI guidance. This enables a strategic, organisation-wide approach to business intelligence and analytics

NORBr

CEO: Nabil Naimy

Fund raised in November 2024: €3M

Hiring: Yes| Apply here

NORBr offers flexible, no-code solutions supporting diverse payment methods, to advance operational efficiency and streamline compliance.

The Amsterdam-based company aims to address the substantial development costs and long timelines that create barriers for operators aiming to modernise or launch payment solutions.

Visualise.Bio

CEO: Floris van der Staaij

Fund raised in November 2024: €350K

Hiring: No

Visualise.bio is developing a device to automate expansion microscopy, a technique for visualising cells and tissues at high resolution.

This makes it possible to visualise both cellular ultrastructure and specific proteins at high resolution with a standard light microscope for a fraction of the price of a super-resolution microscope.

Celebratix

Founder/s: Hans Jochem Dijk, Frank Roskam, and Guy Rombaut 

Fund raised in November 2024: €1.1M

Hiring: No

Celebratix is a blockchain ticketing startup. It uses the Solana blockchain to improve event revenue and manage customer data before, during, and after events. As a result, the Amsterdam-based company enables event organisers to take back control of their secondary market, while offering event attendees a 100 per cent safe, simple, and secure experience.

Firsty

Founder/s: Vince Vissers and Gauthier Thierens

Fund raised in November 2024: €5.1M

Hiring: No

Firsty aims to disrupt the telecom industry by eliminating the complexity, high costs, and transparency associated with international mobile data. 

The Amsterdam-based company’s app provides free access to top global networks on land, sea, and air, positioning mobile data as a basic human right. 

TRACT

CEO: Allison Kopf

Fund raised in November 2024: €10.58M

Hiring: Yes| Apply here

TRACT is a SaaS platform focused on improving sustainability in agricultural supply chains.

The Amsterdam-based platform simplifies data management and standardises sustainability reporting methodologies, enabling companies to focus on achieving measurable environmental and social impact.

TRACT is used by companies to streamline sustainability reporting and provide comprehensive due diligence and data-sharing capabilities. 

Pantheon Mining

Founder/s: Lodewyck Berghuijs and Nick van Houtrijve

Fund raised in November 2024: €1M

Hiring: No

Pantheon Mining helps high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors in mining Bitcoin.

With a boutique-style approach, the Amsterdam-based company aims to protect its customers from the risks and uncertainties commonly associated with what is sometimes considered the “wild west” of the mining world.

eZwayZ

Founder/s: Bart van Heijningen

Fund raised in November 2024: €50K

Hiring: No

eZwayZ has developed an app to help blind and partially sighted individuals navigate. It uses bright colours and vibrations to show the best route and provides details about door operations and handle locations.

Finst

CEO: Julien Vallet

Fund raised in November 2024: NA

Hiring: Yes| Apply here

Finst is a cryptocurrency provider in the Netherlands and offers an investment platform that has institutional-grade security standards and 83 per cent lower trading fees. 

Amsterdam-based company offers a full suite of crypto services, including trading, custody, fiat on/off ramp, and staking for both retail and institutional investors.

Pulse4all

Founder/s: Peter Houtzagers

Fund raised in November 2024: €5M

Hiring: No

Pulse4all was founded to make AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) more accessible and reliable for individuals and small businesses in the Netherlands, where 50 people suffer cardiac arrests daily, with 35 often fatal due to lack of nearby, ready-to-use AEDs. 

The Amsterdam-based company’s all-inclusive €35 subscription model provides individuals and small businesses with AEDs that are always maintained and ready for use, removing the hassle and cost of ownership. 

DEBx Medical

Founder/s: Bert J. Quint, Prof. Dr Carlo Alberto Bignozzi, and MD Alberto Cogo

Fund raised in November 2024: NA

Hiring: No

DEBx Medical’s goal is to develop and sell a single treatment to eradicate wound infection. To do this, DEBx Medical has developed a product called DEBRICHEM that provides a superior alternative to current therapies for non-healing chronic wounds. 

The product is designed for topical treatment of an infected wound, to help facilitate the removal of the infection by debridement, followed by cleaning and dressing.

Sympower

Founder/s: Simon Bushell

Fund raised in November 2024: €21.3M

Hiring: Yes| Apply here

Sympower is a provider of flexibility services in Europe and is helping balance electricity grids to support a sustainable energy system.

Through its software platform, the company manages the supply and demand of electricity across European energy networks. 

The Amsterdam company helps commercial and industrial businesses, grid operators, and energy stakeholders participate in energy flexibility services, enabling them to generate new revenue streams, reduce energy costs, and integrate more renewable energy resources into the grid.

Solaq

Founder/s: Reuben Moore, Evert van Voorthuysen, and Peter Solleveld

Fund raised in November 2024: €1.4M

Hiring: No

Solaq develops Air-to-Water technology to create a new, sustainable source of water security by extracting water from the air around us.

The Amsterdam-based company has developed a solar-powered system that uses heat instead of electricity to produce water. This lowers costs and allows water to be extracted from the air, even in very dry places like deserts.

Etpa

CEO: Michiel Lensink

Fund raised in November 2024: €5.5M

Hiring: Yes| Apply here

ETPA (Energy Trading Platform Amsterdam) offers a trading platform that allows suppliers and consumers to make optimal use of energy peaks and troughs, and facilitates a fair market price for all participants in the energy market. 

As participants can trade on the platform themselves or through a third party, the platform offers more certainty about the agreed price, the delivery period, and the energy supply.  

SeaO2

Founder/s: Ruben Brands, Rose Sharifian, and David Vermaas

Fund raised in November 2024: €2M

Hiring: Yes| Apply here

SeaO2 has developed technology, using an electrochemical process to extract CO₂ from seawater, which can then be stored or reused.

Consequently, the company aims to mitigate climate change by returning carbon-free water to the ocean, enhancing its ability to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere.

LearnWise

CEO: Greg Marschall

Fund raised in November 2024: €2M

Hiring: No

LearnWise is an AI-powered platform that improves student support in universities. It works across systems like learning platforms, student portals, and websites to provide a consistent experience.

The platform provides real-time analytics for insights into support trends, offers 24/7 multilingual support across digital channels, and can be quickly implemented with flexible options to fit different digital transformation stages.

Amsterdam-based NORBr, a Payment Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider, announced on Monday that it has raised €3M in funding led by Alstin Capital. Previous round lead investor Portfolion also participated in the round.

The company will use the funds to support expanding its omnichannel solutions, including advanced features for managing payment terminals, operational efficiency (payops), and compliance.

The Dutch company will also use the funds to support targeted hires in key areas to expand platform capabilities and enhance client support.

“We’re committed to growing the business while keeping the team lean, which means being intentional about hiring. We prioritise people who focus on automation and scalability instead of manual execution. With the rise of AI, we see a major opportunity to grow efficiently while staying agile,” says Nabil Naimy, CEO of NORBr, to Silicon Canals.

“That said, not everything can or should be automated. Providing personalised support and advice remains central to our approach. That’s why we’re hiring business-focused roles like customer success specialists, technical support experts, and copywriters to deliver premium service and help clients maximise the value of our infrastructure,” adds Naimy.

On the product side, the company is investing in automation, particularly in quality testing and development. It’s seeking experienced developers and product owners to streamline workflows and enhance its platform to support this.

NORBr: Addressing the classic “build or buy” dilemma

Led by Nabil Naimy, NORBr offers flexible, no-code solutions supporting diverse payment methods, to advance operational efficiency and streamline compliance.

The Dutch company aims to address the substantial development costs and long timelines that create barriers for operators aiming to modernise or launch payment solutions.

“Our team has over a decade of experience developing payment platforms. Creating a payment service provider (PSP) involves significant investments in R&D, operations, and compliance, and many operators struggle with technical debt and managing their roadmaps,” says Naimy.

“When launching or upgrading a platform, they encounter the “build or buy” dilemma. Building takes years and millions of dollars, while buying means selecting between stable but rigid legacy systems or newer providers that may lack reliability,” he continues.

And here’s where NORBr comes into play!

The platform integrates seamlessly with payment service providers (PSPs) and acquirers, allowing clients to manage diverse payment channels with ease.

The company’s Mapper tool enables merchants to connect with multiple PSPs and integrate new partners in days instead of months.

Consequently, it removes the need for additional technical resources, enabling quick onboarding of new payment providers across both in-store and online channels.

The company’s adaptable routing capabilities offer faster market access and increased resilience in managing payment flows.

Payments industry, challenges, and NORBr’s solution

The payments industry is generally complex and interconnected, with payment operators playing a vital role.

They help connect consumers, merchants, banks, card networks, acquirers, and regulators, all while navigating technology, compliance, and changing user needs.

However, in the past 20 years, the workload for payment operators has increased due to stricter regulations like anti-money laundering (AML) laws, data protection measures like GDPR, and standards such as PCI DSS.

These requirements add complexity and require more resources to manage effectively, along with fraud prevention and customer support advancements.

“What was once a straightforward process is now a highly complex ecosystem that demands advanced tools, robust processes, and specialised teams to meet growing expectations for security, efficiency, and reliability,” he states.

“Our solution provides clients with a ready-to-distribute payment platform designed not only to meet merchants’ current expectations but also to anticipate future needs. With broad payment method coverage, advanced features, and a flexible architecture, our platform helps clients stay ahead of industry trends. It supports rapid adaptation to new technologies and changing consumer behaviours while reducing operational overhead, allowing clients to focus on growth and differentiation in a competitive market,” he adds.

NORBr’s business model, revenue & growth projection, and more

NORBr provides Payment Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) through a subscription-based model that simplifies the building, maintenance, and scaling of payment platforms.

Clients pay a monthly fee that covers activation, maintenance, updates, and 24/7 monitoring and support, eliminating the need for large upfront investments.

“For about the cost of two full-time employees, they gain access to a fully functional, multi-tenant payment platform that efficiently handles high transaction volumes and offers robust reporting tools for quick data analysis,” adds Naimy.

Additionally, the platform is flexible, allowing easy integration of new payment providers. Existing provider connections enable integration in seconds, while new providers take only a few weeks.

“Our 24/7 monitoring and alerting systems ensure any potential issues are identified and resolved promptly, providing peace of mind and uninterrupted service. This combination of cost control, adaptability, and reliable support empowers clients to focus on growth and meet market demands,” he explains.

Talking about the revenue and growth projections for the next 2 to 3 years, Naimy says, “We’ve proven our model works, and we’re confident we can grow profitably. By staying focused and continuing to deliver for our clients, we’re on track to reach €10M in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by the end of 2027.”

“We’re also working on exciting new products that will open up new opportunities and further drive our growth,” he adds.

Supporting a wide range of industries and markets

The Amsterdam-based company currently serves a growing roster of clients, including prominent luxury brands, health-focused companies like Welltech, and financial service providers such as Equals Money and OnRamp.

“Our technology powers several payment platforms across Europe, the UK, and Asia, supporting a wide range of industries and markets. Operating under a white-label model, our payment infrastructure enables clients to maintain their unique brand identity and competitive edge. Many of our clients value this discretion, preferring to keep their operational advantages confidential,” states Naimy.

According to Naimy, these clients rely on NORBr’s advanced infrastructure for seamless payment processing, data insights, omnichannel, and API-first capabilities.

“We handle the complexities—from integration to processing and reporting—so our clients can focus on scaling their business,” he adds. “In just two years of commercial activity, our infrastructure has scaled rapidly, processing millions of transactions annually. This growth reflects the reliability, scalability, and adaptability of our platform in meeting the needs of sophisticated clients.”

The investor

Alstin Capital is a Munich-based early-stage venture capital fund focused on B2B software. The VC invests in fast-growing Seed and Series A B2B software companies across Europe.

Andreas Schenk, Principal at Alstin Capital, says, “We are thrilled to support such an experienced team in building the next generation of payment infrastructure. This is evident in their enterprise-level technology and impressive customer base. The no-code, omnichannel solution offers two key advantages: Firstly, it enables the fast and secure integration of new payment service providers worldwide, both in physical and online retail. Secondly, NORBr’s infrastructure facilitates the modernisation of legacy systems. We couldn’t be happier to have such a talented team in our portfolio.”

Amsterdam-based Invest-NL, a national financing and development institution, announced on Friday that it has invested €7.5M in the Forbion BioEconomy Fund I.

Forbion BioEconomy Fund I is a newly launched investment strategy of Forbion, a life sciences venture capital firm.

The fund focuses on investing in innovative biotech companies that develop sustainable solutions across four sectors: Food, Agriculture, Materials, and Environment Technologies. 

Forbian focuses primarily on companies that have already been further developed and have demonstrated that their products work. 

The fund will actively support these biotech companies during their next growth phase in the Netherlands and Europe. 

The announcement comes a few weeks after raising over €2B across its two newest funds — Forbion Growth Opportunities III and Forbion Ventures VII, bringing assets under management at Forbion to €5B.

“The Forbion BioEconomy fund is one of the few funds active in the Netherlands in the field of biotechnology, a sector with a strong need for additional knowledge and capital. The fund specifically focuses on the transition in materials and food production, which fits seamlessly with our mission to realise a circular economy and a climate-neutral food system,” says David de Vries, Investment Analyst at Invest-NL.   

In addition to Invest-NL, Invest International is also joining the Forbion BioEconomy fund with an investment of €10M.

Based out of The Hague, Invest International is an impact investor that offers financial support to Dutch businesses and partner governments in other countries.

A couple of days back, Invest International invested a €10M senior loan in Amsterdam-based Organic Development Finance (ODF) to support SMEs in emerging markets.

Forbion: Global life sciences venture capital firm 

Based out of Naarden, the Netherlands, Forbion invests in innovative biotech companies, managing approximately €5B across multiple fund strategies that cover all stages of (bio-) pharmaceutical drug development.

The VC invests in companies that are creating new biotechnology products, like alternative proteins and biobased materials.

Forbion typically selects impactful investments that will positively affect the health and well-being of people and the planet, as well as meet its financial return objectives.

Emerging economies, home to over 85 per cent of the world’s population, face unique challenges due to inflation and currency devaluation.

For many individuals, accessing reliable financial tools to protect their wealth and secure their future has been an uphill battle.

As these economies grapple with instability, the demand for stable, dependable currencies like the U.S. dollar has never been higher.

Meet Qash, a Dutch financial inclusion startup

Enter Qash, an Amsterdam-based startup that aims to transform financial inclusion for people in such markets.

Founded by Boris Spiwak and Gerson Lynch, the financial inclusion startup offers offshore savings and investment products for individuals in unstable economies.

As the Dutch startup emerged out of stealth, we at Silicon Canals had the opportunity to interview Boris Spiwak, co-founder of Qash.

In this edition of our “New Kid on the Block,” Boris discussed the inspiration behind founding this company, their challenges, strategies to educate the audience about blockchain technology, and more.

Experienced economic instability

The two founders were inspired to build Qash by their own lived experiences.

Boris (co-founder and CEO) was born and raised in Venezuela where he witnessed some of the worst hyperinflation in history. Gerson (co-founder and CTO) is from Suriname, where he too endured the macro-political instability.

The founders met during Antler’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence program in Amsterdam, which ran from May to July 2024. And the duo decided to solve the pain points they’ve experienced first-hand.

“Millions of people across Latin America struggle to hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. We knew that in much of the region, demand for US dollars outstrips supply, and USD financial services are inaccessible to most people. We realised new technologies, like banking-as-a-service and blockchain, made it possible to democratise offshore and USD banking in emerging markets,” says Boris.

Antler provided initial investment to support Boris and Gerson as they founded the business. 

“There was a strong founder-market fit, with Boris and Gerson having personal experience of the problem they were trying to address. They were obsessed with solving this issue and having a positive impact on people in developing economies. They both have strong personal networks in South America and very credible backgrounds as engineers and business leaders,” says RJ Schuurs, Partner at Antler.

Besides investments, Antler worked with Qash to refine their GTM (Go-To-Market) and product roadmap.

“We recommended they start with a stablecoin offering, enabling them to go to market immediately while simultaneously working on securing a US banking partner and growing their user base,” adds RJ Schuurs.

The company aims to bridge the gap between the instability of local currencies and the strength of the U.S. dollar — a tool that, until now, has been mostly out of reach for everyday people in volatile economies.

Challenges

According to Boris, the biggest challenge has been to find a banking-as-a-service partner in the United States.

“For this reason, we decided to pivot to blockchain technology to offer digital-dollar accounts. This has allowed us to launch our product more quickly, generate revenue, and prove our go-to-market model,” says Boris.

“Nevertheless, we aim to introduce a U.S. dollar account at a U.S. bank with full FDIC insurance. To that end, we are finalising our due diligence process with a U.S. BaaS partner. We expect to introduce this product in Q3 2025,” he explains.

Launching in Colombia

The company’s first product, launching in Colombia, is built on blockchain technology and features a Qash-branded Visa credit card in partnership with Rain, a global issuer with the Visa network.

“We chose Colombia due to macro-political factors and founder expertise. The country is currently led by a far left-wing government that has intimidated savers and private businesses, leading to record capital outflows and currency devaluation. A simmering political crisis has led many people to look for a ‘Plan B’ in the form of savings and investment opportunities abroad,” details Boris.

The company’s Visa credit card will enable users to save, spend, and invest in digital dollars using stablecoins and will be the first card of its kind in the region. 

Currently, Qash employs four people and is actively hiring marketing and customer support roles in Colombia.

Gaining trust and educating users

The Dutch company has partnered with the biggest hotel company in Colombia – Dann and Spiwak Hotels – with 14 properties across 9 cities.

The company will run a series of in-person and virtual events focused on financial education to educate the target audience about blockchain technology and digital coins.

The first is scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd, at Hotel Spiwak in Cali, with Dr. Leopoldo Fergusson, an economist from the Universidad de los Andes.

“In terms of the product, we’ve partnered with best-in-class companies, like Visa (blockchain credit cards), Persona (KYC, identity verification, and transaction monitoring), and Portal (blockchain wallets-as-a-service), to build our mobile app. The nature of self-custodial wallets means we do not have access to our users’ keys, wallets, or funds,” says Boris.

Qash’s business model

The Dutch startup charges an FX fee (foreign exchange fee) equal to between 1 per cent and 2 per cent of every transaction (onramping, offramping, credit card usage, etc.).

“Next year we will introduce premium account features – including the ability to invest in tokenised treasuries, ETFs, and other securities, and the ability to receive remittances from the United States – and will charge a monthly Premium Account maintenance fee to unlock these features,” he adds.

Meeting regulatory requirements

Qash has been registered as a Money Services Business with FinCEN in the United States and has built a rigorous compliance function to ensure AML, BSA, and other regulatory requirements.

“We’ve partnered with Persona (KYC, identity verification, and transaction monitoring) and Portal (blockchain wallets-as-a-service), to build our mobile app. The nature of self-custodial wallets means we do not have access to our users’ keys, wallets, or funds,” concludes Boris. 

Amsterdam-based TNW Programs, an advisory firm focused on innovation and transformation, announced that it will merge with nlmtd starting January 1st. 

The integration will bring together their teams and activities, while TNW Programs keeps its brand name and partnership with TNW.

Jon Slade from The Financial Times, TNW’s parent company, says, “It has been a pleasure working with the TNW Programs team, and we are pleased to have found a place where their talent can further develop—we look forward to valuable collaboration with this talented team in the coming years.”

Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten, co-founder and board member of TNW, adds, “I still remember the day Arno and Pieter Paul started TNW Programs. It’s fantastic to see them joining forces again.”

What does nlmtd offer?

nlmtd is a company that helps organisations prepare for the future by promoting sustainable changes and innovation. It works with clients to develop strategies, foster learning, and drive transformation.

nlmtd claims to be known for its hands-on and entrepreneurial approach and assists in implementing solutions that lead to lasting improvements. Its clients include organisations like Schiphol, TenneT, ProRail, Port of Rotterdam, NN, TechLeap, and Dura Vermeer.

The value of partnership!

The partnership combines TNW Programs’ tech and startup expertise with nlmtd’s sector knowledge and experienced consultants. This collaboration enables them to support clients through the entire innovation process, from strategy to implementation.

Pieter Paul van Oerle, founder of nlmtd and former Strategy Director at TNW, has worked with Arno Nijhof, director of TNW Programs, since TNW Programs began. Together, they have completed many innovation and ecosystem projects for clients around the world, building trust and a shared understanding of their services, clients, and market positions.

Arno Nijhof, says, “TNW Programs has grown into a respected open-innovation consultancy. To grow further, a larger commercial network is crucial, as is senior expertise to enhance complex project quality. We believe nlmtd offers precisely these elements.”

Pieter Paul Van Oerle, adds, “When Boris asked me almost 8 years ago to build a technology scouting, research, and ecosystem team with Arno Nijhof to meet the needs of TNW’s commercial and government clients, I didn’t hesitate. Building a new service under the wings of one of the world’s greatest ecosystem companies was amazing.”

“Over recent years, I’ve collaborated daily with the fantastic TNW Programs team on our nlmtd clients. When the chance arose to integrate both teams, I didn’t hesitate again. Together, we’ll work more seamlessly and help accelerate and expand our impact on major societal transitions.”

Starting January 1, 2025, TNW Programs will move from The Financial Times to nlmtd. It will keep its name, team, and working conditions. TNW Programs will also continue its partnership with TNW, providing innovation programs for the corporate network, including at the annual TNW Conference.

Brief about TNW Programs

TNW Programs is a consultancy in innovation and transformation, working with clients like IKEA, Vodafone, and Nestlé. It provides services such as market research, innovation consulting, and startup matchmaking, helping clients enter new markets, develop products, and improve processes. 

Part of TNW, a global digital brand known for its media, events, and consultancy, TNW Programs claims to have become a key player in Europe’s tech and innovation ecosystem.

Amsterdam-based Celebratix, a blockchain ticketing startup, announced on Tuesday that has secured €1.1M in investments from numerous Dutch serial entrepreneurs, the Swedish VC uBIT, and the UK business angel Justin Rees.

The Dutch company backed by Solana will use the funds to expand internationally, particularly in Sweden and the United Kingdom.

“We are beyond excited to set a new standard of blockchain-based ticketing”, says Frank Roskam, Founder, and CEO of Celebratix.

Celebratix: Blockchain ticketing startup

Founded by Hans Jochem Dijk, Frank Roskam, and Guy Rombaut in 2022, Celebratix is a blockchain ticketing startup. 

It uses the Solana blockchain to improve event revenue and manage customer data before, during, and after events.

“Celebratix was founded by event organisers, for event organisers”, says Roskam. “Having organised festivals for 40.000+ people ourselves in Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam, we’ve first-hand experienced fraud issues when it comes to reselling tickets. Let alone all the data that is being lost for retargeting. We are perfectly positioned to challenge the incumbent ticketing companies like Ticketmaster.”

As a result, the company enables event organisers to take back control of their secondary market, while offering event attendees a 100 per cent safe, simple, and secure experience.

The company aims to onboard the next 1B+ users into Web3 through its innovative NFT Ticketing approach.

The Dutch startup offers a secure and easy ticketing system based on blockchain technology, so users don’t have to deal with cryptocurrency.

The company provides ticketing for major venues in Amsterdam, Hamburg, and Berlin.

The Dutch startup has a core customer base of events in and around Amsterdam, such as the Chicago Social Club and Jimmy Woo.

Through a partnership with MixMag, Celebratix recently entered the German market providing services in both Berlin and Hamburg.

“With Celebratix, organisers have full control over the sale of their tickets, which means they do not have to pay fees to secondary marketplaces and can better engage their attendees,” says Taco Ketelaar, one of the Dutch business angels.”

“As a one-stop shop for events, I am convinced that Celebratix is setting the new standard for ticketing in Europe. With the backing of Solana it has the potential to scale worldwide,” adds Ketelaar. 

Amsterdam-based VanMoof, an e-bike manufacturer, announced on Monday that it has started its operations in the UK and will sell its latest models — the re-engineered S5 and A5, in its newly built Partner Network across the country.

Currently, the sales network spans 8 locations – with 20 partners offering service for VanMoof bikes in the UK. This network will be expanded significantly across the coming months, says the company.

The announcement comes over a year after being acquired by McLaren Applied.

Eliott Wertheimer, VanMoof’s co-CEO, says, ‘’After over a year of hard work to bring the best VanMoof has to offer back to its riders, we are very happy to launch our re-engineered S5 and A5 in the UK via our expanding partner network.”

“As a long-time Londoner, it has been incredibly exciting to see the progress the country is making in creating the infrastructure that will support the rapid expansion of the e-bike market. Riding e-bikes is one of the most freeing and convenient experiences in cities, and our products are some of the greatest tools to maximise this experience and revolutionise what the industry can offer to its riders,” adds Wertheimer.

VanMoof expanding service networks and supplying partners

Additionally, the company is investing heavily in expanding its service network and supplying partners with original parts for the VanMoof S3, X3, and newer models.

All over the country new partners are being onboarded, trained, and supplied – all to keep riders on the road.

Back in August 2023, London-based LAVOIE, a premium e-mobility company backed by McLaren Applied acquired VanMoof.

The strategic move is part of LAVOIE’s global growth strategy to redefine premium e-mobility and transform movement in busy urban areas for a more enjoyable, active lifestyle.