F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Enschede, The Netherlands #404

City Scores

City Total Score

0.538

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.04

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.08

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.41

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

57

Startup Ecosystem in Enschede ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ

TL;DR

Enschede holds the 404th position in the Global F/MS โ€œBest Cities for Startupsโ€ Index. This charming city in the Netherlands boasts a focused yet budding startup scene, particularly strong in technology and innovation, making it a great place for new ventures to flourish.


Startup-Friendly Stuff ๐Ÿ“ˆ

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Procedures are straightforward with options for online registration.
  • Startup Incentives: Local authorities offer favorable policies for tech startups to encourage growth.

2. Employment Law ๐Ÿข

  • Labor Regulations: Generally well-established laws protect worker rights, ensuring a fair workplace, though literature can be a bit complex for nascent firms.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: Possibilities exist for hiring non-EU residents, but work permits are required.

3. Taxation ๐Ÿ’ฐ

  • Corporate Tax Rate: The standard corporate tax rate stands at 25%, with reductions available for innovative startups.
  • VAT Regulations: Competitive VAT rates cater specifically to technology and service-oriented businesses.

4. Quality of Life ๐ŸŒ†

  • Living Standards: Enschede is known for its pleasant living conditions and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Dutch cities.
  • Culture and Leisure: Rich local culture, beautiful parks, and numerous leisure activities add to the cityโ€™s charm.

5. Bureaucracy ๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ

  • Ease of Navigation: While generally user-friendly, some permits can be slow to acquire.
  • Government Support: Multiple initiatives are in place to support innovation and entrepreneurial growth.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs ๐ŸŒ

  • Startup Visas & Permits: The Netherlands offers several visas tailored to entrepreneurs, simplifying the application process for foreigners.
  • Residency Options: Attractive long-term residency options for qualified entrepreneurs.

Startup Community ๐Ÿค

7. Networking Events

  • Regular workshops, meetups, and pitch events create vibrant networking opportunities for local startups.
  • National and international competitions draw attention to Enschedeโ€™s emerging ecosystem.

8. Subsidies and Funding ๐Ÿ’ต

  • The government and various private organizations provide grants, subsidies, and mentoring specifically targeted to tech startups.
  • Accelerators also offer financial support to enhance growth trajectories.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: While still growing, the local VC scene is becoming increasingly active and interested in investing in promising startups.
  • Major Firms: Collaboration with nearby hubs like Amsterdam opens opportunities for securing venture capital.

10. Incubators & Accelerators ๐Ÿš€

  • Several incubators focus on technology, providing essential resources such as mentorship and office space.
  • Programs are designed to foster innovation across various sectors, such as IT, education, and healthcare.

Technology & Industry Priorities ๐Ÿ”ง

  • Focus Areas: Particularly strong in technology, education, and social innovations.
  • Government Initiatives: The emphasis is squarely on building a sustainable and innovative future.

Business Culture ๐Ÿ™๏ธ

  • Language: Dutch is the primary business language; English is widely used, especially in the startup community.
  • Work Environment: Collaborative and open, with a strong emphasis on creativity and adaptability.

General Pros and Cons โš–๏ธ

Pros:

  • Supportive infrastructure for tech-driven entrepreneurs.
  • A nurturing environment with access to educational institutions and resources.
  • A vibrant community willing to share knowledge and networks.

Cons:

  • Comparatively smaller ecosystem can lead to fewer immediate opportunities.
  • Some administrative processes may still take longer than expected.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ผ

  • Active programs and networking events focus on fostering female-led startups.
  • Grants and mentorship schemes exist specifically to support women in business.

Enschede represents an inviting option for entrepreneurs seeking to establish a strong foothold in a nurturing, supportive community. ๐Ÿš€

MeanCEO Index for Enschede ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ

Enschede may hold a modest position in the global startup rankings, but how does it stack up for female entrepreneurs? Letโ€™s explore the MeanCEO Index score based on ten vital factors that shape the entrepreneurial atmosphere.


1. Weather โ˜€๏ธ

  • Score: 6/10
    • Enschede experiences a temperate climate with moderate sunny days and mild winters. While it doesnโ€™t boast excessive sunshine like southern destinations, itโ€™s pleasant enough for outdoor events throughout the year.

2. Location ๐Ÿ–๏ธ

  • Score: 4/10
    • Situated inland, the nearest beaches are a bit of a drive away, lacking the immediate allure of coastal cities. However, itโ€™s still a charming locale with beautiful parks for relaxation.

3. Women Friendly ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ผ

  • Score: 7/10
    • The Dutch culture promotes gender equality and is supportive of women in business. Enschede also hosts initiatives aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs, contributing to a positive environment.

4. Foreigners Friendly ๐ŸŒ

  • Score: 6/10
    • The local community is fairly open to newcomers, and while integration can take a little time, social activities and networking events encourage connection among locals and foreigners alike.

5. English as a Business Language ๐Ÿ“š

  • Score: 8/10
    • English is widely spoken, particularly in the startup ecosystem, facilitating smoother communication for international entrepreneurs, including women.

6. Delicious Cuisine ๐Ÿท

  • Score: 5/10
    • Dutch cuisine is hearty but can be heavy on onions. While the country produces some exceptional local beers, fine wines are less common. However, there are options for healthy and delicious choices, especially in urban areas.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family ๐Ÿ’

  • Score: 6/10
    • The cityโ€™s social scene is welcoming, and there are opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. However, the smaller size of the ecosystem may result in fewer immediate dating options.

8. Medicine ๐Ÿฅ

  • Score: 7/10
    • Access to healthcare services is reliable, with standard waiting times for appointments. Healthcare is generally affordable and of good quality, contributing to a sense of security.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling ๐Ÿš

  • Score: 6/10
    • Public transport is accessible, although not as extensive as in larger Dutch cities. With connections to nearby hubs, itโ€™s reasonably easy to travel within the region and beyond.

10. Startup Mindset ๐Ÿ’ก

  • Score: 8/10
    • Enschede exhibits a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, failure is seen as a learning opportunity. The support from local initiatives fosters creativity and resilience among startups.

MeanCEO Index Score: 57/100 ๐ŸŽ‰

Enschede presents a combination of opportunities and supportive infrastructure for female entrepreneurs. Though the city may not be the largest or most vibrant startup hub, its nurturing environment and commitment to innovation create a welcoming space for women to thrive. With the right resources, a collaborative community, and governmental support, Enschede can be a promising choice for budding female entrepreneurs looking to build their own ventures.

Happy entrepreneurship! ๐Ÿš€