Last week, the Eindhovens Dagblad headlined: Eindhoven aims for top European position for startups. Within a few years, Eindhoven wants to become a top European region for young, innovative companies with a lot of potential (startups). That fits in nicely with the start of the startup hub Alpha as of next January 1! A new very affordable cool place for early startups, in a stimulating environment focused on growth.
According to the article in the ED, startups are ahead of the troops and are the future of business, according to the municipality. A vibrant startup climate is therefore important or even essential for the region's economic growth. It is also a way to become interesting to talent. The reason for Twice to launch a new startup hub in the middle of the TU/e campus, aimed precisely at these early startups.
The best
With a 193rd place worldwide, the region is only cautiously competing so far. But by 2023, Eindhoven should be able to compete with cities such as Berlin, Stockholm and Helsinki. For startups in deep technology such as robots and artificial intelligence, the municipality's goal is even to become the European number one. ,,Brainport offers unique opportunities for these startups. We can distinguish ourselves and want to become the best,'' said Alderman Stijn Steenbakkers, who believes it is a realistic goal.
To achieve its ambitious goals, the municipality is thinking of various initiatives to make the region more attractive to young entrepreneurs, according to its plan, which was unanimously favored by the Eindhoven City Council on Tuesday.
One-stop shop
For example, there will be one first aid counter for start-ups, where students and researchers in the start-up phase of their company can go with all their questions. At this place they will be helped with housing and financing, for example. Eindhoven also wants to encourage that there are enough (flex)workplaces. How cool that this first help desk is also located in the startup hub Alpha, so directly in the vicinity for the startups.
Investor risk
In its home market, the municipality of Eindhoven wants to give startups a chance by becoming the first customer, for example, when purchasing products or services. Eindhoven is also considering challenging startups to come up with a solution to current problems in the city.
Steenbakkers emphasizes that the effort must come not only from the municipality but also from all the parties involved in Brainport. The alderman still wants to find out what is needed to better match the supply of financing to the demand of companies that need a lot of money. ''That's the biggest problem for startups that are just a little further along and need tens of millions.''
Startup hub Alpha
In the new startup hub, you can settle from as little as 158 euros per month, and you'll be in the middle of an inspiring environment, centrally located in Eindhoven. Are you or do you know any ambitious startups looking for a cool space? Feel free to get in touch!
