DON’T MISS
IamExpat FairIamExpat Job BoardIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Career
Dutch news & articles
What does it take to build a tech startup?
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

Founded in Singapore in 2017, Antler is a global startup generator and early-stage VC that is building the next big wave of tech. With the mission to turn exceptional individuals into great founders, Antler aims to create thousands of companies globally. They help you find the right co-founder and connect you to a top tier network of advisors and experts worldwide


Related Stories

How to create meaningful impact with your businessHow to create meaningful impact with your business
Dutch freelancers receive over 10.000 euros in payouts for sham self-employmentDutch freelancers receive over 10.000 euros in payouts for sham self-employment
Why you should make time to work on your businessWhy you should make time to work on your business
Record number of single-person businesses close down in the NetherlandsRecord number of single-person businesses close down in the Netherlands
How reframing your business model can revolutionise your marketingHow reframing your business model can revolutionise your marketing
More than 42 percent of Dutch companies to see drop in freelance hiresMore than 42 percent of Dutch companies to see drop in freelance hires
9 business myths and who you can really trust with your business9 business myths and who you can really trust with your business
5 questions to ask yourself when considering a career change5 questions to ask yourself when considering a career change
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat FairsWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
Estee Chaikin
Read more

What does it take to build a tech startup?

Paid partnership
Apr 4, 2019
Paid partnership

Entrepreneurial minds are everywhere! However, out of 66% of young professionals that want to start a business, only 4% take the leap. The biggest success stories make us all dream about the accomplishments, but rarely educate us on all the struggles and challenges that make up a substantial part of the journey.

Starting a company is not smooth sailing

The hard truth is that starting a company is far from being smooth sailing, and many entrepreneurs lack the knowledge on the type of support they need. In the last decade, the emergence of startup accelerators and incubators has grown rapidly across the Netherlands. 

Such accelerators are looking for early-stage startups and established teams working on an idea to contribute to the growing startup ecosystem. However, what about the majority of brilliant and determined people that want to become an entrepreneur but don’t know where to start. Should they look to find a co-founder?

What does the ideal founder look like?

According to Magnus Grimeland, CEO of Antler, there are three main traits to look for in future founders: Drive, problem-solving skills and a clear spike. "We strongly believe that those provide a good foundation when building a fast-growing company.”

Common traits amongst startup founders include:

  • Leadership potential
  • Fast learner / quick thinker
  • Humble
  • Drive and discipline
  • Technical or domain expertise
  • An average of 7 - 8 years of professional experience

Entrepreneurs must realise that joining a startup generator program is a demanding task. Magnus Grimeland reinforces that in order to succeed, “founders need to overcome huge challenges using unique and creative ways.

The founder selection process

There are a couple of things you should prepare for in order to make a strong application to become a founder. Prospective entrepreneurs should expect a rigorous selection process, with both online and offline interviews as well as cognitive skills tests, which are conducted in order to access the candidate's skills and mindset.

How a startup generator helps entrepreneurs

" I learned a lot about startups, building teams and most importantly the kind of business I am passionate about"

Participating in a startup generator programme helps provide a ton of value to entrepreneurs. When looking for this type of programme make sure you research well. Things that should weigh in your decision: Ensure there is a broad mix of experienced tech and business or product founders; investigate the duration of the programmes - shorter programmes will enable you to be more ambitious; make sure you know whether you get funded to join the program or you need to pay.

Furthermore, look for programmes which offer intensive mentorship, access to global networks and prestige, as this can positively impact your own personal brand.

Startup generator programmes provide an outstanding opportunity to those that want to take an entrepreneurial leap and transform an early concept into a real enterprise. With the right ambition to become a founder, you can take the leap and help build the next big wave of tech companies.

Antler breaks the barriers to entrepreneurship by providing funding from day one and building strong teams from the ground up, while enabling founders to rapidly launch and scale their ideas. Find out more about their programmes in the Netherlands, starting May 13. Applications close April 14, so be quick!

By Estee Chaikin