What makes the Dutch cleantech ecosystem unique – and what can other countries learn from it?

In this episode, David Wortmann speaks with Freerk Bisschop, long-time investor, entrepreneur, and fellow SET Award jury member. Together, they explore the dynamics of the Dutch startup scene, the challenges of scaling in a small domestic market, and the evolving role of specialized ClimateTech funds in Europe.

Freerk shares why Dutch startups often look abroad early, what defines the ecosystem’s “secret sauce,” and why Europe urgently needs stronger exit opportunities for cleantech scale-ups.

The episode closes with an additional segment by Pia Dorfinger from DENA, introducing the Start Up Energy Transition (SET) Award 2026 and inviting founders from around the world to submit their applications.

Application deadline: October 31 Learn more and apply here: https://www.startup-energy-transition.com/set-award/set-award-2026/

Frustrerte franske oljetopper, fiberkongen i olja og Akers vei ut av fornybarboblen