Blog Library

London, Miami, Singapore, Sydney and now Amsterdam. With the addition of the Netherlands, The Business Show World Series now spans five markets, four continents and some of the world’s most influential business hubs.

The decision to launch in Amsterdam was not simply about adding another European city to the calendar. It was about choosing a location that could deliver genuine value for exhibitors, partners and visitors while opening the door to new audiences of entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses across Europe. Amsterdam stands at the intersection of innovation, trade and international connectivity. For businesses looking to expand, collaborate or launch new ideas into the European market, it offers a practical and highly relevant meeting point.

Below are some of the key reasons why Amsterdam became the natural next step for The Business Show.

Amsterdam’s Thriving Startup Scene

Amsterdam has developed into one of Europe’s most influential startup ecosystems, attracting founders, investors and innovators from across the continent.

The city is home to around 4,000 startups, covering sectors such as fintech, AI, climate technology and digital commerce. These companies operate within a wider technology ecosystem that includes thousands of scaleups and global businesses. In the latest global rankings from StartupBlink, Amsterdam sits among the top startup ecosystems in Europe, ranking fifth in the region and continuing to strengthen its position as the leading startup hub in the Netherlands. Investment activity reflects this momentum. Dutch tech companies raised €3.1 billion in venture capital, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the country’s innovation sector.

For small businesses, this environment creates real opportunity. Startups bring new ideas, technologies and partnerships into the market. Investors, accelerators and experienced founders provide support networks that help companies scale. Many internationally recognised companies began their journeys in Amsterdam’s startup community. Businesses such as Adyen have become global leaders in fintech, while newer innovators including Mollie and Picnic continue to shape Europe’s digital commerce landscape.

For visitors to The Business Show, this ecosystem creates a powerful environment for collaboration. You are not only attending an exhibition. You are stepping into one of Europe’s most active innovation communities.

A Historic Trade Hub with Deep Business Roots

Amsterdam’s reputation as a centre for business did not begin with the startup boom.

For centuries, the city has been one of Europe’s most important trading centres. During the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam became a global hub for international commerce, finance and entrepreneurship. That legacy still shapes the city’s business culture today. Modern Amsterdam combines this historic commercial mindset with a forward looking approach to innovation. The Netherlands consistently ranks among the world’s strongest startup ecosystems, generating around $96 billion in ecosystem value between 2021 and 2023. This combination of heritage and innovation makes the city particularly attractive for international events. Businesses visiting Amsterdam experience a place that understands global trade while actively supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.

For small and medium sized businesses, that balance matters. It creates an environment where established companies, new startups and ambitious founders can all learn from each other.

Easy Access to the UK and EU Markets

Accessibility is a crucial factor when choosing the location for a major international business show. Amsterdam offers one of the most connected gateways in Europe.

Through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the city links directly with hundreds of global destinations, making it easy for exhibitors and visitors to travel from across Europe, the UK and beyond. Amsterdam’s location also provides direct access to the European single market of more than 500 million consumers, making it a practical launch point for companies expanding into Europe. For UK businesses in particular, Amsterdam offers a nearby European hub where new partnerships, suppliers and customers can be discovered. For businesses across the Netherlands and the wider EU, it provides a central meeting point for international collaboration.

In short, Amsterdam makes it easier for the right people to come together.

A Natural Home for the Next Chapter of The Business Show

The Business Show has always focused on helping businesses grow, connect and learn from one another. As the series expands internationally, choosing cities that reflect those values is essential.

Amsterdam represents a city where entrepreneurship, innovation and international trade come together naturally. It supports startups, welcomes global businesses and remains deeply connected to the European market. For entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders across the Netherlands and Europe, the launch of The Business Show in Amsterdam opens the door to new conversations, new partnerships and new opportunities.

And as the global business landscape continues to evolve, Amsterdam is increasingly proving to be one of the most exciting places for those conversations to happen.