While startup investment in most global regions dipped with widespread funding winter after the 2021 boom, the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam The Hague (MRDH) defied the trend – raising over €430 million in 2024 and delivering its strongest year yet.

But behind the headline is a deeper story:

• DeepTech dominated the funding charts
• 5 of the top 15 fundraisers were university spin-outs
• Digital sector led, while Energy lagged and Circular played catch up.
• Digital sector funding is dominated not by software but by Hardtech 
• <20% of startups raised 80% of all disclosed capital
• 130+ investors participated – nearly 50% were international
• And Dutch investors? Some stepped up. Others missed their moment.

Our Investment Lead at Up!Rotterdam, Aditya Raj, dove into the 2024 MRDH investment landscape using Dealroom.co as a key source. The result is an analysis packed with insights for founders, investors, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of the region.

Read the full analysis here