Dutch Edtech News - March
Welcome to the Dutch Edtech Newsletter. We're excited to bring you the latest updates from the Edtech community in the Netherlands. Enjoy reading!
Insights and Trends
Keeping up with the latest in education & learning technology
👉 State of Dutch EdTech: Evidence is Key to Scaling!
AI and evidence-based impact are driving EdTech growth. The State of Dutch Tech Report 2025 highlights that deep tech, including AI, now makes up 35% of the Dutch tech sector. Meanwhile, the European EdTech Funding Report 2025 reveals that AI-driven learning and job placement tools secured $15.4 billion, over 2.4 times traditional EdTech funding. Yet, many founders still see evidence generation as a cost, despite its clear financial benefits. As highlighted in Brighteye Ventures’ report on evidence-based impact, companies that prove their impact achieve 50% higher MOIC ratios, attracting top investors. VCs now prioritize measurable results—EdTech startups that combine AI with rigorous validation will lead the way.
👉 AI in Education: Disruption or Opportunity?
A Forbes analysis suggests that AI’s rapid evolution is redefining education, presenting EdTech leaders with a unique opportunity. Rather than viewing AI as a challenge to traditional learning, the focus should be on how AI can improve creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking. AI has the potential to transform educational content delivery to deeper learning, equipping students with problem-solving skills that automation cannot replace. The focus should be on designing learning environments where AI fosters innovation and ethical decision-making, and EdTech leaders can shape the future of education in a way that empowers both educators and learners. Read the article to see how AI is transforming education and unlocking new possibilities for learners and educators.
👉 ACM launches an investigation into the (Digital) learning materials market
Sivon reports that the Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) will conduct five market studies in 2025, including one on the digital learning materials market. Concerns over market functionality have existed for years, with more than 80% of the market controlled by a few companies, most of which are owned by foreign investors. In recent years, significant issues have arisen regarding the supply of both physical and digital learning materials, causing delays that even affected examinees. You can read the full article here.
For more insights and trends in Dutch Edtech, read our report!
News and Announcements
🌷 Fairphone & ChatLicense Join Forces to Promote Responsible Smartphone Use.
Rotterdam, February 26, 2025 – Fairphone and ChatLicense have partnered to promote responsible smartphone use for children. Fairphone will provide ChatLicense—the “swimming certificate” for a child’s first smartphone—to customers, offering a structured approach to digital responsibility. Fairphone produces ethical, repairable smartphones. ChatLicense supports families with a science-backed educational program to navigate mobile connectivity challenges. This partnership aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and marks ChatLicense’s first international expansion, with Fairphone offering the app for free across Europe. Visit them at the Dutch Pavilion (CS54) at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona (March 1–4). This initiative could set a new standard for ethical digital education and responsible smartphone use across Europe.
🌍 Lighthouse EdTech Evidence-oriented Initiative - A new opportunity for EdTech Startups.
The Lighthouse EdTech Evidence-Oriented Initiative, led by EPFL, fosters evidence-based collaborations between schools, EdTech startups, and academic institutions. The initiative supports research-driven innovation in digital education by providing startups with a structured environment to test, validate, and refine their solutions in real-world settings. The program is designed for EdTech startups that are members of the Swiss EdTech Collider and have previously participated in the Swiss National EdTech Testbed Program. This is a great opportunity for startups focused on K-12 to express interest. Interested startups can register through this link. Selected participants will collaborate with schools and academic institutions.
Go-Together EdTech Accelerator: Applications Now Open for Startups
DOHE’s Go-Together has reported that its London-based EdTech Accelerator Programme is now welcoming applications. Designed to support early-stage and scaling EdTech startups, this accelerator offers tailored, structured guidance without taking equity, claiming IP, or charging fees. With a mission to foster innovation in education technology, Go-Together supports up to 200 startups per year, providing them with expert mentorship, strategic business development, and access to an extensive network of industry professionals. A new cohort begins each month, allowing startups to receive ongoing, customized support tailored to their specific growth stage and challenges. This is a valuable opportunity for EdTech entrepreneurs looking to refine their business models, scale effectively, and gain insights from experienced mentors—all at no cost.
Responsible AI
AI Hub Netherlands reports that ROM Utrecht Region is hosting a workshop on April 15 focusing on AI opportunities and responsibilities. As part of the Digital Decade strategy, the EU is reinforcing AI regulations, shaping how organizations develop and implement AI solutions. So what does this mean for your business? Can your organization stay creative while navigating regulatory challenges? During this morning’s session, industry experts will guide you through key developments and help you balance innovation, compliance, and responsible use of AI. Gain valuable insights and practical strategies to navigate AI regulations effectively. For more information, click here.
Recap: Inside the Exclusive Dutch EdTech Founders & Investors Breakfast
On Wednesday, we hosted a members-only Breakfast Session in Amsterdam with Brighteye Ventures and Rubio Impact Ventures in partnership with DFF Ventures (Dutch Founders Fund), Endeit Capital, Peak, and No Such Ventures. This exclusive gathering brought together Dutch EdTech founders, investors, and industry leaders for insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities. Speakers included Benoit Wirz (Brighteye Ventures), Maarten Engelen (DFF Ventures), and Tea Elezi (Peak), who discussed key investment criteria for EdTech startups, additionaly Marieke van Iperen (Co-founder & CEO, Settly), André Haardt (Co-founder & CEO, Chapter), and Eugene Lubbers (Co-founder & CEO, Prêts), who reflected on their entrepreneurial journeys. Attendees exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and built connections within the EdTech ecosystem. A special thank you to Brighteye Ventures for co-hosting and to all the Dutch EdTech community members who joined us. Did you miss this session? Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on future events!
Recap: EdTech Founders Gather at Futurewhiz for a Lunch & Learn Tour
This month, we came together at the Futurewhiz office for an insightful Lunch & Learn Tour. The session was filled with engaging discussions, meaningful connections, and valuable insights into scaling EdTech businesses. Jeroen Munk (The CEO of Futurewhiz) shared his journey and strategies with EdTech founders, offering key advice on marketing, brand awareness, AI implementation, navigating change, and more. Did you miss this session? Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on future events!
👋 A goodbye message from Rüya - Community Manager
“Hi there! Thanks for reading. After 1.5 incredible years as Dutch Edtech's Community Manager, I left the team at the end of February. Since joining in 2023, I've had the privilege of meeting numerous inspiring EdTech entrepreneurs and sharing valuable insights, news, and opportunities with you through these newsletters. I’m grateful for your support and excited to become a reader rather than a writer as of this issue! Best wishes, Rüya.”
Upcoming Dutch Edtech events and meetups
➡️ 13 March, 18:00 - 21:30 | Dutch Edtech Founder Dinner #1 - Lifelong Learning | Amsterdam | Members Only
Join us for the first Founder Dinner of the year! Network with like-minded professionals over a delicious meal and engage in insightful discussions. This gathering is designed for Founders and CEOs, with a focus on lifelong learning and corporate learning in the Dutch EdTech community. This evening's discussions will address key challenges in go-to-market strategy, product development, and sales and marketing. This members-only event is open to Dutch Edtech founders. Don't miss out on this exciting evening! Sign up here.
➡️ Learntec 2025 | 6-8 May | Karlsruhe, Germany
Interested in the German market? Applications for the Learntec Trade Mission with ROM Utrecht Region are now open! Join Europe's largest event for digital education at schools, universities, and workplaces alongside other Dutch EdTech companies. You can secure a 4-hour timeslot at the NL Lounge (€800) or participate without exhibiting (€300). Learn more about the available packages and register by March 31!
Dutch Edtech Members
Welcome aboard to our newest members!
The Dutch Edtech community is growing! 🚀 Take a look at our new members!
🧑💻 Inchainge
Inchainge is transforming the way students learn through game-based learning solutions. By offering hands-on, experiential learning, Inchainge bridges the gap between theory and practice. Their platform provides a risk-free environment where anyone can learn, experiment, and thrive – turning mistakes into valuable opportunities.
💡 Do you also want to join and become a member of Dutch Edtech? Sign up here or contact us at info@dutchedtech.com.
Job Market
EdTech career opportunities in the Netherlands
🗣 FeedbackFruits is looking for a Senior People & Culture Business Partner - Amsterdam
🗣 itorium is looking for learning designers - Amsterdam
🗣 Lepaya is looking for an Enterprise Account Executive - Amsterdam
🗣 Prowise is looking for a Senior Inside Sales Employee - Amsterdam
🗣 Studyportals is looking for a Senior Product Owner, Growth & SEO - Eindhoven
Do you also have career opportunities to be highlighted in our newsletter? Please add your vacancy to our Knowledge Base in NOTION (members only).
Thanks for reading! If you have any feedback or stories you'd like to share in the next issue, please email info@dutchedtech.com or submit via the Dutch Edtech | Knowledge-base in NOTION. Please share this newsletter with your network if you found it valuable. We appreciate your support!
Cheers,
Ewoud, Roel, Linda, Jitske & Parastoo