Startups/Scaleups
MKB
Participants
Stories
About us
English
Dutch
en

Where Climate Tech Startups Transform Into Scale-ups!

In the world of startups, evolution is key. Typically, the journey from a nascent startup to a thriving scaleup spans 5-7 years. For climate tech innovators, this path is even more intricate due to complex market dynamics. At BeStart, we don’t just understand these challenges - we specialize in conquering them. Our unique year-long programme is specifically designed to fast-track the growth of sustainable tech companies, catapulting you from startup novelty to scale-up sensation. Are you steering a climate tech enterprise poised for its next growth phase? Are you navigating the crucial transition from startup to scale-up? BeStart is your beacon.

These startups and scale-ups went before you

Be The Change

Market

BeStart boosts your market strategy. A scan of your company forms the starting point.  We support you in further refining your market entry, your product market-fit, your (repeatable) sales and in scaling up.

When scaling up, your team expands. BeStart facilitates the development of a robust organizational structure and culture and helps you cultivate execution-driven teams.

Talent

Capital

Capital is key. BeStart supports you in becoming investor ready and creating the right funding strategy. We connect you to relevant investors and funders from our extensive network.

Impact

You are not just scaling your business, you are scaling your impact. BeStart guides you in how to measure your impact and how to report on your progress.

What to expect

Bestart Network

Enter our dynamic climate tech ecosystem

By joining BeStart, you are not just signing up for a programme; you are plugging into a thriving climate tech network in Northern Netherlands. Connect with a diverse array of investors, funders, knowledge institutions, early adopters, and experienced entrepreneurs, all eager to facilitate your leap from startup success to scale-up leader.

Ready to take the leap? Register now
Coaching

Business coaching tailored for growth

Our dedicated business coaches are your personal strategists, turning your bold visions into tangible objectives and day-by-day achievements. Benefit from our bespoke business training, engage in meaningful dialogues with fellow climate tech startups, seasoned scale-up leaders, and carve out your own path to scalable success.

Ready to take the leap? Register now
Testlabs

Testlabs and opportunities for expansion

Northern Netherlands isn't just a region; it's a thriving ecosystem. We're deeply invested in water tech, green chemistry, circular plastics, sustainable energy, and (regenerative) agritech - the foundations of a sustainable future. You can test, validate, and scale your tech in our cutting-edge labs. With guidance from experts and a community focused on sustainability, your venture will lead in these dynamic fields. We're here to help your expansion, connecting you to tailored programs and facilities in the region.

Ready to take the leap? Register now

“I moved to Friesland with SusPhos because of the supportive network and numerous testing opportunities. Everyone is eager to assist you here.”

Marissa de Boer
SusPhos

“The network and business developers of BeStart are incredibly supportive. The program really helped us to work ‘on’ our company instead of ‘in’ our company”

Photo by Erik-Jan Koopmans
Marieke de Boer
Impacd Boats

"The tailored accelerator program from BeStart taught us immensely valuable lessons for starting and scaling our business. Even after our graduation, their ongoing support and expertise have been tremendous assets, propelling us toward a successful future."

Frank van der Hulst
Hulo

Makers and movers

Meet the inspirators behind BeStart: our initiators, partners, and board members. They are the heart of our network, enriching it with innovation and expertise.

Boardmember
“Do you really want to make an impact with your sustainable innovation? Do you want to reduce the time bedore your innovation is introduced into the market? Join BeStart and learn from the best.”
Boardmember

Ronald Wielinga

Watercampus

“Do you really want to make an impact with your sustainable innovation? Do you want to reduce the time bedore your innovation is introduced into the market? Join BeStart and learn from the best.”
Boardmember
“Paques is no longer small, but that doesn't happen automatically. That's why we want to share the lessons of scaling up and engineering with the rest of the chain.”
Boardmember

Joost Paques

Paques

“Paques is no longer small, but that doesn't happen automatically. That's why we want to share the lessons of scaling up and engineering with the rest of the chain.”
Boardmember
“BeStart will challenge and empower your startup to move to the next phase by providing crucial tools, nurturing a supportive community, and linking you to a network that will uplift your business.”
Boardmember

Martine Brandsma

NCTP

“BeStart will challenge and empower your startup to move to the next phase by providing crucial tools, nurturing a supportive community, and linking you to a network that will uplift your business.”
Specialist Sustainable Industries
”My mission is to innovate and lead with purpose, combining strategic thinking with technical expertise to develop sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.”
Specialist Sustainable Industries

Paula Gonzalez

CEO Redstack

”My mission is to innovate and lead with purpose, combining strategic thinking with technical expertise to develop sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.”
Specialist Energy
”I founded Soly to make solar energy accessible. With expertise in business development, positioning, and leadership, I drive growth and expand sustainable energy worldwide.”
Specialist Energy

Milan van der Meulen

Founder Soly & Climate Reality Leader

”I founded Soly to make solar energy accessible. With expertise in business development, positioning, and leadership, I drive growth and expand sustainable energy worldwide.”
Specialist Circularity
”With a broad network in the Northern Netherlands and a passion for innovations, I believe I can help start-ups grow their business.”
Specialist Circularity

John Vernooij

Managing Director Omrin

”With a broad network in the Northern Netherlands and a passion for innovations, I believe I can help start-ups grow their business.”
Specialist Energy
”My mission is to remove barriers standing in the way of the energy transition and I have successfully made crucial contributions here on several topics. My experience of how to actually make an impactful contribution in our society can be a source of inspiration.”
Specialist Energy

Frits Bliek

Founder Ocean Grazer

”My mission is to remove barriers standing in the way of the energy transition and I have successfully made crucial contributions here on several topics. My experience of how to actually make an impactful contribution in our society can be a source of inspiration.”
Specialist green chemistry
”Founding startups taught me how to handle scaling pains—team issues, funding, and equity. I now support others, especially in the green chemistry and plastics space.”
Specialist green chemistry

Cor Kamminga

Greenwise Campus

”Founding startups taught me how to handle scaling pains—team issues, funding, and equity. I now support others, especially in the green chemistry and plastics space.”
Specialist circularity
”Entrepreneur with over 40 years' experience in international business with a big passion for corporate social responsibility.”
Specialist circularity

Anne Jan Zwart

Entrepreneur & Founder

”Entrepreneur with over 40 years' experience in international business with a big passion for corporate social responsibility.”
Specialist Water
”As a serial entrepreneur, I've led innovations in AI-driven water management, predictive maintenance, and monitoring solutions.”
Specialist Water

Rudy Dijkstra

Founder HDM Pipelines, Acquaint, & HULO.ai

”As a serial entrepreneur, I've led innovations in AI-driven water management, predictive maintenance, and monitoring solutions.”
Board Member
”I drive organizational growth and innovation by leading collaborations, investing, and advancing sustainability. With a strong focus on analysis, connection, and communication, I inspire change and create impact.”
Board Member

Marcel Koenis

Advisor, Director Strategy and Development EnTranCe CoE Energy

”I drive organizational growth and innovation by leading collaborations, investing, and advancing sustainability. With a strong focus on analysis, connection, and communication, I inspire change and create impact.”
Board Member
“I’m always interested in the underlying motivations of entrepreneurs, the essence of their business, and how those two can strengthen each other.”
Board Member

Sytze Keuning

Founder and CEO Bioclear earth

“I’m always interested in the underlying motivations of entrepreneurs, the essence of their business, and how those two can strengthen each other.”

BeStart: Your catalyst for change

Is BeStart right for you?
  • You are poised for scale: Your product or service is not just sustainable, it’s scalable.
  • Beyond the prototype: You are ready to expand your market reach.
  • Market-fit achieved: You have identified your niche or secured a launching customer.
  • Team: You are a driven leader with (preferably) a supportive team ready for growth.
  • Focus on the North: Your ambitions align with the Northern Netherlands’ climate tech landscape.
  • Your base is in the North, or you have prospects and/or clear ambitions in the region.

Sign up to embark on your
startup to scale-up journey!

Our next program will start on May 8, 2026.
The selection pitches will take place on April 10.
These can take place either online or in person.
Please save this date in your calendar.
Sign up!
for questions you can send us a mail at hello@bestart.nl
Ministerie Economische Zaken en Klimaat Logo
SNN logo
Be Start Logo White

Fueled by a coalition of corporate and governmental forces in Northern Netherlands, BeStart is your springboard to scaleup success. We are dedicated to boosting climate tech startups. Together, we are not just scaling businesses; we are scaling impact.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
PreferencesDenyAccept