Who we are
Back in 2021, the Dutch Edtech Foundation was founded by three visionary leaders —Peter van Sabben, Roel Bellinga, and Ruben Nieuwenhuis— with a clear mission: to transform education in the Netherlands. It was born out of the growing realization that education must evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century, and that technology holds the key to unlocking this transformation.
Since 2023 the board exists out of three entrepreneurs — Linda Frietman, Roel Bellinga, and Ewoud de Kok — which is led by managing director Jitske van Os. We believe in the power of education to change lives and we are committed to ensuring that the Netherlands leads the world in Edtech innovation.
Today, we are headquartered at Marineterrein in Amsterdam, with over 150 member and friend organizations. Our focus is on supporting Dutch Edtech startups and scaleups through strategic guidance, connections, and access to resources. We foster a strong entrepreneurial community that shares insights, addresses challenges, and drives innovation.
Our Mission
Empower EdTech entrepreneurs to make a significant impact in education & learning.
Our Vision
By 2030, the Netherlands will stand as the global leader in impactful EdTech innovation.
Our Team
What we do
We provide access to knowledge, network, talent and capital.
For startups & scaleups
Edtech startups and innovative Edtech organizations are welcomed as a member for full access to knowledge, network and capital.
- We connect the Edtech community, to exchange knowledge and link parties. This promotes collaboration, synergy.
- We research Edtech in the Netherlands, Europe and worldwide and share these insights through reports and newsletters.
We organize (international) events and create podcasts to inform our community and get to know each other. - We form consortia around specific themes for knowledge sharing and research.
- We act as a united voice and focus on increasing attention and investment in the Edtech sector.
For governmental organisations and policymakers
We collaborate with government and policymakers, showing the importance of Edtech and connecting them to the current playing field:
- We involve the government in the Edtech ecosystem, including some as a founding partner and support them in navigating the EdTech landscape. Understanding the playing field can be used to develop effective policy.
- Through our research trends and opportunities emerge, we give insights in economical and societal focus areas.
- Together we can work on drawing up standardisations and ethical codes.
- As the sector will grow, the Dutch position within Edtech will be strengthened, making this an attractive hub for companies and tech talent.
For knowledge institutes
We show innovations to knowledge institutions and other traditional educators from the market
- We connect traditional educators to the business to create private-public collaborations.
- We encourage the embedding of digital learning methods and tools, as an enrichment for the curriculum and to unburden teachers.
- We’ll engage teachers and inform them about new learning styles and methodologies.
For society
We make an impact on society by providing opportunities for the Edtech field
to accelerate and stimulate collaborations:
- This results in accessibility, equality of opportunity and a greater range of learning opportunities.
- We inspire to engage in lifelong learning and inform on possibilities.
- By focusing on Edtech development, our society can better adapt to the changing demand from the labor market.
- We bring supply and demand together from a marketplace concept.
- Dutch innovation efforts will enable a more independent position, where we’re less reliant on other countries. It offers economic opportunities in addition.