Why Rotterdam is a tech haven: a love letter from a startup

This article is part of our Opinions section.

We reached out to Kees Wolters asking for a comment on Rotterdam as one of the best cities in Europe for tech workers – he sent us what amounted to a love letter to the city, which we decided to publish in full, with his consent, below.

As one of the founders of Mopinion, a SaaS company dedicated to improving websites and apps through customer feedback, I’ve had the privilege of watching our business grow in a city that truly embodies innovation and opportunity: Rotterdam. I’d like to share why I believe this city is an exceptional place to run a business, especially in the tech sector.

When Mopinion first started, we set up shop in the Maas Silo, a repurposed factory in one of Rotterdam’s harbours. This iconic location, which has been transformed into a vibrant startup hub, was our launchpad. It’s home to a range of startups, small media agencies and freelancers, all of whom contribute to a dynamic and collaborative environment.

As we grew, we moved to ZOHO, another startup hub in the heart of the city. ZOHO’s central location allowed us to remain connected to the pulse of Rotterdam’s startup ecosystem, while also providing the space we needed to expand. Now, we’ve established ourselves near Station Blaak, just minutes from some of Rotterdam’s most iconic landmarks, including the Markthal, Old Harbour and the famous Cube Houses. This progression through the city’s diverse business spaces reflects Rotterdam’s commitment to nurturing and growing its startups.

Rotterdam’s thriving tech scene

Rotterdam boasts a thriving tech scene, with a number of successful tech companies calling the city home. For example, some big names like Mendix and Bynder originated here. The harbour, a central feature of Rotterdam, is not just a symbol of the city’s industrious past, but also a modern-day hub for innovation. It’s a melting pot for tech companies specialising in logistics, maritime technology, the energy transition, and of course digital media and software.

One of Rotterdam’s standout features is its ability to attract talent. Unlike cities like Amsterdam or Eindhoven, where competition for talent is fierce, Rotterdam offers a more balanced environment. This allows businesses like ours to recruit top-tier professionals without getting lost in the crowd. The city’s housing market is also less stressed than in other major cities, making it a more accessible and attractive place for both local and international talent to settle.

Rotterdam’s diversity is another key strength. The city’s vibrant and multicultural atmosphere creates an open and welcoming environment, not just for residents, but for businesses as well. Over the past decade, tourism has picked up significantly, adding to the city’s international flavor. Yet, despite its growing popularity, Rotterdam manages to avoid the overwhelming busyness that can make places like Amsterdam’s centre feel overcrowded.

Rotterdam’s connectivity and culture

Connectivity is another major advantage. Rotterdam is incredibly well-connected to other parts of the Netherlands and beyond. Rotterdam Airport offers convenient flights across Europe, and for further international travel, Schiphol is just a 25-minute train ride away on the Intercity Direct. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, getting around from Rotterdam is a breeze.

Beyond business, Rotterdam is a fantastic place to live. The city offers a rich cultural scene, with plenty of events, art exhibitions, concerts, and festivals to enjoy. And let’s not forget sports—Rotterdam is home to the best football club in the Netherlands, Feyenoord (though I may be slightly biased).

So, why am I sharing all this? Perhaps it’s better to keep it a secret… But then again, some things are too good not to share. Rotterdam is a city that has given us so much, and it’s a place where any business can thrive.