Inside the Dutch Cleantech Ecosystem – with Freerk Bisschop | DeepDive CleanTech #98

What makes the Dutch cleantech ecosystem unique – and what can
other countries learn from it? In this episode, David Wortmann
speaks with Freerk Bisschop, long-time investor, entrepreneur, and
fellow SET Award jury member. Together, they explore the dynamics
of the Dutch startup scene, the challenges of scaling in a small
domestic market, and the evolving role of specialized ClimateTech
funds in Europe. Freerk shares why Dutch startups often look abroad
early, what defines the ecosystem’s “secret sauce,” and why Europe
urgently needs stronger exit opportunities for cleantech scale-ups.
The episode closes with an additional segment by Pia Dorfinger from
DENA, introducing the Start Up Energy Transition (SET) Award 2026
and inviting founders from around the world to submit their
applications. Application deadline: October 31 Learn more and apply
here:
https://www.startup-energy-transition.com/set-award/set-award-2026/