Vesper’s Robert Gaal calls upon Dutch tech entrepreneurs to celebrate and improve the Dutch business climate

Robert Gaal, the co-founder and CEO of Vesper, has announced that he will be staying in the Netherlands and has encouraged others to join him by sharing the petition online.  

The announcement comes a few days after Robert Vis, Founder & CEO of Bird announced his departure from the Netherlands in search of a more supportive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Gaal, who originally moved to the US twelve years ago due to dissatisfaction with the business climate in the Netherlands, shared his views on LinkedIn that creating a favorable business environment is essential, despite various challenges.

“First, by creating a network: with talent that you can hire in the short and long term, with other founders who share genuine criticism or praise with you, with the service providers and investors who do understand, and with anyone who can help build something for a global audience. Not only in the Netherlands but especially abroad, from the Netherlands,” says Gaal.

Gaal also emphasised the need to deal with challenges and the importance of adapting to changes.

“*** the vultures. Ignore the weirdos. Build your valley. It also means navigating what isn’t working, grabbing redirects, and paving the way for the future,” says Gaal.

He also mentioned recent legislative changes that have made it easier and more affordable to start businesses in the Netherlands.

“The options legislation is a perfect example of this. Everyone in the Netherlands has an STAK as a detour, and that works fine even internationally. In 2023, the legislation was finally amended based on a battery of feedback from the industry. It once cost €18,000 to set up a BV, but now it can be done online for €300,” adds Gaal.

Striving towards a better future

Furthermore, Gaal highlighted the significance of shaping a better future and encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to join in the effort to make a positive impact.

“So I’m not leaving again. In the last week, I’ve had to say that a few times, and luckily others felt the same way. That is why I would like to make a counterpoint to the grumbling and work on concrete solutions. If, in addition, more attention is paid to the starting entrepreneur, then the goal has been achieved. At the same time, that’s a good excuse to get tech entrepreneurs together again for a meeting, because it’s been a while,” adds Gaal.

Gaal’s personal note to Rober Vis

Furthermore, in a personal note to Robert Vis, Gaal expressed his gratitude for the support in gaining entry to Y Combinator and the significant role it played in his startup success.

“Your help with getting into Y Combinator was indispensable to me. The fact that a dick from the polder now has a startup is partly thanks to people like you who gave me a chance, and I’m grateful for that. It would be a shame if other entrepreneurs had to miss out on that kind of help. And stroopwafels abroad are not to be eaten, right?” he says.

In August 2024, Gaal organised a gathering in Amsterdam to celebrate the Dutch business climate and work together on improving it.

“We realise that we are part of the business climate. We transform creativity and dedication into solutions for the important problems our society faces. We do not run away from a challenge. 

“Handen uit de mouwen,” “geen woorden maar daden,” let’s get to work. We do this for our company, but also for our community,” he adds.