The Hague’s Growing Tech Hub
The Hague has quietly been building momentum as a serious tech hub in 2026, with a wave of new startups, expanded co-working spaces, and increased venture capital flowing into the city. Long known as the international city of peace and justice, The Hague is now making a name for itself in cybersecurity, legaltech, and sustainability tech.
According to recent data from Techleap.nl, The Hague saw a 34% increase in early-stage startup funding in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The city now hosts over 800 active tech startups, up from roughly 600 in 2024.
Why The Hague is Attracting Founders
Several factors are driving this growth. The presence of major international institutions like Europol, NATO Communications, and the International Criminal Court creates a unique ecosystem for cybersecurity and legaltech companies. Startups working on digital identity, secure communications, and compliance automation find natural early customers among these organizations.
The city’s quality of life is another draw. Compared to Amsterdam’s overheated housing market, The Hague offers more affordable living while maintaining excellent international connectivity. The recent expansion of the Rotterdam-The Hague innovation corridor has also made it easier for startups to tap into the broader Zuid-Holland talent pool.
Notable Startups to Watch
Several Hague-based startups have raised notable rounds in 2026. Cybersprint, a cybersecurity firm spun out of the city’s tech ecosystem, secured €15 million in Series B funding in March. Legaltech startup ClauseBase raised €8 million for its AI-powered contract analysis platform. Meanwhile, green-tech firm Urbanwater is piloting its smart water management systems across multiple European cities after a €5 million seed round.
The municipality has also stepped up, launching the Hague Tech Bridge program earlier this year — a €20 million fund specifically targeting early-stage startups in AI, cybersecurity, and climate tech. The program offers matching grants and connects founders with international institutions for pilot projects.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the momentum, challenges remain. Talent competition with Amsterdam and Rotterdam is fierce, and some founders report that international visibility still lags behind the capital. Bureaucratic hurdles around visas for non-EU founders also persist, though the new Dutch government has signaled reforms may be coming later this year.
Still, for entrepreneurs looking to build in cybersecurity, legaltech, or sustainability — and who prefer a city with international character without Amsterdam’s price tag — The Hague is becoming an increasingly compelling destination in 2026.
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