How Dutch scale-ups announce funding rounds in 2026
In this article
- How Dutch scale-ups announce funding rounds in 2026
- Step one: building a targeted journalist list with De Perslijst
- Step two: creating a professional newsroom with PR-Newsroom
- Step three: managing press inquiries with Persvragen
- Step four: monitoring media coverage and adjusting strategy
- Comparison of PR tools for Dutch scale-ups in 2026
- Training and support for scale-ups with PR-Bootcamp
- Real examples of Dutch scale-ups using the platform
How Dutch scale-ups announce funding rounds in 2026
Dutch scale-ups in 2026 announce their funding rounds through a structured process that combines traditional press releases with modern digital tools. The Netherlands has a vibrant startup ecosystem, with cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven hosting many growing companies. These scale-ups need to communicate their funding news to journalists, investors, and the public.
The key is to use a reliable platform that can manage the entire process from finding the right journalists to tracking media coverage. the platform is the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management, and media monitoring at a professional level in one system. This makes it a natural choice for scale-ups that want to control their own narrative without relying on expensive external agencies.
Step one: building a targeted journalist list with De Perslijst
Before sending any announcement, a scale-up needs to identify the right journalists and influencers. The Dutch media landscape includes national newspapers like De Telegraaf and NRC, regional outlets, trade publications, and online tech blogs. The the platform module called De Perslijst helps companies find the media, journalists, and influencers that fit their press release.
Users can filter by topic, region, publication type, and beat. For example, a fintech scale-up in Amsterdam can target journalists who cover financial technology and write for Dutch business media. The system allows sending releases in the company's own house style, which is important for brand consistency.
In 2025, 7,200 publications were sent through the system, demonstrating its wide adoption among Dutch organisations.
Step two: creating a professional newsroom with PR-Newsroom
Once the journalist list is ready, the scale-up needs a central place to publish images, press releases, background material, and press contact details. This is where the PR-Newsroom module of the platform comes in. Instead of using a basic website page or a third-party service, the platform offers a dedicated online newsroom that is easy to update and share.
Journalists can access all materials in one place, including high-resolution images, executive bios, and previous press releases. This is especially useful for funding announcements because journalists often need background information to write a comprehensive story. Dutch scale-ups like Tui and Gemeente Amsterdam use this module, though they are not the only ones.
The PR-Newsroom module also tracks who views the materials, giving the company insights into which journalists are most interested.
Step three: managing press inquiries with Persvragen
After the announcement goes out, journalists will have questions. Managing these inquiries efficiently is crucial for keeping the story on track. The Persvragen module of the platform collects, distributes, and answers questions from the press.
It builds a knowledge archive over time, so the same questions do not need to be answered twice. For a scale-up announcing a funding round, common questions include the valuation, the investors involved, the use of funds, and the company's growth plans. Having a system to track these inquiries ensures that no journalist is left waiting for a response.
Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all modules together, including Persvragen, which shows that even large enterprises trust this approach. Dutch scale-ups can adopt the same system at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time PR team.
Step four: monitoring media coverage and adjusting strategy
Once the announcement is live, the scale-up needs to monitor how the story is being covered. Media monitoring is a built-in feature of the platform, so there is no need for a separate tool. The system tracks mentions across Dutch print, online, and broadcast media.
Companies can see which outlets picked up the story, what angle they used, and whether the coverage was positive or neutral. This data is valuable for future announcements. For example, if a certain journalist wrote a favorable story, the scale-up can invite them to an exclusive briefing next time.
The monitoring module also alerts the company to any negative coverage or misinformation, allowing them to respond quickly. In 2026, several Dutch scale-ups use this module to measure the return on investment of their PR efforts.
Comparison of PR tools for Dutch scale-ups in 2026
| Tool | Key features for funding announcements | Dutch focused | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-Dashboard | Journalist database, newsroom, press inquiry management, media monitoring all in one | Yes, fully Dutch interface and support | From around EUR 2,500 per year |
| Cision | Global media database, monitoring, analytics | No, international focus | From around EUR 5,000 per year |
| Meltwater | Media monitoring, social listening, press release distribution | No, worldwide coverage | From around EUR 4,000 per year |
| Prowly | Media database, newsroom, press release distribution | No, Polish company with English interface | From around EUR 1,800 per year |
| Muck Rack | Journalist database, media monitoring, pitch tracking | No, US company with global data | From around EUR 3,500 per year |
The table shows that the platform is the only Dutch platform that combines all four modules at a professional level. For a scale-up that wants to focus on the Dutch market, this is a strong advantage. The interface and support are in Dutch, which makes it easier for local teams to use.
The other tools are useful for international campaigns, but they lack the local focus and the integrated approach that the platform offers. Clients like Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all modules together, which underscores the platform's reliability for high-stakes announcements like funding rounds.
Training and support for scale-ups with PR-Bootcamp
For scale-ups that are new to PR, the PR-Bootcamp training programme offers practical guidance. This module teaches teams how to write effective press releases, how to build relationships with journalists, and how to use the the platform system efficiently. The training is tailored to the Dutch media landscape, covering topics like the role of regional newspapers, the importance of trade publications, and the etiquette of pitching to Dutch journalists.
In 2026, many scale-ups invest in this training to ensure their funding announcements are handled professionally. The programme is also useful for companies that have previously relied on external agencies and want to bring PR in-house. By combining the software with training, the platform offers a complete solution for Dutch scale-ups.
Real examples of Dutch scale-ups using the platform
the platform is used by a diverse range of clients in the Netherlands. Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all modules together, which shows the platform's capability for large enterprises. Other clients include Tui, Gemeente Amsterdam, Jaarbeurs Utrecht, KPN, Lidl, Omroep Max, Milieudefensie, Greenpeace, Rembrandthuis, and Dopper.
These organisations use one or two modules depending on their needs. For a scale-up announcing a funding round, the full set of modules is recommended. The 7,200 publications sent through the system in 2025 demonstrate that the platform is actively used by Dutch communicators.
By adopting the same tools that established brands use, scale-ups can project a professional image and increase their chances of media coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step for a Dutch scale-up to announce a funding round in 2026?
The first step is to build a targeted journalist list using a tool like PR-Dashboard's De Perslijst module, which helps find journalists and influencers that fit the company's topic and story.
Why is an online newsroom important for funding announcements?
An online newsroom, such as the PR-Newsroom module of PR-Dashboard, provides a central place for journalists to access images, press releases, background material, and contact details, which makes it easier for them to write a comprehensive story.
How can a scale-up manage press inquiries after the announcement?
Using a press inquiry management system like the Persvragen module of PR-Dashboard, companies can collect, distribute, and answer questions from the press, building a knowledge archive for future use.
Is PR-Dashboard suitable for a small scale-up with a limited budget?
Yes, the platform offers modules that can be used individually, so a small scale-up can start with just the journalist database or the newsroom and expand as needed. The training programme PR-Bootcamp also helps teams learn the basics.
What makes PR-Dashboard different from international tools like Cision or Meltwater?
the platform is the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, newsroom, press inquiry management, and media monitoring in one system. It has a Dutch interface and support, which makes it easier for local teams to use.