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Say hello to Appsterdam: developers aim to move the Valley to Amsterdam

venturebeat.com

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Re: Say hello to Appsterdam: developers aim to move the Valley to Amsterdam

#61

Post by BasDirks »

There was recently an article in de Volkskrant (a major Dutch newspaper) describing Twente (an area in the east of the Netherlands) as the European "valley" for high-tech, with quite a few world-leaders in niche technology's. I will go through my pile of old newspapers to see if I can find it, but it was from quite a while ago. If someone else has it or knows where people can read it, I'd appreciate it if you'd share it.

As I live about 30km (~18 miles) from Amsterdam, I will try to attend a meeting.

Re: Say hello to Appsterdam: developers aim to move the Valley to Amsterdam

#62

Post by DeusExMachina »

ianterrell wrote: post #53
Caballera wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't think what you said had any sort of truth. Sofa has been purchased by another company, they are moving because they were bought not because they don't believe in Appsterdam.

The blog post linked in your grandparent showed that one developer left the company to stay, because they believed in Appsterdam. The implication is that other developers did not. Everyone made a choice here, including the owners of Sofa when they sold.

No, your logic is wrong, the implication is not that. It simply means that they chose Facebook offer because it made more sense for them, even though they totally believed in the initiative.

There is no logic implication that says otherwise and definitely is not in Mike's article, that is just an opinion of yours you are trying to support.

Re: Say hello to Appsterdam: developers aim to move the Valley to Amsterdam

#63

Post by nandemo »

c4urself wrote: post #8

Less expensive? not by much is my bet: Amsterdam is the most expensive city in Holland and one of the more expensive ones in Europe (Scandinavian countries + London may be worse is my estimate). It's also impossible to find housing. As far as immigration is concerned, one can fall under the category "kennis-migranten" (loosely translated as knowledge-workers) pretty easily, as long as the company sponsoring you is wi…

On immigration: the article says that it's easier to immigrate to Amsterdam than Silicon Valley, but from what you say and what the embassy site says, it's not any easier (unless you're from EU of course). If you need a company sponsorship then your options are limited.

People keep bashing US's immigration system, but the only country I know that it's easier on immigration for skilled workers is Canada. If you have the requirements then you can move without a company sponsorship, and then look for a job.

Re: Say hello to Appsterdam: developers aim to move the Valley to Amsterdam

#64

Post by yread »

fmw wrote: post #34

Amsterdam is somewhat of a creative hub here in the Netherlands, with a lot of designers, photographers, advertising people and other creative types. There are also a number of good, but relatively expensive, data centers where you can host your servers. It has never really been a technical hub, though. Most technically focussed businesses (including startups) in the Netherlands seem to be in places like Eindhoven (w…

You can also get a significant discount on taxes (30% of your wage will be tax-free) by coming to the country as knowledge migrant. You have to get hired from abroad, be a specialist and earn high enough salary.

Re: Say hello to Appsterdam: developers aim to move the Valley to Amsterdam

#65

Post by wasigh »

fmw wrote: post #34

Amsterdam is somewhat of a creative hub here in the Netherlands, with a lot of designers, photographers, advertising people and other creative types. There are also a number of good, but relatively expensive, data centers where you can host your servers. It has never really been a technical hub, though. Most technically focussed businesses (including startups) in the Netherlands seem to be in places like Eindhoven (w…

Coming from Eindhoven I'am a bit jealous of the Startup community in Amsterdam. But still I would not really consider working in Amsterdam. The 1:20 hour single trip commute by train would take the best of me.

Re: Say hello to Appsterdam: developers aim to move the Valley to Amsterdam

#66

Post by sebilasse »

having worked in Amsterdam for quite a while, i can highly recommend this place. It is one of the prettiest and most liveable cities I experienced. People are down to earth, speak excellent English and love to party. Everything is accessible by bike (no need for car/public transport). Finding an affordable place to live is hard, but that's the case with every city/area worth living. I didn't find it particularly expensive, my feeling is that it's in the middle range of Europe. Downsides are bad weather, long winter, and if you're short then 180cm you feel quite insignificant.

Re: Say hello to Appsterdam: developers aim to move the Valley to Amsterdam

#69

Post by renn »

pg wrote: post #60
spif wrote: post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The startup scene _is_ growing into a hub actually, although some elements (e.g. capital) are hard, others easier (hiring, advice). That feels like an honor coming from you, thanks. Have you been in Amsterdam often?

I've only visited for real once, about 5 years ago. We borrowed a friend's apartment near the center for about a week. I don't think I've seen anywhere else where people live so well.

We'd love to invite you over to get to know the startup scene here better. What does it take to steal PG away from YC for a day or two?

Re: Say hello to Appsterdam: developers aim to move the Valley to Amsterdam

#70

Post by dirkstoop »

pg wrote: post #11

I've always felt Amsterdam would make a good startup hub. It has the right sort of atmosphere. Civilized without being pretentious.

Thanks Paul, I think you hit it right on the mark.

The startup community there has been building up steam the past couple of years — and it has become more and more organized. I'll definitely miss hanging out with all the talented people back there.

Worth another visit imho. ;)

- Dirk (one of the Sofa founders who's now moving to Palo Alto)

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