Data & AI Report – Data Trends from November 2024

December 10, 2024

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November’s data trends see a huge focus on AI developments & investments. 

We’ve delved into some of the biggest movements below – check them out 👇 

Big Tech’s Big Bets on AI 

In 2024, the world’s leading tech giants—including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta—are significantly increasing their investments in AI, with their combined AI spending projected to exceed $240 billion this year. The demand for AI-powered tools continues to skyrocket, driving this unprecedented level of investment. 

With forecasts suggesting that AI could contribute an additional $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030, it’s no surprise that the largest corporations are heavily investing in this space. Beyond the economic potential, such investments create additional revenue opportunities. For example, Microsoft’s AI products are expected to generate $10 billion annually. 

For Big Tech, AI transcends being just a trendy concept; it’s a strategic, long-term commitment poised to transform entire industries.  

Samsung’s Second-Generation AI Model: Gauss2 

In November, Samsung held its virtual Samsung Developer Conference Korea 2024, where it unveiled its latest software innovations and future-focused vision. 

A highlight of the conference was the introduction of Samsung Gauss2, the second-generation AI model that promises improved performance, efficiency, and broader applications. Gauss2 is a multimodal AI system capable of processing language, code, and images, and is available in three versions tailored for different use cases: 

  • Compact: Optimized for on-device use in environments with limited computing resources, maximizing device performance. 
  • Balanced: Offers a blend of performance, speed, and efficiency suitable for various tasks. 
  • Supreme: Provides top-tier performance with Mixture of Experts technology, which reduces computational costs during training and inference while maintaining high efficiency. 

Samsung aims to boost productivity through Gauss2 by enhancing its code.i service, enriching the natural language Q&A capabilities of the Samsung Gauss Portal, and supporting multimodal functions such as table and chart analysis and image creation. 

Read more from Samsung here. 

LinkedIn & The Journey to Their GenAI Tech Stack 

LinkedIn has published a detailed blog post that explores the evolution of its reimagined product portfolio and how Generative AI has been integrated into its features. They identify several key focus areas and insights gained from developing their GenAI capabilities: 

  • Prompt Management: Efficiently managing prompts at scale requires systems for templating, versioning, and structuring to support complex applications 
  • Task Automation via Skills: GenAI-driven task automation can unlock significant value but demands advanced tools to scale effectively 
  • Contextual Awareness & Personalisation: Memory plays a crucial role in personalising GenAI experiences and must be thoughtfully integrated into the tech stack 
  • Model Inference & Fine-Tuning: Balancing quality, cost, and latency requires flexible infrastructure that accommodates various models and use cases 
  • Migration to the New Stack: Adopting new technologies through incremental migration and cross-training is essential for stability 

Since the introduction of their GenAI tools in early 2023, LinkedIn has continued to refine these capabilities, moving towards their vision of a robust GenAI tech stack that balances rapid development with long-term scalability. 

Read the full blog from LinkedIn here. 

Google’s Accidental Unveiling of Project Jarvis 

Google appears to be developing an advanced AI assistant that goes beyond traditional chatbots and voice assistants. Known as Project Jarvis, this initiative aims to perform tasks autonomously, rather than waiting for user commands. It can manage tasks such as handling emails, conducting research, and scheduling appointments, setting itself apart by proactively collaborating with users as a digital partner. 

While the technology holds exciting potential, it also raises important questions. On the skeptical side, concerns include the potential for job automation, which could impact routine roles, and security risks, given that Jarvis would have access to users’ sensitive data. However, the technology could also provide significant benefits, enhancing accessibility for people with disabilities and those with busy, on-the-go schedules. 

We’re excited to see where this innovative project leads! 

Conclusion 

As we move through 2024, one thing is clear: AI has firmly cemented itself as the cornerstone of innovation and economic growth. From groundbreaking AI models like Samsung Gauss2 to LinkedIn’s evolution of its product tech stack, and even Google’s latest AI assistant, the landscape is rapidly evolving, and the world’s leading tech companies are investing billions to aid in further development. 

Check back next month to see how we round up the data trends for the end of 2024. 

November Tech Funding Roundup: End of 2024 Brings Cautious Optimism

December 5, 2024

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Welcome back to our monthly tech funding roundup 👋

In November, 19 companies secured tech funding investments, up from just 10 in October! As we predicted last month, the end of the year is bringing some cautious optimism. 

Here are a few of the standout funding rounds from the month—take a look to see who’s making strides 👇

An impressive €21.3million raised for Sympower to help boost their work in renewable energy 

Amsterdam-based Sympower, a leading European energy flexibility services provider, has secured €21.3 million in an oversubscribed Series B1 funding round, led by A&G Energy Transition Tech Fund. 

The funding will support Sympower in scaling its battery energy storage solutions, pursuing mergers and acquisitions, and accelerating its European expansion while continuing to help businesses optimise their energy usage. 

Pioneering SaaS platform dedicated to agricultural sustainability raises $11.2 million 

TRACT has raised $11.2 million in funding, supported by existing investors Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Louis Dreyfus Company, and Olam, along with new partners The Working Capital Fund and Rabo Investments. 

Dedicated to simplifying data management and enabling supply chain transparency and traceability, this significant funding will fuel TRACT’s mission and drive its progress. 

Amsterdam ticketing start-up, Celebratix, secures €1.1 million to expand international growth 

Celebratix has raised €1.1 million in funding from investors including uBIT and several entrepreneurs from the Netherlands and the UK. This capital will be used to accelerate the company’s global expansion. 

Using the Solana blockchain, Celebratix enables event organizers to access revenue and customer data throughout every phase of an event—before, during, and after. The platform empowers organizers to control the secondary market while providing attendees with a secure and seamless experience. 

Hague based Bubty secures additional €3 million in seed funding 

Bubty, the rapidly growing freelance management system, has secured €3 million in funding to support its continued international expansion. 

Founded in 2020, Bubty has quickly gained significant traction, with one million users already on the platform. This investment signals strong potential for further growth, enabling the company to navigate the complexities of compliance for businesses using its services. 

Europe’s only edtech specialist fund invests €2 million towards AI-powered university support solution 

LearnWise AI, an innovative university support platform, received €2 million in seed funding in a round led by Emerge, to scale its university support solution globally. 

LearnWise transforms higher education with its AI-powered solution, delivering a seamless and intelligent experience across university systems. With this funding, the company aims to accelerate product development to address the evolving needs of universities worldwide. 

Conclusion 

November has proven to be a promising month for innovation and growth, with a significant boost in funding across a variety of sectors. Is this a sign of market confidence within the private equity & venture capital landscape? 

As we head into the final stretch of the year, the momentum continues to build, and it’s clear that many of these companies are poised for even greater success in 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting developments to come! 

Data & AI Report – Data Trends in October 2024

November 13, 2024

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Data trends in October saw impressive investments, cleantech advancements, AI assistants and most excitingly, robots! 

We’ve delved into the most exciting news from the month – check them out below 👇

European Innovation Council to Boost Deep Tech Innovation with €1.4 Billion Investment in 2025 

The EIC has announced an impressive €1.4 billion investment: a huge boost to deep tech research and strategic technology start-ups across Europe for 2025. This increase represents a massive €200 million boost compared to 2024, underscoring the EU’s commitment to nurturing high-potential tech ventures that will shape Europe’s technological future. 

By improving access to capital, the EIC is actively working to bridge the funding gap that often limits the growth of Europe’s tech pioneers and hinders their global competitiveness. This offers a critical opportunity from European startups – we’re excited to see what this brings! 

Read more about the 2025 EIC programme here. 

Lunar’s AI Voice Assistant to Handle 75% of Customer Calls, Revolutionising Fintech Support 

Danish challenger bank Lunar takes major step forward in customer service by launching a voice assistant powered by AI. Aiming to handle  75% of customer calls, Lunar’s AI assistant promises a seamless 24/7 experience. Accessible answers even in the middle of the night!

Lunar’s move echoes a growing trend among fintechs (including Klarna and Bunq) who are using AI to streamline customer support without cutting jobs. With its forward-thinking approach and a valuation of $2.2 billion, Lunar is positioning itself at the forefront of fintech innovation in the Nordics, aiming to enhance customer service without sacrificing the personal touch. 

See Lunar’s press release here. 

Cleantech Companies Secure a Huge €13.2 billion in Funding in First Three Quarters of 2024 

Cleantech companies are at the forefront of Europe’s drive for sustainability: they are spearheading efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition toward a circular economy. Their innovative work in renewable energy, sustainable materials, and resource management is not only crucial for environmental resilience but also fuels job creation and economic growth across the continent. 

These investments highlight the strong momentum behind green technologies and signal continued interest in sustainable growth from investors. With support like this, Europe is laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more sustainable future, one that aligns environmental priorities with economic opportunity. 

Check out a few of the companies that were involved in raising the funds: 

Northvolt // Avantium Technologies // BioBTX 

Starship and Bolt Team Up for Robot Grocery Deliveries in Tallinn 

Make way for the robot! 

Estonian-founded tech leaders Starship Technologies & Bolt have joined forces to launch Europe’s first robot-powered grocery delivery service – a huge push forward! 

This groundbreaking service combines Starship’s autonomous delivery robots with Bolt’s popular delivery app. Starship’s robots, consume minimal energy—about the amount needed to boil a kettle for a cup of tea. The robots offer a more sustainable option to usual deliveries – we have no doubt this will quickly spread throughout the rest of Europe! 

Conclusion

Europe is rapidly advancing through strategic investments, cutting-edge AI applications, and innovative green solutions. It’s setting a strong foundation for future growth in high-impact sectors and the developments signal a promising era of sustainable innovation, economic opportunity, and technological leadership across Europe. 

Check back to see what data trends we see develop next month.

October Tech Funding Roundup: Exciting Growth for Netherlands Startups

November 7, 2024

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Welcome back to our monthly tech funding roundup.

October brought exciting growth for several companies, with tech funding investments flowing in to fuel their next big steps. We’ve highlighted some of the most notable funding stories from the month.

Take a look and see who’s gaining momentum 👇

Amazing news for Tebi as they receive €20 million to accelerate global funding 

Tebi received its first major investment of €20 million from Index Ventures to fuel global growth. Founded by Adyen co-founder Arnout Schuijff, Tebi’s mobile platform simplifies management for small businesses, offering point-of-sale, payments, inventory, and accounting features all in one place. 

Passionfruit among one of seven companies to gain funding from UNIIQ 

€350,000 in pre-seed funding has been allocated to Passionfruit in a larger €2.5 million investment from UNIIQ, with this being spread across seven companies.  

Passionfruit specialises in automating ESG reporting with an AI-driven workflow management tool. The platform streamlines up to 90% of compliance-related tasks, enabling companies to address complex customer and auditor requests more efficiently. A great investment for a company only founded this year. 

An exciting €1.5 million in equity investment for Antennex 

Antennex received a €1.5 million investment from Value Creation Capital (VCC) and Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) to support its commercial growth.  

Founded in 2023 as a spinoff from Eindhoven University of Technology, Antennex uses advanced technology to simplify antenna testing, delivering fast and precise measurements for the telecom, automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. 

Conclusion 

The outlook for the end of 2024 is continuing to show optimism. 

Despite global economic challenges, the Netherlands remains a leading European startup hub, especially in deep tech, AI, and climate tech and we expect to see further tech funding to see us through the end of the year.

Check back next month to see how this develops! 

November Tech Event Highlights

October 24, 2024

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November is packed with fantastic tech events & conferences, and with a slower pace expected during the festive season next month, now is the perfect time to wrap up your year of networking.
J-Fall 2024 – Ede, Netherlands – November 7

The biggest Java conference to come to the Netherlands! A day full of top Keynotes, Technical Sessions, Workshops, and Hands-On Labs.

Do iOS 2024 – Amsterdam – November 12-14

Connect, share knowledge and celebrate iOS development at one of Europe’s premier iOS developer conferences.

SREday 2024 – Amsterdam – November 21

An in-person event, bringing together the expanding community of Site Reliability Engineers. Connect with industry experts, collaborate with peers, and meet others who share your interests!

Beers & Bytes – Amsterdam – November 28

We’re back! Our exclusive, invite only event is returning for a Christmas special & we can’t wait to see you there 🎄❄️🍺

Visit the event links for more information & to book your ticket now!

Data & AI Report – Data Science Trends September 2024

October 9, 2024

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September trends in data science saw introductions into advanced search engines, internal developments & data protection from potential AI threats.

We’ve covered some exciting news from some big names.

Read on for more on all these exciting developments!

Vinted migrate to Vespa – how the online second hand shopping phenomenon is keeping up with the growth & complexity of data

After hitting the limits of their previous search engine, Vinted were on a mission to find a more scalable alternative.

Introducing Vespa: an open-source search engine & vector database. Vespa supports vector and keyword search and searches within structured data, all in one query. It also integrates machine learning which enables real-time AI insights from their data. It’s proven to handle thousands of queries per second, making it the top-runner for managing large & complex data.

Already used by others including Spotify & Yahoo and with continuous application improvements being delivered, will we continue to see increased use of Vespa?

Read more about Vinted’s migration here.

QueryGBT – allowing easier and faster data analysis for Uber

Uber’s data platform handles a huge 1.2 million interactive queries each month. The idea of QueryGBT is to better manage real-time data analytics & to query massive datasets. A combination of Presto (open-source SQL query engine) and Apache Hudi, which has the capabilities for handling upserts and managing large volumes of data in a cloud-based or distributed environment.

The system is part of Uber’s broader efforts to handle large-scale, real-time data streaming and querying – integral to its data-driven approach to decision-making. It’s said to minimise generating reliable queries from 10 minutes down to 3 which is a massive productivity gain for Uber.

Using advanced AI, QueryGPT fits smoothly into Uber’s data system, cutting query time and increasing accuracy to handle their complex data needs.

Read more about the advancements here.

Dropbox & Lakera Guard securing LLM’s

In a blog posted this September, Dropbox delved into how they’re using Lakera Guard to protect their LLM’s from potential security threats posed by AI.

Citing the importance of maintaining the trust of their millions of users to protect their content, Dropbox talk about how they chose Lakera Guard last year to protect user data & uphold the reliability and trustworthiness of their intelligent features, as outlined in their AI principles.

What were Dropbox looking for in their quest for protection? Their considerations concluded that it has to be deployable on their existing infrastructure, have low latency, strong confidence scores and scope for continuous improvement.

Dropbox have since invested in Lakera Guard, proving their strong belief in it’s abilities. Furthermore, they’ve also collaborated with the teams to develop improvements on the software itself. Working closely with Lakera, Dropbox have been able to help them meet their requirements whilst achieving their own security goals, too!

Read the full blog here.

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, companies like Vinted, Uber and Dropbox are navigating many complexities. Vinted’s switch to Vespa demonstrates the importance of scalable search engines as companies grow. Uber’s QueryGBT highlights the need for faster and more accurate data analytics. Meanwhile, Dropbox’s partnership with Lakera Guard emphasises the need to secure AI systems to ensure data remains protected as AI technologies advance.

Data Jobs in the Netherlands

Interested in a new adventure within the data world?
For information on data jobs in the Netherlands, get in touch.

World AI Week 2024: Amsterdam, 7-11 October

October 7, 2024

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Bought to Amsterdam by InspiredMinds, organisers of the World Summit AI & Intelligent Health global summit series. World AI Week is an annual global event that brings together industry leaders, researchers & enthusiasts to discuss the latest developments, trends & the future of artificial intelligence. The event features a series of conferences, workshops and panels with focus on aspects such as AI’s application within different industries and the ongoing advancement in technology.

Our Picks for World AI Week 2024

World Summit AI – 9 & 10 October
Closely associated with World AI Week, this is the world’s largest AI summit with the conference seeing 6000 attendees and 200 speakers.

Women in AI Breakfast – October 10
An event in collaboration with InspiredMinds. An opportunity to connect, collaborate & support in the mission to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry.

Music Meditation – October 9
Something a little different combining music creativity with AI. A 30-minute performance and exploration of how human skill and AI can work together, taking the audience on a relaxing journey through different musical styles.

AI Regulation – October 10
An interactive workshop on practical strategies for AI regulation, encouraging innovation whilst maintaining ethical standards. A way to learn about valuable tools and insights to help navigate and influence the changing world of AI regulation.

Global World AI Week promises to be a dynamic and inspiring event, bringing together the brightest minds in AI to explore its future impact on industries and society.

As AI continues to progress, the importance of fostering a responsible, transparent, and inclusive approach is more critical than ever. By collaborating, sharing insights, and establishing robust guidelines, we can harness AI’s power to build a future that benefits all of society.

For full World AI Week programme & information, visit their website here.

September Tech Funding Roundup: A Surge in Innovation and Investment

October 1, 2024

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September marked a significant month for tech funding, seeing thirteen rounds ranging from pre-seed to Series D, a significant jump from just five rounds in August. As summer is often a quieter period, this uptick could indicate the start of a larger funding surge.

We’ve highlighted some of the most exciting deals from September – take a look at the standout investments below!
Talk360 raises €1.3 million in seed funding to fuel next phase of growth

Amsterdam-based Talk360 raises €1.3 million in seed funding, led by long-standing investor Hanaic. Talk360 is revolutionising communication in African communities and doing amazing work in enabling connectivity, regardless of geographic barriers.

The capital injection will drive the company’s goal of connecting seven million people by 2025.

€2.2 million secured by Userguest & their commitment to innovation

Hotel tech startup Userguest aims to empower hotels around the world and maximise their potential by enhancing direct revenue.

The €2.2 million funding, led by Ala Mada Ventures, is to be used to enhance product offerings & accelerate growth.

AI-Powered platform, Churned, raises €2.5 million in funding round

Led by Newion & Volta Ventures, plus support from existing investor Goldfish, this latest funding round for Churned reflects growing investor confidence in AI-driven solutions.

The investment positions Churned as a key player in the rapidly evolving customer retention landscape and will continue to do so as they use the funding to accelerate growth  & expansion.

Rotterdam-based Engaige successfully raises €1 million to enhance customer service for companies

The Graduate Entrepreneur Fund led this round of seed funding and has seen Engaige raise €1 million to further enhance customer support through AI automation.

The funding will aid in team expansion and an accelerated international rollout of the platform.

These impressive funding rounds signal a promising period of growth & innovation within the tech landscape. Check back next month to see what October brings!

October Tech Event Highlights

September 24, 2024

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If attending the biggest and best events is your thing, here’s a roundup of some of the top events happening in the Netherlands in October 👇

AI & Big Data Expo – Amsterdam Rai – October 1-2

Leading event for Enterprise AI, Machine Learning, Security, Ethical AI, Deep Learning, Data Ecosystems, and NLP.

Snowflake World Tour Amsterdam – Zaandam – October 3

Check out Snowflake’s latest advancements in AI, open table formats, streaming, privacy-preserving collaboration, flexible programmability, application development and much more

Bitcoin Amsterdam – Westergas – October 9-10

A two-day forum on Bitcoin’s global future and the trends that are tipping the scales.

PyCon NL – Utrecht – October 10

The first ever Pycon conference, curious minds converge to explore the endless possibilities of this dynamic language.

Frontmania – Utrecht – October 10

Join 600+ attendees to share knowledge, ideas and know-how concerning the newest frontend technologies and innovations.

Visit the event links for more info and to book your ticket now!

Tech Salary Trends in the Dutch Market

September 12, 2024

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As part of our comprehensive technology market & salary insights report, we surveyed 1,621 technology professionals based in the Netherlands, providing a snapshot of the industry’s financial landscape.  

In this blog post, we’ll give you a sneak peek into our findings, focusing on various job roles, key trends, and benefits that tech professionals value the most. If you want the full breakdown, you’ll need to download the full report!  

Who We Surveyed 

Before we dive into the salary data, let’s talk about who participated in our survey. Our respondents include a diverse range of tech professionals from software developers and data scientists to engineering managers 

This broad spectrum ensures that our findings provide a holistic view of the Dutch tech market.  

Key Salary Insights 

Our survey reveals key trends in developer salaries, highlighting which skills command the highest pay and where opportunities are growing. If you want to see how your salary matches up, download the full report. 

High-Earning Roles 

Golang developers lead in compensation, indicating strong demand for Go skills, particularly in cloud-native applications and the FinTech sector. Python developers also command high salaries, reflecting their versatility and significant role in AI and machine learning. Typescript and JVM roles offer competitive pay, underscoring their value in modern development landscapes. 

Lower Salary Ranges 

On the other end of the spectrum, PHP and Ruby developers tend to see lower salary ranges. This suggests that demand for these languages might be more niche or diminishing, possibly because newer, more efficient languages are taking their place. 

Specialised Roles 

Platform Engineers are crucial for businesses aiming to scale, and their expertise is reflected in competitive salaries. Data Scientists and Data Engineers are also in high demand as companies increasingly rely on advanced analytics and AI to drive innovation and stay competitive. 

Trends and Strategic Insights 

Economic Uncertainty and Strategic Hiring 

The current economic climate has led businesses to be more strategic in hiring. While there’s still a strong need for skilled professionals, companies are focusing on roles that offer the most value. This strategic hiring approach is evident in the increasing demand for Platform Engineers, who are essential for scalability. 

The Evolution of Tech Leadership Roles 

We’ve observed a shift in demand for tech leadership positions. Companies are streamlining operations by reducing headcount and consolidating leadership roles. One notable trend is the emergence of the Combined Technology and Product Officer (CTPO) role, merging tech and product leadership under a single person.  

User Experience and Design 

Tech companies are putting more emphasis on user experience, design, and accessibility than ever. Strong UI/UX skills are becoming increasingly valuable as users grow less tolerant of poor interfaces. However, keeping salaries competitive in today’s market remains a challenge. 

Mobile Development 

The demand for mobile developers persists, but companies are becoming more strategic in their hiring. Android and iOS Developers demonstrate salary growth from junior to lead/principal levels. React Native Developers also enjoy competitive salaries across all levels, reflecting the need for cross-platform skills. 

Quality Assurance 

QA skills continue to be valued, but economic pressures are making companies more cautious with compensation. The focus remains on maintaining high-quality standards while managing budgets carefully. 

Advanced Skills and Salary Growth 

While advanced skills are still in demand, the market’s current state is slowing the connection between these skills and salary growth. Companies are balancing innovation with financial caution as they plan for future growth. 

Employee Benefits 

Flexibility and Trust 

Our survey highlights a strong preference for flexible work arrangements. Hybrid work remains popular, with most respondents favouring it over fully remote or office-based setups. Nomad working is an overwhelming desire among those surveyed, reflecting a strong wish for trust and autonomy in their work. 

Performance Bonuses 

Bonuses tied to personal performance are highly desired but not as commonly offered. Balancing these incentives with available resources can be challenging but is essential for maintaining employee satisfaction. 

Continuous Learning 

The demand for training programs is evident, with 60% of respondents seeking to enhance their skills. Offering flexible opportunities or a personal development budget can boost employee sentiment and skill growth, benefiting the organisation. 

Conclusion 

For more detailed insights, including specific salary breakdowns by job title and field, don’t miss out on downloading our full report. 

Discover How Your Salary Compares – Get the Report 

contact our team.