Laatste nieuws in digital
Blue Owl Capital Tightens Software Lending Criteria as AI Disruption Rattles Sector
Amsterdam, Friday 20 February 2026
Craig Packer’s strategic pivot away from software lending signals a looming liquidity squeeze for SaaS scale-ups. The market’s reaction has been stark: following the announcement and withdrawal restrictions, Blue Owl-linked structured notes have plummeted to trade at just 47 cents on the dollar.
Dutch Cloud Provider Powers Global Access for International Piano Competition
Almere, Friday 20 February 2026
Led by a former concert pianist turned tech CEO, MIRhosting secures global connectivity for Enschede’s piano competition, demonstrating how digital infrastructure revitalises cultural access.
Amsterdam AI Scale-up Vibeday Powers Samsung’s Global Winter Olympics Campaign
Amsterdam, Friday 20 February 2026
Founded just eight months ago, Amsterdam scale-up Vibeday now powers Samsung’s global Olympic campaign, utilising generative AI to transform Instagram DMs into personalised fan experiences at scale.
Startupbootcamp Secures Top Tier Status in 2026 for Specialised Industry Focus
Amsterdam, Thursday 19 February 2026
OpenVC’s 2026 assessment highlights Startupbootcamp’s success with deep vertical programmes, signalling a definitive market shift in the Benelux ecosystem towards industry-specific deal flow over generalist support.
Liberty Global forms Benelux giant Ziggo Group for 2027 IPO following €1 billion Vodafone buyout
Amsterdam, Wednesday 18 February 2026
In a major restructuring of the European telecom landscape announced on 18 February 2026, Liberty Global has agreed to acquire Vodafone’s 50% stake in the VodafoneZiggo joint venture for €1 billion. This consolidation allows Liberty Global to merge its Dutch operations with Belgium’s Telenet, forming a new regional heavyweight dubbed ‘Ziggo Group’. The strategy targets a 2027 IPO on Euronext Amsterdam, effectively spinning off the combined Benelux assets. While Vodafone secures immediate liquidity, it retains a 10% stake, maintaining exposure to future growth. Perhaps most telling is the immediate market reaction: Liberty Global shares surged over 11%, signalling strong investor confidence that this consolidation will finally unlock the trapped value of these converged national champions.
ECB Strategy Confirms Digital Euro Will Shield Local Banks From Global Card Giants
Frankfurt, Wednesday 18 February 2026
Targeting a 2029 rollout, the ECB aims to reclaim monetary sovereignty from international giants currently processing 75% of transactions, ensuring local banks remain central to payments.
Dutch Fund Allocates $3 Million to Female-Led African Fintech Investor
The Hague, Wednesday 18 February 2026
Targeting Africa’s dominant fintech sector, which secured $769 million in 2025, this allocation empowers female fund managers to bridge critical early-stage funding gaps for emerging innovations.
Dutch Regulator Orders Polymarket to Cease Operations Under Threat of €420,000 Weekly Penalty
The Hague, Tuesday 17 February 2026
The Dutch gambling authority has classified prediction markets as illegal gambling, ordering US-based Polymarket to exit the Netherlands immediately or face €420,000 in weekly fines. This regulatory crackdown follows reports of Dutch users wagering over $32 million on the 2025 elections via the unlicensed platform.
