P!TCH XL 2023 RECAP

On June 7th, P!TCH XL 2023 brought Amsterdam’s entrepreneurial spirit to life. Seven startups pitched their bold ideas to a panel at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Auditorium. Winners earned a fully-funded trip to Silicon Valley through the DTSF Trek program to access exclusive networking events with VC investors and executives. Explore the highlights of PITCH XL 2023 in our photo gallery and join us to make your mark on Amsterdam’s entrepreneurial stage.

• Startup Speakers

  P!TCH XL 2023 featured seven startups presenting their business ideas to a panel of investors, founders, and industry experts. Each startup operates in a different sector, bringing new approaches to technology, sustainability, and business.

  • Binqy (Workplace Well-being) – A software tool that helps organizations prevent burnout and improve employee performance. (Founders: Joris Tuit, Thomas Nieuwenhuis, Jelle Houben)

  • GrootTravels (Accessible Travel) – An online platform providing accessibility information for travelers with physical disabilities and caregivers. (Founder: Sonia Groot)

  • Weco (Renewable Energy) – A wave energy converter designed to generate electricity from ocean waves efficiently. (Founders: Luc Hogervorst, Cas van de Voort)

  • Madglove (MedTech & Rehabilitation) – A customizable glove designed to support home rehabilitation for people with hand spasticity. (Founders: Mădălina Rîurean, Cara Knott, David Gotti, Sitah Heijnen, Jeremiah Makinde)

  • Bildr (Construction & Housing) – A digital platform for designing modular homes and improving construction workflows. (Founders: Dédé Kruisman, Davide Cardu, Thomas Leeson, Sacha Bloem)

  • MEMSYS (IoT & Energy Harvesting) – A wireless sensor system that detects train wheel damage using self-powered energy harvesting technology. (Founders: Thijs Blad, Gerrit-Jan Mollink)

  • Moon Industry (Space Tech & Mining) – An autonomous mining system for Earth and space applications, aiming to reduce emissions in the mining sector. (Founders: David Dijkstra, Rene Daatselaar Baarslag)

  These startups showcased innovative solutions across various industries, highlighting the diversity and creativity within Amsterdam’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• Winners

  Madglove secured first place, followed by MEMSYS and Weco. As part of their award, the winning startup and runner-up received a fully funded trip to Silicon Valley, sponsored by DutchTechX—a Dutch-American entrepreneurial community that has supported startups through networking, mentorship, and educational initiatives since 2015. Through the DutchTechX Trek program, the winners took part in private Q&A sessions with leading venture capitalists, startup founders, and executives, and attended exclusive networking events with Dutch-American entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. The trip provided a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and immerse themselves in one of the world’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.

Relive the Experience

Want to see the event in action? Browse the full photo gallery and witness the energy of PitchXL 2022 firsthand.

Also check out PitchXL 2022 and Pitch XL 2024.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to pitch, connect, and grow your venture!