The best software companies in the Netherlands (2026)
Appfront, a custom software and app agency from Amsterdam, lists the leading Dutch software companies, from Adyen to Exact. An editorial overview of the best-known software product companies and scale-ups, grouped by sector.
The leading software product companies of the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a remarkably strong player in software. From payments giant Adyen to travel platform Booking.com and search technology from Elastic, some of the world's best-known digital products have Dutch roots. In this overview we list the leading Dutch software product companies and scale-ups, grouped by sector.
These are companies that build their own software product and deliver it to many customers.
What is a software company?
A software company, also called a product company, develops and sells its own software product. Think of an accounting package, a payments platform or a communication solution. The business model revolves around the product itself, often as software-as-a-service (SaaS). This differs from a software agency, which builds custom work for clients.
Why is the Netherlands so strong in software?
The Netherlands combines excellent digital infrastructure, an international outlook, strong technical education and a favourable business climate. This has led to global successes in fintech, e-commerce, travel and developer tools, and continues to produce new scale-ups.
How this list is structured
We group the companies by sector. For each company we briefly describe what it makes and why it is leading.
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Fintech and payments
Adyen
Adyen builds a global payments platform that lets businesses accept payments online, in apps and in stores through a single system. Founded in Amsterdam in 2006, the company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam and processes payments for large international enterprises.
Mollie
Mollie makes payment solutions that are especially popular with webshops and small business owners across Europe. The Amsterdam-based company focuses on simple payment method integration and has grown into one of the best-known Dutch fintech companies.
Backbase
Backbase develops a digital banking platform that enables banks to build their online and mobile services. Founded in Amsterdam in 2003, the company supplies software to banks worldwide.
Bunq
Bunq is a Dutch mobile bank that develops its own banking app and underlying technology in-house. The company positions itself as a digital challenger with a strong focus on ease of use and international customers.
Bitvavo
Bitvavo is a cryptocurrency trading platform founded in Amsterdam in 2018. The company builds the software that allows individuals and businesses to buy, sell and store crypto.
E-commerce and martech
Channable
Channable makes feed management and online marketing software that helps webshops send their product data to marketplaces and advertising channels. The company originated in Utrecht.
Bynder
Bynder develops digital asset management software that helps marketing teams manage, find and share brand materials. The platform is used by brands around the world.
Spotler
Spotler provides email marketing, marketing automation and lead generation software aimed at marketing and sales teams. The group brings together several Dutch martech products.
Travel and hospitality
Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the largest online travel platforms in the world and has its headquarters in Amsterdam. The company develops the booking technology that travellers use to reserve accommodation and trips.
Mews
Mews builds cloud software for the hospitality sector, with a property management system that helps hotels manage their reception, bookings and payments. The company has strong roots in Amsterdam and operates in dozens of countries.
Communication
Bird (formerly MessageBird)
Bird, formerly MessageBird, develops a communications platform that enables businesses to communicate with their customers via SMS, voice and chat channels. The company was founded in Amsterdam.
CM.com
CM.com provides a communications and payments platform that combines messaging, marketing and payments for businesses. The Breda-based company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
WeTransfer
WeTransfer develops a well-known service for sending large files, originating in Amsterdam. The company also builds tools for creative professionals.
Developer tools and infrastructure
Elastic
Elastic is the company behind the search and analytics technology Elasticsearch, founded in Amsterdam in 2012. The software is used worldwide for search, observability and security, and the company is publicly listed.
GitLab
GitLab offers a complete platform for software development, from version control to CI/CD and security. The company was co-founded by the Dutchman Sytse Sijbrandij and is publicly listed.
TomTom
TomTom is an Amsterdam-based technology company that develops navigation and mapping software for cars, apps and businesses. The company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
Business software, ERP and HR
Exact
Exact develops accounting and business software for entrepreneurs and accountants, with a strong position among small and medium-sized businesses. The company is one of the established names in the Dutch software sector.
AFAS Software
AFAS Software builds integrated software for administration, HR and payroll for the business market. The family-owned company, founded in 1996, is known for its broad ERP suite.
Unit4
Unit4 develops ERP software for service-driven organisations, with functionality for finance, HR and projects. The company has Dutch roots and operates internationally.
Creative and productivity
Framer
Framer is a design and website-building tool that lets teams design and publish websites visually. The company originated in Amsterdam.
What makes a software company leading?
The companies in this overview differ greatly in sector and size, but they share a number of traits that set them apart:
- A scalable product. The software is built so that many customers can use it at the same time without costs growing in step.
- International users. Leading companies almost always look beyond the Dutch market.
- Continuous technical renewal. They invest consistently in their platform, architecture and reliability.
- A strong position in their sector. They are a recognisable name within their niche, whether that is payments, travel or developer tools.
- A focus on the user. The product solves a clear problem and is pleasant to use.
Want to get your own software built?
This overview is about software companies that make their own product. If you have a different challenge and want to get custom software developed, you are not looking at these product companies but at specialist software agencies. We have prepared separate overviews for those that will help you on your way:
- The best custom software agencies in the Netherlands — for custom software built to order.
- The best SaaS builders in the Netherlands — for building your own SaaS product.
- The best SaaS developers in the Netherlands — for parties developing SaaS platforms.
- The best integration agencies in the Netherlands, for connecting systems and APIs.
- Choosing an app developer: for building a mobile app.
- Building an app: comparing providers: for those who want to compare providers side by side.
- Software company in the Netherlands — background on choosing a software partner.
- Custom software development: what's involved in developing software.
- Integrations: our service for connecting systems.
This overview helps you get your bearings: it informs you about the Dutch software sector and points you to the right route if you want to build something yourself.
Frequently asked questions about Dutch software companies
What is the largest software company in the Netherlands?
There is no single answer, because 'largest' depends on the measure: market capitalisation, revenue or recognition. By market capitalisation, Adyen is among the largest Dutch software companies, while firms such as Exact and AFAS have for decades been established names in business software. In this overview we deliberately opt for a qualitative classification by sector rather than a ranking based on figures.
Which Dutch software companies are listed on the stock exchange?
Among the well-known listed names are Adyen, TomTom and CM.com on Euronext Amsterdam, and Elastic and GitLab on a US exchange. Stock market listings can change, so always check the current situation with the company itself.
What is the difference between a software company and a software agency?
A software company (or product company) makes its own software product that it supplies to many customers, such as Exact or Mollie. A software agency, by contrast, builds custom software on commission for clients. This overview is about product companies; if you want something built yourself, look at agencies.
How do I choose a partner to build software?
If you want to have software developed yourself, compare software agencies on expertise, portfolio, working method and collaboration. We have separate overviews for this, such as our article on the best custom software agencies in the Netherlands and the best SaaS builders in the Netherlands.
Why is the Netherlands strong in software?
The Netherlands combines a strong digital infrastructure, an international outlook, excellent higher education institutions and a favourable business climate. This has led to successes in fintech (Adyen, Mollie), travel (Booking.com) and developer tools (Elastic), and new scale-ups continue to emerge.
What makes a software company leading?
Leading software companies typically stand out through a scalable product, international users, ongoing technical innovation, a strong position in their sector and a clear focus on the needs of their users.
Were all of these companies founded in the Netherlands?
Most companies in this overview have Dutch origins or a major headquarters in the Netherlands. For internationally operating companies such as Elastic and GitLab, we explicitly note the Dutch involvement, such as founding in Amsterdam or a Dutch co-founder.
Does Appfront also build software?
Yes. Appfront is an Amsterdam software agency that builds custom software, web applications and integrations. This overview is for information only; if you want to get something developed yourself, feel free to get in touch with us.
Need custom software yourself?
Appfront is an Amsterdam software agency that builds custom software, web applications and integrations. If you have an idea or a specific challenge, we are happy to think along with you. Get in touch and we will discuss the possibilities with no obligation.