The way to get started
is to quit talking
and begin doing
– Walt Disney
Scale-ups
We offer our scale-ups a selection of tailored support programs, depending on their needs and stage of development. Ventures participating in one of our programs also gain access to a wide range of extra services.
Additional Support
Facilitator
Startup and scale-up founders from outside the EU – like India, the Middle East, Canada and the USA – need a startup visa when they wish to work in the Netherlands. They must meet specific requirements and work with an official facilitator.
Frank & the Backs is an accredited facilitator and offers various scaling-up programs. In addition, we also assist founders who wish to apply for a startup visa.
Need help with your startup visa application?
Contact our offices
Frank’s Coworking Space
Our offices are located in Titaan — a vibrant hub that houses over 70 innovative ventures, right next to the campus of the Unknown University of Applied Sciences. This inspiring environment offers a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem.
Our ventures can rent a virtual coworking space at Titaan, which also includes a registered business address.
Want more information?
Contact Ezrah Goeloe, manager Frank’s Coworking Space
Soft landing
While our primary focus is on business support during the scale-up phase, we also want to assist our international founders in relocating to the Netherlands.
To facilitate a smooth relocation, we work with ACCESS, a nonprofit organization that offers practical services and guidance to help you settle in our country.
Want to get in touch?
Check the website
or
Get in touch with the Helpdesk
Monday to Friday 10.00 – 14.00
+ 31 85 4000 338
VentureNetwork
VentureNetwork is part of Frank & the Backs. It consists of over 30 carefully selected business experts, each offering essential knowledge and services for scale-ups, such as:
- Intellectual Property
- Legal and Notarial Services
- Accounting and Tax
- Product Design
- Marketing and Sales
- Subsidies and Funding
Ventures participating in our programs get access to this relevant and highly trusted expert network.
At the same time, VentureNetwork members can easily connect with fast-growing scale-ups.
Want to learn more or become a business member?
Contact Hans Kamphuis, coordinator VentureNetwork
Read Me's
To help our founders navigate Dutch rules and regulations, we’ve developed a series of support guides – so called Read Me’s – that cover important topics such as:
- Legal Structures in the Netherlands
- Tax Essentials in the Netherlands
- Registering in the Netherlands
- Settling in the Netherlands
- Startup Visa Application Process
- Visa Collection and Pre-Arrival Checklist
- Requirements for Visa Extension
- Application Process for Residence Permit for Essential Startup Personnel
Our ventures have easy access to the Read Me’s .
Funding
Interested in funding opportunities for your venture?
Frank & the Backs has access to an extensive network of investors and business angels who are interested in investing in impactful and fast-growing ventures.
We support our founders in this area in many ways: from go/no go decisions for funding, to fine-tuning the business plan and financials, preparing the pitch deck and investment pitch, offering pitch training, and more.
Networking and business opportunities
We regularly host community events to connect founders, Backs, alumni and others.
For instance, our BackTalks feature expert speakers – often from our VentureNetwork – sharing insights on topics relevant to our community, followed by drinks and networking.
Through our network, we also share curated business opportunities, such as access to investor events, impact-driven meetups and partner introductions.
Additionally, our founders are also welcome at events hosted by Titaan/Unknown group, offering even more chances to connect and grow.
Ecosystem
Being part of Frank & the Backs means joining a powerful ecosystem of innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals — all working together to grow, connect, and scale.
Social Media
We regularly post updates on LinkedIn, sharing news about our own activities and celebrating the milestones of our ventures.
Ventures are also welcome to share updates or questions with our broad and growing social network.
Want to share your news?
Contact Charlot Oudbier, social media
Workshops and trainings
Specialized workshops and training sessions are organized throughout the year. For example, sessions on how to create a solid plan related to market entry, growth or investment.
We also offer various types of training – on for instance pitching-, in a group setting or one-on-one.
In some cases, a workshop is included, like in the Next Valley program.
Interns
We can help founders connect with talented and motivated interns – students or young professionals – who can assist the venture with specific assignments or with daily operational tasks.
Alumni
We are closely involved with our ventures, and over the course of a program, we usually develop a strong relationship with the founders. That’s why we believe it’s important to stay connected, even after they’ve completed one of our programs.
We’re curious to see how they move forward in their scaling journey and what milestones they achieve.
We truly value our alumni – they’re always welcome at our community events, and we continue to share business opportunities with them.