Between 2013* and 2026, the number of female entrepreneurs in IT grew from 2,451 to 3,556. This is an increase of 45%. Among men, the same period saw an increase from 22,804 to 33,948, an increase of 48.9%.

'It is essential for the economic growth of the Netherlands and for the participation of women in technology that more women engage in the technological developments that shape our future. Unfortunately, our figures show that their share within IT entrepreneurship is decreasing rather than increasing. This concerns me. Therefore, I want to wholeheartedly encourage women who are hesitant about taking a step towards IT to take that step. The sector needs their talent badly, and with more female entrepreneurs, we can truly make a difference together,' says Petra Jansen op de Haar, board member at KVK. 

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Difference in absolute numbers and percentage

In 2013, the difference between male and female entrepreneurs in IT was 20,353, and in 2026 this will be 30,392. This is an increase in the gender gap of 10,039. In percentage terms, the share of women within the total group of IT entrepreneurs has decreased from 9.68% in 2013 to 9.48% in 2026.

Also read: Freelance ICT professional: from executor to advisor

Increasing equal opportunities

KVK is actively working to increase opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Not only within IT but in all sectors. KVK is therefore affiliated with Code-V, the network in the Netherlands that advocates for equal entrepreneurial opportunities for women. Research by KVK shows that women experience less support, knowledge, and confidence in the financing process in several areas. More about this can be read here.

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