Places for entrepreneurship at YES!Delft

This is the second part of the series ‘’The places for entrepeneurship’’ in Delft where places for entrepreneurship in Delft are highlighted. In the previous part the Innovation district Delft was highlighted and YES!Delft will be highlighted.

YES!Delft is a startup incubator that helps people turn their tech ideas into real companies. Since 2005, YES!Delft has supported hundreds of startups. It was started by TU Delft, the city of Delft, and research institute TNO. Their goal was simple: to help smart and ambitious people build new businesses that can make a real difference. Over the years, it has grown into a leading place where new technology meets entrepreneurship.

A launchpad for tech startups

Startups at YES!Delft get access to expert guidance, training programs, office space, and a strong network of mentors, partners and investors. Whether you're just starting with an idea or already building your product, there’s a program that fits your stage. And one of the things that makes YES!Delft special is that they don’t take equity, meaning you stay the owner of your own company.

At its core, YES!Delft offers a comprehensive suite of programs and services tailored to support startups at every stage of their journey:

• Meet your co-founder: A workshop designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs find the right co-founder to complement their skills and vision.
• Validation program: A 10-week part-time program focused on helping startups validate their business ideas, understand customer needs, and achieve product-market fit.
• Accelerator program: A 3-month intensive program providing tailored workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one expert sessions to accelerate market traction.
• Fast track to funding: Customized support to prepare startups for investment, including pitch deck development and investor matchmaking.

Additionally, YES!Delft offers ongoing support in strategic funding, human resources, and access to a network of over 300 investors, ensuring startups have the resources needed to scale effectively.

Empowering the next generation

Entrepreneurship in Delft doesn’t start after graduation, it starts much earlier. That’s where YES!Delft Students comes in. This is a student-run organization that brings the world of startups closer to students at TU Delft. They organize all kinds of events, from workshops and hackathons to startup trips and talks with successful founders. Their mission is to inspire and support students to become future entrepreneurs, even if they don’t yet have an idea.

Many students take their first steps into entrepreneurship through YES!Delft Students, and later continue their journey at YES!Delft itself. The two organizations work closely together to create a complete path from student dream to startup reality.

A thriving ecosystem

YES!Delft's impact is reflected in its impressive track record:

• Over 500 startups have been part of its community.
• 82% of these startups remain active after five years.
• The incubator takes no equity, allowing founders to retain full ownership of their ventures.

Situated near the TU Delft campus, YES!Delft provides startups with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Makerzone and field labs, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration.

Join the movement

For entrepreneurs ready to take the leap, YES!Delft offers a supportive and resource-rich environment to turn visions into reality. Whether you're in the ideation phase or looking to scale your startup, YES!Delft provides the tools, mentorship, and network to propel your venture forward.

So whether you’re a student just starting to explore new ideas or someone ready to launch a tech company, Delft offers the tools, people, and energy to help you succeed. And it all starts with saying “yes” to innovation.

Discover more on YES!Delft and stay stuned on our socials for more places for entrepeneurship!