What Dutch Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Silicon Valley
I recently read The Secret of Silicon Valley by Dutch journalist Eva Schram and Dutch serial entrepreneur Wibe Wagemans—a must-read if you're expanding to the U.S. or navigating the American business world. What struck me most? How on point the authors are about the cultural mindsets that fuel innovation and success in the Valley—and how different those can be from what we’re used to in the Netherlands.
Here are 5 takeaways that can help you operate more effectively in the U.S.:
1. Tell a Vision, Not Just the Facts
In Silicon Valley, it’s not enough to explain what your product does. You need to tell a story that inspires. Investors and customers want to know: What future are you building?
Dutch tendency: Focus on functionality.
U.S. expectation: Sell the dream.
2. Speed Beats Perfection
Launching something imperfect is better than waiting for perfection. Feedback from real users is more valuable than internal fine-tuning.
Dutch mindset: Better safe than sorry.
Silicon Valley mindset: Ship fast, learn fast.
3. Self-Promotion Is Expected
Humility may be a virtue in the Netherlands, but in the U.S., confidence signals competence. If you don’t speak up about your strengths, people may assume you don’t have them.
Dutch default: “Doe maar normaal.”
American style: “Tell us why you’re great.”
4. Failure Is a Badge of Honor
Past failures are seen as valuable experience, not something to hide. People want to know what you learned and how you’ve grown.
Dutch instinct: Avoid talking about failure.
U.S. approach: Fail fast, fail forward.
5. It’s All About the Network
Business moves at the speed of relationships. In Silicon Valley, people are generous with introductions and don’t expect a favor in return—at least not right away.
Dutch view: Networking feels transactional.
U.S. view: “Pay it forward” is the norm.
Whether you're in tech or not, these lessons apply to anyone working across the Dutch-American cultural differences. And they remind us that cultural differences aren’t just about etiquette—they’re strategic levers for success.
Thinking about how to apply this to your team or U.S. expansion? Let’s talk, or attend my workshop
Doing business with Americans - the Key to Success!
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Hi, my name is Annette. For over 10 years, I have helped Fortune 500 companies, scale-ups and individuals understand the intricacies and advantages of communicating across cultures, turning cultural differences and similarities into competitive advantages.
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