While the number of female IT entrepreneurs has grown by 1,105 over the past thirteen years, the number of male entrepreneurs is increasing even faster. This continues to demonstrate a widening gender gap among entrepreneurs in the IT sector. This is evident from figures from the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) Trade Register.
Between 2013* and 2026, the number of female entrepreneurs in IT grew from 2,451 to 3,556. This represents a 45% increase. Among men, this same period saw an increase from 22,804 to 33,948, a 48.9% increase.
” It’s essential for the Netherlands’ economic growth and for women’s participation in technology that more women participate in the technological developments that shape our future. Unfortunately, our figures show that their share in IT entrepreneurship is declining rather than increasing. This worries me. That’s why I wholeheartedly encourage women who are hesitant about moving into IT to take that step. The sector desperately needs their talent, 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 IT entrepreneurs was 20,353, and by 2026, it will be 30,392. This represents 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.
Increasing equal opportunities
The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) is actively committed to increasing opportunities for female entrepreneurs, not only within IT but across all sectors. That’s why the KVK is affiliated with Code-V, the leading network in the Netherlands dedicated to equal business opportunities for women. Research by the KVK shows that women experience less support, knowledge, and trust in several areas of the financing process. You can read more about this here .