Exploring EU’s Founders Competitive Edge
In June 2025, I had the privilege of participating in a roundtable discussion at Scale Lab @ Developed: Amsterdam, an innovative micro-accelerator that is revolutionizing the way European startups perceive regulation and policy compliance. This groundbreaking initiative aims to open up a dialogue about compliance and encourage more frequent and early collaboration with policymakers. As a member of ACT | The App Association, I was thrilled to contribute to this transformative initiative, which transforms what many founders perceive as obstacles into catalysts for growth.
The Challenge: When Regulation Meets Innovation
The event, held on June 18th at TNW City, brought together early-stage founders developing AI-driven and data-intensive products for global markets. The timing couldn’t have been more opportune. With the EU’s AI Act, GDPR, and upcoming DMA/DSA rules reshaping the digital landscape, many European startups are grappling with a fundamental question: How can they move swiftly without compromising on their products or on adhering to regulations?
The stakes are high here. The Digital Markets Act is poised to change the EU digital market. According to the “Economic Impact of the Digital Markets Act on European Businesses and the European Economy” report, the impact is substantial. Across various service sectors, businesses could potentially lose up to €114 billion in revenue, representing a 0.64% reduction in total turnover due to the impairment of major digital platform services. Furthermore, the study estimates annual revenue losses per worker: €1,122, depending on the intensity of digital service use across different sectors.
A Different Kind of Accelerator
What struck me most about Scale Lab was its founder-first philosophy. Rather than the typical “move fast and break things” mentality, the program asked a more nuanced question: What if regulation helped us clarify what truly matters?
As Joffrey Hoijer eloquently put it: “Less about pitching. More about pausing. Less about chasing scale. More about asking the right questions first.” This approach resonated deeply with founders at the event, including myself.
The half-day accelerator focused on some critical problems that most traditional accelerators skip, like:
- Positioning & Trust: How policy and compliance can become your competitive edge
- Operational Clarity: Shipping smart while staying within the boundaries of AI Act, GDPR, and emerging regulations
The Power of Practical Wisdom
The mentor lineup was exceptional, bringing together policy insiders from Brussels and Washington DC with battle-tested operators and investors like:
- Uros Lekic from TenNine VC, offering investor perspectives on compliance-ready startups
- Chelsea Thomas, Executive Director of ACT | The App Association, providing policy insights from the frontlines
- Daphne Laan, founder of Planetir and board member of Dutch Internet Society, bridging ethics and technology
- Joffrey Hoijer, brand & narrative lead at Weather Makers, bringing deep experience from Dentsu & Monks
- Viki Pavlič, the rockstar pitch coach helping founders craft compelling narratives
The breakout sessions were particularly valuable, matching founders with experts based on their specific sectors and policy challenges. Whether building in software, hardware, online marketplaces, or AI, participants left with tailored, actionable insights.
Knowledge and Experience
One of the most powerful aspects of the program was its focus on “Pitching with Purpose”—learning. For example: how to integrate compliance into a compelling investor narrative.
The live pitching session that followed demonstrated this shift beautifully. Founders didn’t just showcase their awesome products/services and innovative vision; they demonstrated how they’re navigating the regulatory terrain to scale smarter. The audience of industry leaders, investors, and policy makers saw firsthand how compliance can become a competitive moat.
Looking Forward: The European Advantage
Throughout the day, it became evident that European startups possess a unique opportunity. While over-regulation has become a disadvantage compared to other approaches, on the other hand, with the recent efforts on simplification and a more startup-friendly policy environment, we have hope as European companies for a future where policy will actually help position ourselves as global leaders in responsible innovation. For this reality to materialize, significant changes are necessary. Consequently, it is crucial to engage in the conversation surrounding policy.
A Thank You
Huge thanks to ACT | The App Association for not only inviting me to speak but for pioneering this crucial conversation. As a global trade association representing small and medium-sized technology companies, ACT understands that policy isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating an environment where innovation can flourish.
The App Association’s work in keeping European innovators in the loop about policies that reward and inspire innovation is exactly what the startup ecosystem needs. Their European tour, connecting founders, mentors, investors, and policymakers, is building bridges that will shape the future of technology.
Also a special thanks to James Hanson and Donny Wals, the fellow ACT members who shared great insights on the event. Thank you to all the (new) founders and entrepreneurs coming to the event to learn and share!
The Bigger Picture
Scale Lab Amsterdam proved that the future belongs to founders who can navigate complexity, not just those who can move fast. In an age where trust is the ultimate currency, regulatory readiness isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about building sustainable competitive advantages.
The event reminded me why I’m passionate about this space. We’re not just building companies; we’re building the foundation for a trustworthy, sustainable digital future. And events like Scale Lab are showing us exactly how to get there.
For founders interested in similar opportunities, keep an eye on ACT | The App Association‘s future events. The conversation between innovation and regulation is just getting started, and you’ll want to be part of shaping it.
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