Netherlands

Dutch Public Transport Operator Qbuzz Launches AI Assistant Quby to Streamline Customer Service

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Qbuzz, one of the first public transport operators in the Netherlands, launched Quby, an AI assistant that provides immediate answers to travelers and supports customer service staff during conversations. The assistant retrieves real-time travel information, supports multiple languages (Dutch, English, German, French, Arabic, Turkish), and intelligently routes complex issues to human agents while automating administrative tasks like transcriptions and summaries.

KickstartAI Extends Partnership with Dutch Giants Through 2029, Doubling Down on AI Implementation

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KickstartAI, founded in 2019 by Ahold Delhaize, ING, KLM and NS, extended its partnership agreement with these founding members until 2029. The organization focuses on accelerating AI adoption in practice across various sectors, with successful implementations including baggage detection for NS, package volume prediction for Bol, digital financial guidance for ING, and food waste reduction planning for KLM. The new phase aims to broaden the partner network to additional sectors and organizations.

European Banking Consortium Expands Qivalis to 37 Members Ahead of Euro Stablecoin Launch

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Qivalis, a consortium of European banks based in Amsterdam, has expanded to 37 member institutions from 15 countries to develop a euro-denominated stablecoin as an alternative to dollar-dominated stablecoins. The initiative plans to launch a regulated stablecoin in the second half of 2024, subject to regulatory approval. Portuguese banks are notably absent from the project so far, though it includes major banks from Spain, France, Italy, and Nordic countries.

HelloPrint Reports Nearly 80 Million Euro Revenue as Dutch Print Platform Doubles Down on AI Transformation

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HelloPrint, a Rotterdam-based online print platform, reported revenue growth to approximately 80 million euros in 2025 with 21% operational profit increase. The company bought back shares from early investors and continues its AI-first transformation across 14 countries and 160 employees serving 700,000 customers.

Euronext Reports Strong Q1 2026 Results With 16.7% Profit Growth Across European Exchanges

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Euronext, Europe’s leading continental stock exchange operator, reported strong Q1 2026 results with 16.7% net profit growth to 192.3 million euros and 15.3% revenue growth to 528.5 million euros. Equity market revenues surged 28.1% to 138.9 million euros, driven by high volatility and strong ETF growth, including contributions from the recently completed Athens Stock Exchange acquisition completed in late 2025. The company also noted benefits from the largest defense IPO in history (Czech Republic’s Czechoslovak Group) in January 2026.

Happy Horizon Acquires B&S Media Internetmarketing in Second Phase of Buy and Build Strategy

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Happy Horizon announced the acquisition of B&S Media Internetmarketing, a digital marketing agency serving over 500 SMB clients in northern and eastern Netherlands. The acquisition marks the second phase of Happy Horizon’s buy and build strategy, with financial details undisclosed. The deal is supported by MG Partners, Happy Horizon’s external investor since 2020.

Portuguese Hospitality Giant Pestana Hotel Group Secures 38 Nominations at World Travel and Golf Awards 2026

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Pestana Hotel Group received 38 nominations at the World Travel Awards 2026 and World Golf Awards 2026. The nominations include 33 World Travel Awards and 5 World Golf Awards across properties in Portugal (Porto, Lisboa, Tróia, Algarve, Madeira, Porto Santo) and internationally (Spain, Netherlands, USA, Brazil, Venezuela, Morocco, and São Tomé and Príncipe). Notable nominations include Europe’s Leading Hotel Brand 2026 for the group overall, and multiple category nominations for properties like Pestana CR7 Times Square and Pestana CR7 Gran Vía Madrid.

Dutch Defence Tech Startup Destinus Targets €200m Pre-IPO Raise Ahead of Public Markets Debut

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Destinus, a Dutch defence tech startup founded in 2021, is in talks to raise approximately €200m in a pre-IPO funding round, seeking a valuation above €5bn based on forecast annual revenues of €500m. The company, which develops drones and cruise missiles, recently acquired Swiss autonomous pilot startup Daedalean for $225m to strengthen its AI and autonomous flight capabilities.