The Next Web (TNW) – Global tech news and startup culture.

Introduction

In the digital age, technology has woven itself into the fabric of everyday life. From the way we communicate to how businesses operate, the pulse of the modern world beats to a technological rhythm. As the global tech landscape evolves at lightning speed, staying informed becomes crucial—not just for developers and entrepreneurs but also for consumers, investors, and policymakers. This is where The Next Web (TNW) steps in as a key player.

Founded in 2006, The Next Web is more than just a tech news website. It has grown into a multi-dimensional media company with a unique focus on technology, startups, digital innovation, and global entrepreneurship. With its finger firmly on the pulse of emerging trends, TNW has become a respected voice in the tech media space.

The Origins of TNW

The Next Web was co-founded by Dutch entrepreneurs Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten and Patrick de Laive. Initially launched to promote a technology conference in Amsterdam, TNW soon evolved into a full-fledged tech media brand. Its founders recognized early on that there was a need for a fresh, European perspective on global tech developments. Unlike Silicon Valley-centric outlets, TNW took a more international approach, covering stories that resonated with a worldwide audience.

The brand quickly became synonymous with insightful commentary, forward-thinking analysis, and comprehensive coverage of technology trends, particularly in Europe and emerging markets.

TNW’s Multi-Faceted Platform

TNW is not limited to being just a news outlet. It is a multifaceted media and tech company offering various services and platforms. The key components of TNW include:

1. TNW News

TNW’s flagship offering is its tech news site. It provides in-depth coverage on:

• Startups and funding
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Blockchain and cryptocurrency
• Gadgets and consumer tech
• Cybersecurity
• Mobile and web apps
• Green tech and sustainability
• Tech culture and trends

Its writing style is accessible yet analytical, often incorporating humor, opinion, and expert insights. TNW is widely praised for highlighting underrepresented regions and innovators in tech.

2. TNW Conference

The TNW Conference is one of Europe’s leading technology festivals. Held annually in Amsterdam, it brings together thousands of attendees from around the globe, including tech executives, startup founders, investors, and policymakers.

Key features of the conference include:

• Keynotes by tech leaders and futurists
• Startup pitch competitions
• Networking events
• Workshops and breakout sessions
• Innovation showcases

The TNW Conference is known for its vibrant, festival-like atmosphere, combining serious tech talk with entertainment, food, music, and art installations.

3. TNW Spaces

Launched to foster innovation and collaboration, TNW Spaces is a co-working and incubator hub based in Amsterdam. It provides office space and resources for startups, scale-ups, and corporate innovation teams. The Spaces initiative reflects TNW’s commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem beyond the digital realm.

4. TNW Programs and Services

TNW also offers B2B services through its TNW Programs, which are designed to help corporations navigate digital transformation. These programs offer:

• Strategic advice on innovation
• Market research and trend analysis
• Startup scouting
• Custom-built corporate innovation accelerators

This business wing bridges the gap between cutting-edge startups and established companies looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing tech landscape.

5. TNW for Startups

TNW provides valuable exposure and support to startups through multiple channels. This includes:

• Media coverage
• Access to investor networks
• Mentorship opportunities
• Startup competitions and showcases

By creating an ecosystem that connects investors, startups, and industry leaders, TNW fosters innovation and growth in the tech sector.

TNW’s Editorial Voice and Vision

TNW’s editorial content is marked by its engaging tone, insightful analysis, and a strong focus on the human side of technology. Unlike some traditional tech news outlets that focus heavily on product specs or corporate announcements, TNW explores:

• Ethical implications of emerging technologies
• Social impact of digital transformation
• Diversity and inclusion in tech
• Regulation and policy developments

Its writers often take a critical lens to major tech companies and challenge readers to consider not just what new technology does, but what it means for society at large.

Global Reach and Influence

Although headquartered in Amsterdam, TNW’s reach is global. Its readers come from all corners of the world, and the site publishes content that is relevant on a global scale. TNW has grown its presence through:

• Social media and newsletters
• Syndicated content partnerships
• Collaborations with global tech conferences
• Podcasts and webinars

With millions of monthly visitors and a strong social following, TNW is a respected voice in both the tech and startup communities.

TNW and Corporate Partnership: A Case Study with the Financial Times

In 2019, TNW was acquired by the Financial Times (FT), a move that solidified its position as a global tech media powerhouse. While the deal allowed TNW to scale its operations and broaden its reach, it continued to operate with editorial independence. The FT’s backing helped expand TNW’s business offerings and enhance its B2B services.

This acquisition illustrates the growing importance of technology journalism and how media conglomerates are investing in niche, high-growth sectors.

Impact on Startup Culture

TNW’s influence on startup culture is significant. By consistently highlighting emerging companies and providing platforms for exposure, TNW helps startups gain the visibility they need to secure funding, attract talent, and grow their businesses.

The culture around TNW celebrates:

• Risk-taking and experimentation
• Disruption and transformation
• Collaboration across borders
• Ethical innovation

Its role in organizing events, offering mentorship, and publishing real-time startup stories positions TNW as more than a media outlet—it is a catalyst for growth in the global startup ecosystem.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Like all media companies, TNW faces challenges such as:

• Competition from other tech media giants (TechCrunch, Wired, The Verge)
• Maintaining revenue in the ad-driven digital economy
• Staying relevant amid rapid technological change

However, TNW’s diversified business model and global network provide a buffer against many of these issues. With the support of the Financial Times and a growing suite of business services, TNW is well-positioned to continue thriving.

Looking ahead, TNW is likely to:

• Expand into new geographical markets
• Develop more video and interactive content
• Introduce AI-driven personalization and content discovery
• Deepen its role as a connector between tech, policy, and society

The Next Web (TNW), established in 2006 by Dutch entrepreneurs Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten and Patrick de Laive, has evolved from a small tech conference in Amsterdam into a globally recognized media and technology platform that serves as a vital pulse-check for global innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. What began as a single event meant to foster discussion around technology trends has grown into a multi-dimensional ecosystem that includes digital news coverage, live events, co-working spaces, startup incubation, and corporate innovation programs, all built around the core mission of bringing the future closer by spotlighting the people and technologies that are building it. As a media brand, TNW has carved out a niche distinct from mainstream tech journalism by providing an international and human-centered perspective, particularly on startups, emerging technologies, and the intersection of technology with society, ethics, and sustainability. While many outlets are entrenched in Silicon Valley narratives, TNW has intentionally highlighted underrepresented voices, emerging tech scenes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and a broader spectrum of ideas that help demystify innovation for a global readership. Its editorial tone combines analytical depth with accessibility, often infused with wit, skepticism, and a strong emphasis on critical thinking, making it appealing to not just tech professionals but also academics, policymakers, creatives, and curious readers around the world. The flagship TNW News platform offers comprehensive coverage on areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, data science, green tech, internet culture, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, with a consistent emphasis on the social and economic implications of these fields. Unlike some tech outlets that focus exclusively on specs, launches, or quarterly earnings, TNW is more interested in the "why" behind innovation—why a technology matters, who it helps or harms, and how it fits into a changing world. TNW’s reach and influence are amplified by its annual TNW Conference, a dynamic event that draws tens of thousands of attendees from around the globe to Amsterdam, including investors, tech entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, developers, and futurists, making it one of the most important tech gatherings in Europe. This conference is known not just for its high-profile keynotes and startup pitch battles but also for its vibrant, festival-like atmosphere that blends technology with creativity, offering a uniquely immersive experience complete with food, music, workshops, installations, and networking opportunities that go far beyond traditional conference formats. At the same time, TNW has translated its philosophy of community-building into physical space through TNW Spaces, a hub for startups, scale-ups, and corporate teams that want to work, collaborate, and innovate in an environment designed to inspire. These co-working spaces in Amsterdam are more than just offices—they are laboratories of innovation that host meetups, hackathons, mentorship programs, and strategic partnerships, fostering a culture of openness and continuous learning. Another significant arm of TNW is its Programs division, which offers consultancy and innovation-as-a-service to large corporations seeking to embrace digital transformation. These services include trend analysis, startup scouting, custom accelerator programs, and thought leadership development, all tailored to help companies stay competitive in fast-changing markets. Through these programs, TNW acts as a bridge between agile startups and slower-moving corporations, helping each learn from the other to drive growth and innovation. TNW also plays a crucial role in amplifying the visibility of early-stage startups through its media coverage, pitch competitions, mentorship initiatives, and partnerships with investors and accelerators. The organization’s focus on startups isn’t just about spotlighting success stories; it’s about nurturing a global innovation ecosystem where even the smallest ideas have the potential to scale and make an impact. This startup-first approach is part of what makes TNW so influential—not only does it report on technology, it helps create the conditions under which technology flourishes. The acquisition of a majority stake in TNW by the Financial Times (FT) in 2019 further solidified its credibility and global reach while preserving its independent voice and editorial autonomy. With FT’s backing, TNW has been able to expand its operations, improve its technological infrastructure, and broaden its business services, while staying true to its original values of openness, experimentation, and optimism about the future. TNW’s importance in the global tech landscape lies not just in what it does but how it does it—with a blend of journalism, community engagement, entrepreneurship, and corporate collaboration that reflects the multifaceted nature of innovation today. As the world becomes increasingly digitized, decentralized, and data-driven, TNW’s ability to anticipate trends, ask difficult questions, and build bridges across sectors positions it as a vital force for progress. It does not merely report on what’s next—it shapes it. Looking ahead, TNW is likely to deepen its investment in multimedia storytelling, such as podcasts, video content, and interactive features, as well as leveraging artificial intelligence and personalization tools to enhance user engagement and accessibility. It may also explore new geographies and partnerships to bring its unique brand of tech storytelling and ecosystem-building to underserved markets and communities around the world. Yet, despite its growth and diversification, the core ethos of TNW remains unchanged: to serve as a beacon of thoughtful, inclusive, and forward-looking discourse in a tech industry that is often criticized for being too insular or hype-driven. In an era where the ethical, social, and environmental dimensions of technology are more important than ever, TNW’s commitment to covering innovation with nuance, skepticism, and humanity makes it not just a news outlet but a cultural force that helps shape the broader conversation about the role of technology in society. Whether it’s profiling a little-known startup working on climate solutions, analyzing the implications of AI regulation in the EU, or creating a space for unlikely collaborators to meet and build something new, TNW continues to embody the spirit of innovation—not as a buzzword, but as a call to action.

The Next Web (TNW), founded in 2006 by Dutch entrepreneurs Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten and Patrick de Laive, has grown from its humble beginnings as a tech conference in Amsterdam into a globally recognized multimedia platform, combining digital journalism, live events, co-working spaces, corporate innovation services, and startup incubation. Initially conceived as a way to bring together tech professionals in Europe and beyond, TNW quickly expanded its reach by offering diverse content across multiple channels, including its flagship TNW News, which provides insightful, often critical commentary on emerging technologies, digital culture, entrepreneurship, and global tech trends. Unlike many other tech media outlets that focus heavily on product launches and industry gossip, TNW emphasizes a human-centered approach, regularly exploring the societal, ethical, and economic implications of technological developments. The company’s editorial voice is engaging, accessible, and often provocative, challenging readers to think beyond the surface level of technological advancements and question their broader impacts on everything from social structures to environmental sustainability. TNW’s content spans a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence and machine learning to blockchain, cybersecurity, and data privacy, offering expert opinions and in-depth analysis to a global audience that includes not only tech enthusiasts and professionals but also policymakers, academics, and even casual readers who are keen to understand how technology intersects with their lives. The site’s ability to stay ahead of the curve and highlight trends before they become mainstream has made it an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in the future of innovation. Additionally, TNW has always maintained a global perspective, offering coverage not just of Silicon Valley, but also of emerging tech scenes across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, giving voice to underrepresented regions and celebrating the diverse global landscape of technological innovation. This international approach has allowed TNW to become a platform where new ideas and voices from all corners of the world can be heard, discussed, and debated. One of the cornerstones of TNW’s success is its annual TNW Conference, which has become one of Europe’s largest and most influential tech events, drawing thousands of entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and tech executives from across the globe. The conference is not just a place for panel discussions and keynote speeches but a vibrant, immersive experience that combines cutting-edge presentations with interactive exhibitions, live performances, networking opportunities, and even music and food festivals. By cultivating this dynamic atmosphere, TNW has created a space where tech innovation and creative expression coexist, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to not only learn about the latest technological developments but to collaborate and forge meaningful connections. TNW’s commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem is another key aspect of its influence in the tech world. Through its TNW Spaces, a co-working and incubator initiative located in Amsterdam, TNW provides startups with more than just office space—it offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners, enabling these startups to scale, collaborate, and thrive in a supportive environment. The organization also offers TNW Programs, a suite of services aimed at helping large corporations innovate and stay competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape. These programs include strategic advice, market research, and bespoke startup accelerator initiatives, all designed to bridge the gap between startups and established companies, encouraging cross-collaboration and the sharing of ideas between the two groups. This service has helped TNW position itself as not only a media company but a key player in the global tech ecosystem, with its finger on the pulse of both cutting-edge innovation and corporate transformation. TNW’s acquisition by the Financial Times in 2019 has further solidified its position in the tech media space, offering it additional resources to expand its services and reach. Despite this acquisition, TNW has remained independent in its editorial approach, allowing it to maintain its unique voice and perspective while benefiting from the backing of one of the world’s most respected financial news organizations. The acquisition also paved the way for TNW to expand its offerings, including more business-to-business services, international partnerships, and deeper engagement with the startup community, ensuring its relevance as both a media outlet and a platform for innovation. Over the years, TNW has also become known for its focus on the ethical dimensions of technological development, with regular coverage of topics such as data privacy, surveillance, the social responsibility of tech companies, and the environmental impacts of digital technologies. In an era where technology has become one of the most powerful forces shaping society, TNW has earned its reputation as a trusted platform for exploring the complexities and challenges that accompany this transformative power. Furthermore, TNW’s dedication to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry has helped it foster a more inclusive startup culture, highlighting the contributions of underrepresented groups and providing a platform for voices that are often marginalized in mainstream tech discourse. This commitment to social responsibility extends beyond its editorial content to the events and programs that TNW organizes, where inclusivity is a core value that guides everything from speaker selection to the types of startups that are showcased. Looking toward the future, TNW is well-positioned to continue evolving in response to the rapidly changing digital landscape. The rise of artificial intelligence, the expansion of decentralized technologies like blockchain, and the increasing demand for sustainable and ethical tech solutions are just a few of the key trends that TNW is poised to cover in depth. Moreover, as the world becomes increasingly connected through the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and smart cities, TNW will likely expand its focus on how technology can be harnessed to address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and public health. As TNW continues to build its brand and extend its global reach, its ability to provide timely, thoughtful, and insightful coverage of the most important technological trends of our time will remain a key asset, helping both the tech industry and its audience stay informed, inspired, and connected. TNW’s dedication to innovation, its ability to predict and shape trends, and its commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive tech ecosystem make it a crucial player in the ongoing conversation about the role of technology in shaping our collective future. Whether it’s through its flagship news platform, its transformative events, or its startup support services, TNW remains one of the most influential and trusted names in the global tech space, playing an indispensable role in driving forward the innovation that will define the next generation of technology. As we continue to move into an increasingly digitized world, TNW’s work in promoting meaningful discussions around tech, its impact on society, and its potential to transform industries ensures that it will remain a critical voice in the tech landscape for years to come.

Summary

The Next Web (TNW) is a dynamic tech media brand that combines journalism, events, startup support, and corporate innovation services. Founded in 2006, it has grown from a local conference into a globally respected platform for tech news and startup culture. Through its conferences, digital content, co-working spaces, and strategic programs, TNW connects key players in the global tech ecosystem and fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

Conclusion

In an era where technology defines progress, platforms like TNW play a pivotal role. By bridging the gap between emerging innovations and mainstream adoption, TNW empowers entrepreneurs, informs consumers, and challenges industries to adapt and evolve. Its unique blend of journalism, networking, and innovation support makes it a crucial node in the ever-expanding web of global technology.

As the world continues to face unprecedented digital transformation, TNW stands not just as an observer, but as a proactive contributor to shaping the future.

Q&A Section

Q1: What is The Next Web (TNW)?

Ans: TNW is a technology-focused media company that provides global tech news, hosts conferences, and supports startup culture through events, innovation hubs, and corporate programs.

Q2: When was TNW founded and by whom?

Ans: TNW was founded in 2006 by Dutch entrepreneurs Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten and Patrick de Laive.

Q3: What makes TNW different from other tech news websites?

Ans: TNW offers a global perspective with a strong emphasis on startup culture, European tech, and the societal impacts of digital innovation, alongside a more personal and critical editorial voice.

Q4: What are TNW’s main services apart from publishing news?

Ans: TNW organizes international tech conferences, operates co-working spaces (TNW Spaces), runs corporate innovation programs, and supports startups through exposure, mentorship, and networking.

Q5: What is the TNW Conference?

Ans: It is an annual event in Amsterdam that gathers tech professionals, startups, investors, and innovators to share ideas, pitch products, and explore future technologies in an engaging and festival-like environment.