Estefania Hernandez has embarked on a venture-driven journey, leaving behind Mexico City to establish her third startup in unfamiliar territory. With the Dutch Startup Visa facilitating her entry, Hernandez settled in Rotterdam, aiming for global reach with her HR tech platform, Everday. Within a short span, she secured a significant customer base across continents and acquired substantial funding for expansion. Her narrative is a testament to international entrepreneurship, highlighting challenges and opportunities in navigating startup ecosystems across borders.
The Dutch Startup Visa program has evolved, creating pathways for international founders. Earlier critiques noted sluggish administrative processes. Yet, Hernandez’s recent experience showcases improved efficiency, obtaining approval just weeks after application. This shift indicates positive changes, with support structures like Builders Studio expediting entry into the Dutch entrepreneurial ecosystem faster than before.
What Sparked the Creation of Everday?
Hernandez collaborated with Builders Studio, engaging deeply with the HR tech realm. Through extensive interviews with HR leaders, she identified challenges in aligning skills with evolving workplace demands. This insight led to Everday, an AI-driven platform streamlining skill mapping and workforce management, catering to companies globally. Hernandez’s innovative approach addresses the need for dynamic skill tracking and development, making a mark on the tech landscape.
How Did the Dutch Startup Visa Facilitate Hernandez’s Journey?
Utilizing the Dutch Startup Visa, Hernandez transitioned from leading a social enterprise in Mexico to founding a globally-minded startup. She praised the rapid visa process facilitated by Builders Studio, which provided excellent guidance and structural support, enabling her to establish her SaaS venture efficiently. The startup community in the Netherlands, known for its openness and cooperation, also contributed to her successful establishment of Everday.
Navigating the Dutch entrepreneurial landscape, Hernandez benefited from robust networking opportunities, connecting with investors and potential clients. In just over a year, Everday secured clients across continents and raised capital through strategic financial partnerships. The Dutch ecosystem offered not only foundational support but also a nurturing environment for startups like Everday to thrive internationally.
Planning for the future, Hernandez and her co-founder, Dylan Morland, have set ambitious goals. Everday aims to influence workforce management by 2030, leveraging AI for strategic talent decisions. Their focus remains on sustainable growth, cultivating a lean team to maintain agility in product development and market responsiveness.
Aspiring entrepreneurs are urged to mentally prepare for the challenges of entering new markets and to seek facilitators who resonate with their goals. Hernandez emphasizes the value of leveraging local networks and communities for support and inspiration. The Dutch Startup Visa continues to offer significant advantages, with possibilities for long-term residency, further enriching the entrepreneurial experience.
As Everday expands, alternate immigration pathways such as the “Highly Skilled Migrant” visa could enhance its global talent acquisition strategy. Hernandez appreciates the multicultural potential the Netherlands offers, supporting diversity in workforce development. Her journey exemplifies leveraging international opportunities to grow a business while adapting to new cultural landscapes.
