The Dutch startup incubator B. Amsterdam is set to open a location at Brooklyn Navy Yards. The Netherlands-based business incubator will introduce new jobs to the area as well as attract an increased number of global technology tenants. In addition to agreeing to occupy 100,000 square feet of the property’s space, they’ll create approximately 500 living-wage jobs.
The company, which provides business and real estate services, made the announcement on Wednesday, September 7th. At the new location, they will share their knowledge, with regards to tax planning, legal, real estate, and human resource, with about 300 early and growth-stage startups. According to a statement, Brooklyn Navy Yard Chief Executive Officer David Ehrenberg stated, “B. Amsterdam will connect the Brooklyn and greater New York business communities with dynamic product design and tech companies across Europe.”
“Cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Stockholm are teeming with entrepreneurs looking to conquer the world with a new product or service. And they are all looking for ways to scale up,” said Kajsa Ollongren, the deputy mayor of Amsterdam, according to the Real Deal. “With the creation of B.NY, these startups will be able to enter the US market faster and easier.”
Once a shipbuilding site for the U.S. Navy, The Navy Yard later became a city-owned industrial park. During the peak of World War II, the Yards employed 70,000 people, and it currently houses 7,000 workers. That number is expected to double over the next five years as Navy Yard projects unfurl.
The commercial development plans grew from a partnership that began with Alicia Glen, New York’s deputy mayor for housing and economic development, and Amsterdam Deputy Mayor Kajsa Ollongren. B. Amsterdam will dedicate about 15 percent of their space to businesses centered on technology, hardware, and product design companies.
The development of the facility will begin during the early months of 2017. After it’s completion, it’ll be a homestead for European markets looking to expand into U.S. markets, and it will also enable local entrepreneurs to develop relationships with European clients. The incubator will occupy Building 127 at the complex. They’ll be joining the ranks of companies, such as Brooklyn Brewery, which signed a lease to take 75,000 square feet at the Navy Yard’s Building 77. Also, 1776, a tech incubator and seed fund, signed a 30,000-square-foot lease.