AJ Coetzee, Rise

When a Dutch startup duo linked up with a local venture builder to offer affordable international calling plans to the African diaspora in South Africa, it wasn’t Cape Town or Johannesburg that they chose for their headquarters, but, rather, Amsterdam. Hans Osnabrugge, who founded Talk360 with fellow countryman Jorne Schamp and local venture builder Dean Hiine in 2016, says the Dutch city was an obvious choice.

Not only does the Netherlands offer lower taxes than South Africa, and a stable currency, there is also more experienced startup talent and good access to investors. It helps that everyone speaks good English. The only thing that sucks, he jokes, is the weather.