The differences between new firms, even the differences present right at the start, may affect their life course and success over time. This article addresses the determinants of success of Dutch start-ups from a longitudinal perspective. After an overview of the literature on both the definition of success and the success factors of new firms we test how new firm characteristics relate to firm growth in number of employees using a panel of nearly 2,000 firms. In addition to a large firm size right from the start, good preparation, having a business partner, and some years in salaried employment also enhance firm growth. Based on these success determinants we construct a typology of starters that may be used to predict future growth chances. JEL classification: D21, M13, R30

Abstract. The differences between new firms, even the differences present right at the start, may affect their life course and success over time. This article addresses the determinants of success of Dutch start‐ups from a longitudinal perspective. After an overview of the literature on both the definition of success and the success factors of new firms we test how new firm characteristics relate to firm growth in number of employees using a panel of nearly 2,000 firms. In addition to a large firm size right from the start, good preparation, having a business partner, and some years in salaried employment also enhance firm growth. Based on these success determinants we construct a typology of starters that may be used to predict future growth chances.

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WEVER E. and STAM E. (1999) Clusters of high technology SMEs: the Dutch case, Reg. Studies 33 , 391-400 . This paper examines the relevance of high technology clusters in the specific Dutch spatial context: a relatively small and homogeneous country. In this context the spatial pattern of high technology firms is congruent with, or closely follows, the general spatial pattern of all firms. Regional clusters, characterized by innovation linkages with other firms and knowledge centres, hardly exist. Most high technology small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have nationwide linkages. WEVER E. et STAM E. (1999) Les regroupements de PME de pointe: etude de cas de la Hollande, Reg. Studies 33 , 391-400 . Cet article cherche a examiner l'importance des regroupements de PME de pointe quant a la geographie de la Hollande, un pays relativement petit et homogene. Dans ce contexte-la, la distribution geographique des entreprises de pointe est en harmonie avec ou correspond etroitement a la distribution generale des entreprises. Rares sont les regroupements regionaux, caracterises par des relations avec d'autres entreprises et d'autres centres d'etudes. La plupart des PME de pointe jouissent des liens sur l'ensemble du territoire. WEVER E. und STAM E. (1999) Kluster hoch technisierter kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen: der Fall der Niederlande, Reg. Studies 33 , 391-400 . Dieser Aufsatz untersucht die Relevanz hoch technisierter Kluster im spezifisch niederla �ndischen ra �umlichen Zusammenhang, d.h. einem relativ kleinen und homogenen Lande. In diesem Zusammenhang entspricht das ra �umliche Muster der Hochtechnologiefirmen dem allgemeinen ra �umlichen Muster aller Firmen, oder folgt ihm weitgehend. Es gibt kaum regionale Kluster, die durch Innovationsverknu �pfungen mit anderen Firmen und Wissenszentren charakerisiert werden. Die meisten hoch technisierten kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen unterhalten landesweit Verbindungen.The Randstad, High Technology Smes, High Technology Services, Co-OPERATION, Innovative Activities, Regional Clusters,

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