Dutch unicorn Bird leaves the “overregulated” EU for “global hubs” — along with a meditation retreat.

      The Dutch software company Bird is relocating the majority of its operations outside the Netherlands and establishing new global hubs in response to what co-founder and CEO Robert Vis describes as “overregulation” in Europe. Vis shared his views with TNW, stating, "The AI Act, financing, compensation, taxes, employment law — starting and running a company [in Europe] is challenging." He noted that there are "too many disparate markets that are excessively regulated without a clear vision for the future, while the world around us is changing."

      Bird, which was previously known as MessageBird, stands as one of the Netherlands’ top tech scaleups, achieving unicorn status in 2018. The company’s core offering is a cloud-based platform that facilitates customer communications across various channels, including messaging apps, calls, video, SMS, and email. Recently, Bird launched a new “AI employee” chatbot designed to manage tasks such as answering customer questions, qualifying leads, and delivering personalized support.

      In pursuit of the company’s next growth phase, Vis is now turning to international markets. He expressed frustration, saying, “Both The Hague and Brussels prefer meetings and discussions over actually getting things done,” and criticized EU policymakers for “stifling innovation.”

      Bird, which is based in Amsterdam, plans to open three offices in the US, along with one each in Singapore, Dubai, and Istanbul. Additionally, it will set up a “meditation, rejuvenation, and health centre” in Thailand for its employees, as noted by Vis in a LinkedIn update.

      Despite these changes, Bird will continue to keep an office in Lithuania and retain its tax base in the Netherlands for the time being, indicating that it is not entirely exiting the EU.

      Earlier this month, Bird announced the reduction of 120 jobs, approximately one-third of its total workforce, primarily based in Europe. Vis attributed some of the layoffs to new AI tools, emphasizing that the move also aimed to “position our teams closer to our customers” in the “Americas and Asia,” as he mentioned to TechCrunch.

      This development occurs as the EU advances its significant AI Act, which was implemented last year. The act provides a regulatory framework for AI based on varying risk levels, intending to assure safe, transparent, and ethical use of the technology.

      In contrast, the US is taking a different approach. While the EU enforces strict regulations, the previous Trump administration focused on easing AI restrictions and appointed prominent tech leaders like Elon Musk to influential government roles.

      Vis remarked, “There is no halting this technology whether we approve or not. Whatever the future brings — to compete, you must be liberal, not restrictive.”

      Vis has previously spoken at the TNW Conference, which is scheduled for June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets are currently available, and using the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at checkout provides a 30% discount.