Germany Startup Blog written by Tobias Worzyk & Kevin Dykes

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German Startups Taking the Stage

March 28, 2009

Hamburg cityhall, Germany

Image via Wikipedia

Several months ago I moved to Hamburg, Germany after spending many years in Austin, TX - a fantastic city and tech startup mecca. I am and have always been in/around the startup world - as a founder, partner, employee or contributor. Nothing amazingly famous, but a number of fun, profitable companies who made some great software. I’m now a consultant in a Startup Accelerator - headquarted in Austin and my outpost here in Hamburg. The point is that I dig the startup scene, have a pretty keen eye for great companies & business models that will likely bubble to the top - and I love talking to & working with people behind them.

As a newcomer to Hamburg, I’ve been digging into everything going on in the startup & social media world - here and in Germany overall - since, as I’ve said, this is where I make my living. Reading blogs, tracking on Twitter, going to meetups like Open Coffee Club, Social Media Club and meeting tons of people. So, when the opportunity arose to partner on GermanyStartups.com - I thought it would be an interesting way to dig deeper into the who’s, what’s and why’s of this startup economy.

As can be my way when I write, I’ve been agonizing over how to tell the bigger story. That story is this… that there are some really great tech startups here, with innovative business models, strong financial foundation, and an eye for growth during a challenging economy. But, rather than make that a single article, I’ve decided to dive deep into the foundation, the catalyst for growth and success that I’m finding here.

The upcoming topics will include:

  • The economic & investment foundation of the tech startup scene in Germany. Bootstrapping means something a bit different here
  • The ‘big wins’ in Germany - successful companies who have paved the way for a strong tech & VC/Angel investment scene
  • Interviews with the founders & investors behind some of those companies
  • Interviews with people behind the forward-thinking events here in Germany, such as the Next09, MicroBlogging Conference and DLD 09

Is there anything you want to see? Any people you want interviewed? Let me know what you’re interested in hearing about.

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Written by kdykes · Filed Under Blog · Comments

To all the US internet startups thinking about going to Europe: Start off in Germany

March 27, 2009

If you are a US internet startup and are thinking about entering the European market you are likely to consider the UK as the starting point in the old world. Think twice: Germany might be the better choice. Why is that? Let´s have a look at the facts:

Market size (regarding population):

UK: 60 Mio vs. Germany/Austria/Schwitzerland (all German speaking, known as the DACH region): 98 Mio

Community

There´s is a very vivid internet professionals community in Germany, especially in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. Whether you are looking for staff, cooperation partners or mavens who promote your business, they are all there.

Costs

The rent for office space in - let´s say - Berlin is a bargain compared to the high end prices in the London city area. As is the level of prices regarding living expenses in general. Even experienced staff costs you at lot less in Germany.

Currency

In almost every European country you can pay with the Euro. Not so in the UK. Consider this if your business is selling products.

Geolocation

If you want to set up a European headquarter, Germany is the place to be. It is centrally located in Europe so you have quick access to all other EU countries.

Difference

As a great part of the US startups who try to conquer Europe start off in the UK, it will provide your company an outstanding position if you don´t follow the crowd. Press coverage will be easier to gain, the attention of the internet community in Germany easier to catch.

Traps and Hurdles

Don´t assume to conquer Europe as a whole. Every country has it´s own regional distinctions. Whether you start from the UK or from Germany: You have to work yourself through the other countries one by one. Of course, this sounds not very encouraging at  first. But be assured: If you do take on the challange, your competitors will have a hard time catching up to you.

So, see you in Germany soon.

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Written by tworzyk · Filed Under Blog, Startups · Comments