In a report in Der Spiegel, Bitkom – “Germany’s Digital Association”, has revealed interim results of a survey on startups. According to the publication, less than half of survey respondents would want to launch a startup in Europe’s largest economy. Over 30% see launching in the US as a far better option. Finding growth capital is apparently the biggest obstacle as 55% stated finance is a problem even while 47% said the environment had improved during the past two years.
Thorstein Dirks, President of Bitkom, told Der Speigel;
“This is alarming since it is becoming increasingly difficult [to start a company].” Dirks believes Germany needs to begin “where Germany already has the edge” in specific business sectors.
While Germany may be challenged in providing a streamlined funding for early stage companies, some German politicians see opportunity in the UK EU Referendum results. Berlin is trying to position their city as the perfect location for UK startups to move to following the Brexit. Below is an image of a truck touring London promoting:
“Dear Startups: Keep Calm and Move to Berlin.”
Funny.
From the country that invented the word “Schadenfreude.” The FDP is driving this truck around London today. pic.twitter.com/zGEuLxonhQ
— (((Charles Hawley))) (@charles_hawley) July 5, 2016