German American Conference

Startup ecosystems in the US and Germany differ tremendously. Within both ecosystems, founders encounter a different array of challenges, such as difficult access to capital, shortage of high-tech talents in recruiting, failing legal protection, and stigma associated with failure. This panel aims to contrast the extent to which founders face these and other hurdles within Germany and the US.
In light of the €2.1bn “Venture EU” fund-of-fund structure and von der Leyen’s plan to create a €100bn “European Future Fund” a particular emphasis will be laid on access to capital provided through governments and political institutions. Is the availability of capital really the solution to fostering thriving startup ecosystems or just a catalyst for another investment bubble?

This and more will be discussed as the panelists share their personal experiences, their view on the current funding situation, and other hurdles currently encountered by startups in the US and Germany.

Startups combine formerly siloed ideas to create new technologies and innovations. These innovations are fundamental tools to overcome existing barriers by providing new forms of communication, media, and transport.