Capital in Germany at least is very concentrated. Instead of young people starting businesses, you have people age 55+ starting their second or third venture. Not a matter of age, but capital distribution more or less makes the old generation the boss. And arguing with them about sensible future development is tiring at some point. There are some exceptions to this, but you really feel the fear of tech from a lot of sides.
We couldn't even manage to have a sensible legal framework for free wifi. People say legislation is slow, but in cases were rights holders feared their decline, the law mowed down any innovation before it could happen.
I don't necessarily agree with the outlier story, but everyone needs at least some capital and options to start a venture. And you don't do that as a side project while needing to earn your keep. You can live comfortable as an engineer too and many just don't want to start a business anymore.
Also, there is a significant penalty for Europe and that is language. English as a base language is a major advantage for almost all kinds of software products. It would be smarter to primarily target that market instead of the domestic one.
That said, I don't see only benefits and the tripple down effect of star companies of the US. I also believe that success isn't reliant on these superstars. They have to see that they aren't fading as quickly as they have risen. And there are also successful ventures in Europe. You just often don't know their name as a consumer.
We couldn't even manage to have a sensible legal framework for free wifi. People say legislation is slow, but in cases were rights holders feared their decline, the law mowed down any innovation before it could happen.
I don't necessarily agree with the outlier story, but everyone needs at least some capital and options to start a venture. And you don't do that as a side project while needing to earn your keep. You can live comfortable as an engineer too and many just don't want to start a business anymore.
Also, there is a significant penalty for Europe and that is language. English as a base language is a major advantage for almost all kinds of software products. It would be smarter to primarily target that market instead of the domestic one.
That said, I don't see only benefits and the tripple down effect of star companies of the US. I also believe that success isn't reliant on these superstars. They have to see that they aren't fading as quickly as they have risen. And there are also successful ventures in Europe. You just often don't know their name as a consumer.