German Angst? How To Build A Strong Tech Economy

The German word Angst describes a diffuse feeling of uneasiness, often associated with a hesitance to deal with challenges. This DLD22 session with investors Jeannette zu Fürstenberg (La Famiglia) and Christian Miele (Headline), moderated by Ina Fried (Axios), explores how the stereotypical Angst plays out in Germany’s startup and investment ecosystem.

“Years ago, it was absolutely okay that we were looking for role models on how startup ecosystems should work, and what makes them strong and successful”, Miele notes – but these days are over.

“I think that Germany, and Europe as a whole, has a lot of really great assets, and a big opportunity ahead of us to become our own version of a globally leading ecosystem.”

Jeanette zu Fürstenberg agrees. After starting with a lot of “me too” products, she notes, founders have discovered their own strengths, often with smart B2B solutions in areas like supply-chain management – and these opportunities have attracted the attention of U.S. investors as well, creating better conditions for entrepreneurs.

“It used to be – in Germany at least – a VC-dominated ecosystem where the VCs would be able to call the shots”, Jeanette zu Fürstenberg says. “Now, thank God, it’s the founders that can actually set the terms that they want to see.”

The discussion also touches upon the global competition for talent, why European startups need an international mindset from the get-go, and whether democratic societies have an advantage in creating successful companies.