A Look at Berlin’s Startup Ecosystem
An interview with Norbert Herrmann (Head of Startup Affairs, Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises) and Marcia Schranner (Startup Coordinator, Berlin Partner for Business and Technology).
To what extent is the Berlin startup ecosystem changing? Can trends be identified?
Marcia Schranner: The Berlin Startup ecosystem has established itself in recent years as an indispensible economic driver in the city. Formerly niche areas such as AI, impact, deeptech or fintech have now proven to be the largest targets for investment. This rapid transition reflects Berlin’s position as a melting pot for new ideas that startups bring, quickly developing and expanding upon new topics with a critical mass of players who drive the momentum of movements such as VR, Blockchain and social media. The areas of quantum, space technology and dual use are seen as key future technologies.
What makes Berlin special in your eyes?
Norbert Hermann: In Richard Florida’s study on Silicon Valley, three T’s were listed as success factors for a functioning ecosystem: Tolerance, Technology and Talent. With its research and university landscape, Berlin also has outstanding technological experts, it has an unrivaled attraction for talent, and Berlin has been known for centuries as the City of Freedom for its tolerance. We have a fourth ‘T’ in Berlin: ‘Together’. The Startup Agenda is a result of the successful collaboration of our ecosystem.
Have successes already been achieved in relation to the Startup Agenda measures?
Norbert Hermann: The Berlin ecosystem is very active. There are heaps of events, meet-ups, pitch sessions and more every day. Impact innovation challenges have already been launched, testbed-programmes advised, the startup residency permits promoted, female founders networked with the state government and cooperation networks connected and made visible. Our latest activities are our Support Landscapes to connect startups looking for support with the right providers faster.
What tips do you have for those who are considering setting up a company in Berlin?
Marcia Schranner: The ecosystem is very complex and diverse. Many startups don‘t realise what free-of-charge-services they have access to. Berlin Partner for Business and Technology is there to help and offers free service packages to support with questions around funding programmes, networking options, mentoring, talent or the right location. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) helps with all questions relating to setting up a business and the Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) offers advice on financing options.
Find out more
For more information about the Startup Agenda and Berlin startup ecosystem: Startups – Berlin.de
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