For the last couple of years, there has been a lot of talk about the startup scene in the capital city of the first European economy. Opinions are divided –while some experts think Berlin rocks, others point out some lacks and dark spots. Truth be told, Berlin’s startup scene has experienced an fast-paced growth and it has already become the first startup hub in Germany, outdoing Hamburg, Hesse, and Bavaria.
More new businesses are started in Berlin than in any other German Land (128 new business per 10.000 residents) and according to a study by McKinsey & Company, by 2020 Berlin could deliver more than 100,000 new jobs thanks to startups.
Berlin entrepreneurs are highly educated (86% of them have a Masters or PhD) and a total of 5.3% of Germany’s adult population are actively trying to set up new businesses (nascent entrepreneurs) or were owners or managers of firms that were no more than 3 1⁄2 years old (young businesses).
The incubator/accelerator scene has experienced an amazing growth during the last years and by December 2012 there were already 20 incubators based in the city. In 2012, German and international venture capitalists in Berlin invested EUR 133 million in startups. On the other hand, Sharedesk.net lists around 60 coworking spaces in Berlin.
What do you think? Can Berlin become the biggest international startup hub in Europe, surpassing cities like London and Paris?
We have looked for some facts and figures about Berlin’s startup scene and gathered them together in an infographic, take a look and let us know what your thoughts are.
