Enter European Union’s Key Market for Tech Startups

If you have a growing tech startup with an innovative solution – this is your chance to enter one of the EU’s key tech markets. 

Germany is the European Union’s biggest tech hub with huge networking and funding opportunities.

The Berlin Startup Expansion Week is, together with the Boston and London editions, one of StartSmart’s three international events aimed at helping innovative tech startups grow their businesses abroad. 

And thanks to being a part of MIT J-WEL and MIT Open Learning, we can equip tech entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and network they need to succeed in both local and international markets. 

Why Berlin?

Berlin is the heart of the EU’s biggest tech market with excellent access to funding. Over the next few years, the German government alone plans to provide over €50 billion in venture capital for start-ups. 

The city itself is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world with excellent networking opportunities. It’s a place where people from all over the EU and beyond come to exchange ideas and experiences and grow their tech startups. 

Just last year, the city became home to six new startup unicorns! 

On top of that, if you move your business to Berlin, you and your team will get access to:

• One of the highest qualities of life in all of the European capital cities. Berlin is one of the greenest cities in Europe.
• Qualified talent. Germany’s education system is one of the best in the world, giving businesses access to a highly-skilled workforce.
• Affordable cost of living. Compared to other startup hubs, the city offers a lot more for your money.

Considering all of the above, it’s no surprise that around a third of all German startups come from Germany’s capital. 

Many of them are founded by foreign entrepreneurs. 

Will you become one of them?

Here’s What’s Waiting for You During Berlin Expansion Week:

During the Berlin Startup Expansion Week, you’ll get access to everything you need to expand your business into Germany:

• Learn all the quirks and differences of the German market you need to know to succeed. Its advantages, disadvantages as well as the do’s and don’ts. Some things will surprise you!
• Network with other tech founders and serial entrepreneurs who chose Berlin for their business. Exchange experiences and ideas and establish a network that’ll help you enter the market.

• Gain insights into your industry’s situation in Germany – what’s different, and what do you need to pay special attention to. The trends, opportunities and challenges.
• Meet with business services providers who help startups just like yours. Get help with key business matters including incorporation, IP and other legal questions.
• Get a unique opportunity to find investors and customers even before you enter the market, accelerating your international expansion

Will you take the opportunity?

Who Is the Berlin Expansion Week for?

The Berlin Expansion Week is an excellent opportunity for all tech startup founders who plan to scale abroad in the near future and want to take advantage of Germany’s thriving innovation ecosystem and the country’s strong economy. 

Participation in the Expansion Week will benefit you the most if:

• Your startup has already got traction in your home market.
• You are serious about entering the German market and want to learn about running a business in Germany. 
• You’re ready to pitch your idea and network with potential investors and clients.
• You’re open to exchanging ideas and learning new things from other entrepreneurs.
• You have the resources to scale or are willing to find an investor (and have an offer ready).
• You’re willing to relocate existing or hire new employees in Berlin.
• Your innovation is suitable for the German market.

And, most importantly – you’re open to learning about the German market, ready to embrace the differences, face the challenges, and determined to enter the market!

Industry Experts

Meet with law, marketing, tech, and other business professionals who can give you the insights and advice you need to successfully expand into the German market.

Investors

Network with and pitch local investors and VCs who can provide you with the financing you need to expand your business into Germany.

Entrepreneurs and Inventors

Meet other tech founders and entrepreneurs. Exchange experiences, share insights and observations about the local market. Use the new knowledge to take advantage of the EU’s #1 economy.