Is Berlin a tech city?
The short answer is yes. Dubbed the fastest-growing tech city in Europe by Hubspot, areas like Silicon Allee are tech communities, with startups attracted to the city.
Furthermore, there are also tons of enterprise software companies in Berlin. Why? The availability of affordable office space, not to mention the culture and diversity, enticing young people from all over the world.
The cost of living is low (especially compared to Silicon Valley in the US), there’s work-life balance, and dynamism. Fair job opportunities are offered to tech and software companies in Berlin, cutting out recruiters and middlemen, and the metropolis is home to a large range of co-working spaces.
In 2019, tech companies in Berlin received nearly 40% of the total capital raised by German startups. Tech organizations also have local government support, whereby an initiative with KfW Capital promotes technology-oriented growth companies in Germany.
Even London-based Revolut and Stockholm’s Klarna have opened tech centers in Berlin.
Is Berlin good for startups?
Berlin is a startup hub.
According to TechMeetups, a new startup is founded every 20 minutes in the city. With tons of venture capital, Berlin is the ideal place to invest in startups.
Not to mention the creative and intellectual appeal, with people from all over the globe flocking to the municipality. There’s also excellent infrastructure and a melting pot of nationalities.
Some of the best startups in Berlin at the moment include Gorillas, Pitch, and eco-aware Planetly. On that environmental note, since 2020, Netguru is BCorp™ certified, following best practices in terms of sustainability, should that be a priority for clients.
Is Berlin turning into Europe's fintech capital?
Morphing into a financial technology hub, there’s an array of international companies in Berlin focusing on fintech.
A strong competitor among global destinations, the city is home to a skilled pool of international labor and boasts easy access to the EU.
Fintech startups companies in Berlin to watch include N26, Friday, Raisin, Taxfix, and Solarisbank, a previous client of Netguru’s.
In April 2018, Netguru organized Disruption Forum Berlin Fintech, an event fostering discussion on the future of fintech.
Featuring fintech experts, speakers included Chief Product Officer at Solarisbank Dr. Jörg Howein, our Chief Strategy Officer Kuba Filipowski, and Chief Product Officer at N26 Lorenz Jüngling
What is N26 Germany?
N26 is a Berlin-based fintech and a frontrunner in digital solutions applied to banking.
Rewind to 2014: Nobody took them seriously. By 2019, the online-only bank attracted more than 10,000 customers a day. Designed to be simple and transparent, the app uses innovative technology and has more than seven million customers.
These days, founders Max and Valentin also have teams in Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Vienna, New York, and São Paulo. Our 2019 Disruption Forum took place in NYC, with the US CEO of N26 – Nicolas Kopp – speaking.
