Comments on: Europe 2.0: European tech investing “coming of age,” as events hard-wire the network http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/ Startup and Technology News Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:29:00 -0800 hourly 1 By: web design tipperary, ireland http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-2492169 web design tipperary, ireland Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:42:40 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-2492169 it is suprising that there are not more web 2.0 startups here in europe, considering the highly skilled IT workforce...many internet stalwarts have setup european hubs in Dublin, perhaps if these individuals took a stab at putting their own ideas on the market we would see this landscape changing it is suprising that there are not more web 2.0 startups here in europe, considering the highly skilled IT workforce…many internet stalwarts have setup european hubs in Dublin, perhaps if these individuals took a stab at putting their own ideas on the market we would see this landscape changing

]]> By: Berislav Lopac http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1950546 Berislav Lopac Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:01:33 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1950546 With all the links, Mike has missed the Web.Start conference in Zagreb -- http://webstart.ini.hr Southeast Europe also has been growing up -- we got a Seedcamp winner (Zemanta), some success stories developed abroad (Simpy, Todoist) and even some successful startups growing from here (activeCollab, Xclaim). With all the links, Mike has missed the Web.Start conference in Zagreb — http://webstart.ini.hr

Southeast Europe also has been growing up — we got a Seedcamp winner (Zemanta), some success stories developed abroad (Simpy, Todoist) and even some successful startups growing from here (activeCollab, Xclaim).

]]> By: Christoph Jaggi http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1937326 Christoph Jaggi Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:59:35 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1937326 Tom, Europe as shorthand for the EU? EU is the perfect shorthand for EU. No need to pretend to be more than than the EU actually is. Those who use Europe as shorthand for everything European also tend to have huge problems understanding the difference between a continent and European political organizations. Tom,

Europe as shorthand for the EU? EU is the perfect shorthand for EU. No need to pretend to be more than than the EU actually is. Those who use Europe as shorthand for everything European also tend to have huge problems understanding the difference between a continent and European political organizations.

]]> By: Tom Clarke http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1937316 Tom Clarke Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:51:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1937316 Nah, 'Europe' is acceptable shorthand for the EU nowadays, just as 'America' is acceptable shorthand for the USA. Anyway, the European flag *is* the flag of the Council of Europe. It was adopted by the European Parliament later on. Nah, ‘Europe’ is acceptable shorthand for the EU nowadays, just as ‘America’ is acceptable shorthand for the USA.

Anyway, the European flag *is* the flag of the Council of Europe. It was adopted by the European Parliament later on.

]]> By: Christoph Jaggi http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1937292 Christoph Jaggi Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:36:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1937292 The only flag that represents 47 member states is the one of the Council of Europe (an organization that is complete different from the EU). http://www.coe.int/T/E/Com/About_Coe/emblems/emblemes.asp) The only flag that represents 47 member states is the one of the Council of Europe (an organization that is complete different from the EU).

http://www.coe....ms/emblemes.asp)

]]> By: Mike Butcher http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1937204 Mike Butcher Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:27:43 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1937204 Christoph - As it happens I know the difference between the EU and Europe as a continent of many different states. Unfortunately at the time I wrote the post I could not think of an image to represent Europe other than the EU flag, and as you point out it would be nice to have something which visually represented the wider Europe, especially the 'New Europe' of former Eastern Bloc states. Christoph – As it happens I know the difference between the EU and Europe as a continent of many different states. Unfortunately at the time I wrote the post I could not think of an image to represent Europe other than the EU flag, and as you point out it would be nice to have something which visually represented the wider Europe, especially the ‘New Europe’ of former Eastern Bloc states.

]]> By: Christoph Jaggi http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1937190 Christoph Jaggi Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:18:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1937190 Mike, Europe and the EU are as different as America and the USA. Europe is a continent and not a country or a political organization. Europe does not have a flag, but the EU has. Using an (outdated) EU flag as symbol for Europe in your post might be visually appealing, but is plain wrong. E.g. Switzerland and Norway are part of Europe, but not of the EU, while Martinique and the Falkland Islands are part of the EU, but not Europe. There are quite a lot more VCs and networks than you listed in Europe, but yours is an excellent starting point. One event that really has changed the landscape is the European TechTour (www.techtour.com). Mike,

Europe and the EU are as different as America and the USA. Europe is a continent and not a country or a political organization. Europe does not have a flag, but the EU has. Using an (outdated) EU flag as symbol for Europe in your post might be visually appealing, but is plain wrong. E.g. Switzerland and Norway are part of Europe, but not of the EU, while Martinique and the Falkland Islands are part of the EU, but not Europe.

There are quite a lot more VCs and networks than you listed in Europe, but yours is an excellent starting point. One event that really has changed the landscape is the European TechTour (www.techtour.com).

]]> By: chrisco http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1937130 chrisco Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:10:34 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1937130 I think Europe will be a tech hub comparable to Silicon Valley, or even better. Just need to give it time. Could really speed things up with a couple of BIG winners that stay in Europe instead of go to America. That is so old school, guys. I think Europe will be a tech hub comparable to Silicon Valley, or even better. Just need to give it time. Could really speed things up with a couple of BIG winners that stay in Europe instead of go to America. That is so old school, guys.

]]> By: Jan Horna http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1936499 Jan Horna Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:37:59 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1936499 We organize Web 2.0 Czech meeting in Prague tomorrow .. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=7656546900" rel="nofollow">http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=7656546900</a>. So something is going on :-) We organize Web 2.0 Czech meeting in Prague tomorrow .. http://www.face...?eid=7656546900. So something is going on :-)

]]> By: Tekin Tatar http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1936382 Tekin Tatar Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:29:48 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1936382 Great post, great information. One page summary for networking. Please continue to write about Europe... Great post, great information. One page summary for networking. Please continue to write about Europe…

]]> By: Lisa http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1936251 Lisa Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:21:29 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1936251 Good post Mike. If you're reading this and you are a European start-up who believes they have something valuable to say to the rest of the community, please do drop us a line at Carsonified.com as we're at the early planning stages for FOWA London 07. Good post Mike. If you’re reading this and you are a European start-up who believes they have something valuable to say to the rest of the community, please do drop us a line at Carsonified.com as we’re at the early planning stages for FOWA London 07.

]]> By: Bali http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1936018 Bali Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:41:50 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1936018 Ai and the future of the communities in the world and the real powers in the world are separated todabia. Loa making reference to Arabs and Latinos Ai and the future of the communities in the world and the real powers in the world are separated todabia. Loa making reference to Arabs and Latinos

]]> By: tomas zeman http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935995 tomas zeman Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:20:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935995 #7 I agree with you. btw.: Tomorrow is a Prague OpenCoffe if anybody is interrested #7 I agree with you.
btw.: Tomorrow is a Prague OpenCoffe if anybody is interrested

]]> By: Larry Larrikin http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935990 Larry Larrikin Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:13:35 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935990 "cynics might argue there are still too few Web 2.0 or Mobile 2.0 companies coming out of Europe" Cynics might argue there are way too many Web 2.0 companies coming out of America. “cynics might argue there are still too few Web 2.0 or Mobile 2.0 companies coming out of Europe”

Cynics might argue there are way too many Web 2.0 companies coming out of America.

]]> By: Boris http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935972 Boris Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:56:45 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935972 Thanks for the LinkLove. Some people say that Europeans are less likely to 'network' as Americans do and that explains why there isn't a strong community here like in SF. I hope stuff like OpenCoffee will help Europe to get together. That, and our blog of course... Thanks for the LinkLove. Some people say that Europeans are less likely to ‘network’ as Americans do and that explains why there isn’t a strong community here like in SF. I hope stuff like OpenCoffee will help Europe to get together. That, and our blog of course…

]]> By: me8 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935964 me8 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:51:51 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935964 do not miss European Ecommerce Conference www.eec-conference.com do not miss European Ecommerce Conference http://www.eec-conference.com

]]> By: José Luis Antúnez http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935922 José Luis Antúnez Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:17:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935922 Spain is not different. 'Evento Blog España', the bigger blogger and web entrepeneur conference in Spain and maybe the second most important in Europe (+600 participants last year) Spain is not different. ‘Evento Blog España’, the bigger blogger and web entrepeneur conference in Spain and maybe the second most important in Europe (+600 participants last year)

]]> By: Arne http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935916 Arne Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:10:27 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935916 Good news. I think Wim has a good point about aiming for early revenue or getting critical mass. Lets go Europe. Good news. I think Wim has a good point about aiming for early revenue or getting critical mass. Lets go Europe.

]]> By: Shafqat http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935915 Shafqat Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:09:31 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935915 As an entrepreneur 'on the ground' in Europe, I can see the startup industry mature and blossom before my eyes. We have huge VCs who participate in the local scene and organise OpenCoffee events (Index for example). The number of entrepreneurs and startup conferences grows each day. I think the only people who are critical about the European startup scene probably live outside Europe. Of course, its all relative - no one will argue that silicon valley is the best place to be if you're starting up. But if you happen to be outside the valley, as long as you have a solid idea and can execute, your chances are just as good. As an entrepreneur ‘on the ground’ in Europe, I can see the startup industry mature and blossom before my eyes. We have huge VCs who participate in the local scene and organise OpenCoffee events (Index for example). The number of entrepreneurs and startup conferences grows each day. I think the only people who are critical about the European startup scene probably live outside Europe. Of course, its all relative – no one will argue that silicon valley is the best place to be if you’re starting up. But if you happen to be outside the valley, as long as you have a solid idea and can execute, your chances are just as good.

]]> By: Yakov http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935897 Yakov Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:55:00 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935897 The Russian tech investing is coming of age too. The Russian tech investing is coming of age too.

]]> By: Wim http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935888 Wim Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:44:34 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935888 btw - Sjors... you missed the MiniBar link in this most linked post ever ;) btw – Sjors… you missed the MiniBar link in this most linked post ever ;)

]]> By: Wim http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935887 Wim Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:43:18 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935887 Michael, I start liking you more already! I agree that Europe's startup scene finally seems to be maturing and fund strategies like the one from Index reflect this. To your point about Web2.0 startups, I do believe that in Europe the focus is more on early revenue generation and less about reaching critical mass ASAP. As co-founder of Bragster, we recently presented at the European Tech Tour in Geneva and most Web2.0 companies were in the mobile space or focusing on revenues early on. As a startup it is always a trade-off between these two strategies and recent stories like WAYN provide for a nice case-study. Jerome and his company were profitable from day one, but true growth (and hence international recognition) only came when they opened up their platform and got rid of the subscription model. Anyway, watch out you US of A guys! Michael, I start liking you more already! I agree that Europe’s startup scene finally seems to be maturing and fund strategies like the one from Index reflect this.

To your point about Web2.0 startups, I do believe that in Europe the focus is more on early revenue generation and less about reaching critical mass ASAP. As co-founder of Bragster, we recently presented at the European Tech Tour in Geneva and most Web2.0 companies were in the mobile space or focusing on revenues early on. As a startup it is always a trade-off between these two strategies and recent stories like WAYN provide for a nice case-study. Jerome and his company were profitable from day one, but true growth (and hence international recognition) only came when they opened up their platform and got rid of the subscription model.

Anyway, watch out you US of A guys!

]]> By: Ghaus http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935886 Ghaus Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:43:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935886 Mike, please provide the names of venture capitalists who can fund start-ups, in South Asia. South Asia includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. Mike, please provide the names of venture capitalists who can fund start-ups, in South Asia. South Asia includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.

]]> By: Poker Sharks http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935885 Poker Sharks Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:41:24 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935885 Wow, now we have an oversized logo of the European Union?! Ooooookaaaaay... Wow, now we have an oversized logo of the European Union?!

Ooooookaaaaay…

]]> By: Sjors http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/comment-page-1/#comment-1935860 Sjors Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:14:16 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/01/23/european-tech-investing-coming-of-age-as-events-hard-wire-the-network/#comment-1935860 Thanks for the write-up! Seems i'm stilling missing some of the conferences. And ofcourse Open Coffee and MiniBar should be on the list too! Thanks for the write-up! Seems i’m stilling missing some of the conferences. And ofcourse Open Coffee and MiniBar should be on the list too!

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