Throughout this class we had the chance to meet speakers from a number of exciting new Internet companies such as Thrillist, Etsy and FreeWheel. All this innovation is quite impressive -- but, being from Europe, I do wonder: why can't we replicate this in Europe? Why does European entrepreneurship usually start and end with "fast followers" (a fancy word for knock-off)?
While it might not have any definitive answers, this week's Economist does have a lengthy and interesting article about the state of entrepreneurship in Europe. The general development seems to be positive, with red tape being reduced, some first start-ups that pioneer new concepts in Europe instead of the US (such as ever-present vente-privee.com) and VCs finally discovering the European market. On the other hand, many obstacles -- in some cases quite unbelievable -- still remain. Did you know, for example, that any equity stake is taxed immediately in Germany? If this stokes your interest, go read the entire article.
