London vs Other European Startup Hubs

From my post about Facebook’s Joanna Shields becoming London Tech City’s new CEO

Having traveled in rest of the Europe, I would say right now if you are a startup founder, Amsterdam, Helsinki and Berlin are three cities that come way ahead of London as European startup hubs. There is access to better broadband networks, better mobile networks, rents, both commercial and residential, are moderate and their is good access to engineering and other talent. 

Yes, there is less venture capital, but where they are startups, money will follow. Plus, these other cities are friendlier compared to London. We had a choice to do our Structure Europe conference in any city in Europe. Instead of London we picked Amsterdam, which is equally well connected, has a friendlier environment and one doesn’t have to deal with Heathrow Airport.

Musings
3 comments

Subscribe to discover Om’s fresh perspectives on the present and future.

Om Malik is a San Francisco based writer, photographer and investor. Read More

3 thoughts on this post

  1. I agree London shouldn’t be viewed as the centre of the European startup scene. In fact I wouldn’t say it’s the best place in the UK to be based. Biased (http://www.rookieoven.com/2012/09/05/5-benefits-of-basing-your-startup-in-scotland/) but the central belt of Scotland is an ideal location, with Glasgow and Edinburgh there is plenty of talent, low cost of living and an excellent quality of life.

    Aside from my own allegiances Newcastle (Ignite100) and Birmingham have a lot to offer startups.

  3. I think, now that allot of start-ups are focused on the internet, start-up companies are gradually finding it easier to settle on the outskirts of London and its busy city buzz, with less expensive set-up but yet closely connected to the big boys, but at the same time, I understand what you say and cities, as you mentioned, are well equipped in hosting start-ups.

Comments are closed.