I am sure it will be, let's say, at least challenging to found a startup company anywhere (and in any field). "Traditionally" the Stanford area (S.F./Bay area/Silicon Valley) appears to be the role model with many advantages if one could make it there, but how about, for example, Heidelberg/Germany? What could be the different challenges despite language (I am German, i.e. speak German, my english improved over the last 15 years after I left Stanford - and in my perception is OK, but is far from being perfect). So what else could be different?
An interesting question! I don't know much about specifics of running a start-up in Germany, so let me be generic and share my thoughts&experience. I'd approach this question from a different view point trying to summarize what one would need to create/operate a startup. So, this is a list of things that would be THE SAME.
1. A sound idea that can lead to promising practical implementations. Clearly, one can get such ideas living in a deep country side or scorching desert so it can't be linked to a presence of any hub etc. It's in your head and you can take it anywhere.
2. Environment that can provide support for obtaining seed money from VC, angel investors, private companies etc. This is a "show-and-tell" part. Requires an Infrastructure for traveling, business meeting, finances. Moreover, the show has to resonate well in the heads of listeners so they have to be open-minded about new things you're talking about. I'm not saying "educated" which would be the best choice. They have to see how your idea can help them with their ROS. Targeted investors have to be ready to play in this segment or should be already established players.
3. Infrastructure that provides a pool of human resources, R&D environment with links to required facilities and suppliers, potential end users of the product and next round of financing investors in sight. This is what could be called a research hub or incubator. As you pointed out, some cities fit nicely under this definition - they already have all required ingredients:) Special provisions helping to establish and run start-up should be place in particular those that help financially running such companies.
I'm sure the list can be expanded because this subject does need many details.
Serge
Thank You, Serge, for your insightful summary. Well, although the Stanford University ("the farm") is such a small University compared to many others, but the surrounding area for sure has many advantages and can fulfill probably all the needs you mentioned, whereas in Germany, as far as I got the impression, a few university cities try to copy some aspects (as many others in the world also try). Heidelberg is a nice city (or should I say, touristic village? Ok, I studied there), and Heidelberg is growing dramatically during the last few years with research facilities, so a few needs might be fulfilled, but it does not seem to really support that many startups... compared to other regions like Munich (and, perhaps, Frankfurt).
So, is it reasonable to focus on a business plan, although from my scientific view this automatically will read more like an application for a research grant at NIH...
I guess, in Germany without a professors title, there is no easy way to get the seed money...
Robert,
I understand your point about remoteness. I'm currently living in Atlantic Canada, so some points I mentioned in the post do apply here. What about raising seed money in some other regions, like Munich, Frankfurt as you mentioned but bringing it to Heidelberg? It would fly (my guess) if you can justify doing the proposed activity there and more important, have other ingredients for operating the company there. Basically, if it can support the segment you're targeting to a large extent you can outsource some activities&services. However, there is a critical point beyond which one can lose the viability...
Hello, you might find this CfP interesting. Regards, Vincenzo http://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/products/journals/call_for_papers.htm?id=6121
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