Is Berlin a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Berlin has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Berlin gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Berlin

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Berlin offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Berlin's early-stage funding landscape is vibrant, fueled by numerous investors and support systems. Active VC firms such as Cherry Ventures, Speedinvest, and Point Nine are prominent, alongside angel networks like the Business Angels Club Berlin-Brandenburg. Government initiatives like GründungsBONUS Berlin and programs such as EXIST also provide crucial early capital. However, the ecosystem faced challenges in 2023, with early financing rounds in Berlin declining by 35% compared to 2022, totaling €767 million. Startups also contend with fierce competition and potential seed-stage funding gaps as investment dynamics evolve. Despite this, Berlin remains a significant hub for startup investment.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Berlin has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Berlin boasts a vibrant startup and innovation culture, recognized as a leading European tech hub. The city is filled with numerous coworking spaces and hosts a wide array of tech events, conferences, and meetups, fostering strong networking and collaboration. Entrepreneurial activity is high, attracting diverse international talent and significant investment. The ecosystem supports startups at various stages. While competitive, standardized programs exist, there are also incubators, accelerators, and funding initiatives, including those providing tailored support and mentorship specifically for early-stage founders.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Berlin can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Berlin, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Berlin is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Berlin offers startups a diverse and international talent pool, attracting skilled professionals globally, particularly in tech and creative sectors. Educational institutions like TU Berlin and Humboldt University provide a steady stream of graduates, especially in STEM fields. In-demand skills include IT & Software Development, Data Science, Design, Marketing, and Finance. This multilingual and highly educated workforce supports entrepreneurial growth by providing expertise across various industries like Fintech, SaaS, and Deep Tech, fostering innovation and a dynamic ecosystem.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Berlin can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Berlin boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Berlin offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring extensive infrastructure like numerous co-working spaces, incubators, and technology centers providing workspace, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Support systems include access to a vibrant venture capital scene, angel investors, and various consulting services. The government actively supports this environment through initiatives such as the Berlin Startup Unit, a central point for resources. The Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) provides crucial financial aid through grants and low-interest loans like the ProFIT program, helping businesses secure funding and thrive.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Berlin. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Berlin Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Berlin provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching a startup in Berlin face several challenges. Competition is intense, particularly for attracting skilled talent in a crowded market. Navigating the regulatory landscape and bureaucracy can also be difficult. This includes complex tax regulations and labor laws, which can be particularly challenging for international founders due to language barriers and complicated administrative processes. While the cost of living is often cited as lower than other major European hubs, it can still be a factor in overall operational costs and attracting employees.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Berlin or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Berlin offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash