8th of Octoboer 2024

This first atTRACTION online training, celebrated the 8th of Octoboer 2024, was focused on providing an introduction to market access to the three highly-innovative ecosystems of Île-de-France, Baden-Württember, and Berlin.

The event involved allies of atTRACTION in each of these regions, specifically, Baden Württembeg International (BW_i), Choose Paris Region (CPR), and atTRACTION‘s project partners Startup Migrants (SuM) representing the region of Berlin. Each of these organizations provided an effective introduction on the requirements, challenges, barriers, and opportunities to access each of these ecosystems, as well as some preliminary due diligence to be performed in advance to accessing any of these highly innovative ecosystems. Moreover, an invitation was extended to a dedicated ecosystem access online workshop focused on the Baden-Württemberg ecosystem by CyberForum.

Afterwards, a startup panel discussion was held, in which three migrant founders, i.e. Dr. Alevtina Evgrafova CEO and founder of RESEARCHPRENEURS UG, Johanna Czarnecka CEO and founder of ZIXIO GmbH, and Mykyta Khodakivskyi co-founder of Devteamradar.com and venture capital & fintech startup development expert, explained their main challenges and barriers in starting their own companies, cultural experiences and lessons learnt.

The panelists shared their motivations for founding their businesses in different ecosystems. Mykyta, originally from Ukraine, chose Paris due to the thriving software market and strong support structures for startups, including accelerators, incubators, and mentorship programs. Alevtina, a Russian researcher, moved to Berlin, attracted by the city’s startup culture and support for entrepreneurs, particularly women. For Joanna, from a small Polish town, Berlin’s affordable living and university-linked incubators played a crucial role in launching her startup, emphasizing the difference between online and offline world regulations.

In terms of challenges, Joanna highlighted the learning curve from academia to entrepreneurship, the difficulty of building a profitable company, and the need to adapt to German cultural differences, especially when interacting with customers. Mykyta emphasized the importance of understanding and integrating into the local culture in Paris, pointing out that mistakes, especially in language, can hinder progress. Alevtina faced challenges related to learning German, managing financial expectations, and navigating strict legal regulations in Germany, particularly for foreign entrepreneurs, stressing that success requires clarity about competitive advantages and profitability.

The discussion also emphasized the need for a strong local network and the support of key people. Alevtina noted the importance of having investors willing to provide support despite challenges in payment flexibility, while Mykyta underscored the necessity of a local partner to embed successfully within the French market. The importance of cultural sensitivity was reiterated by all, especially in understanding the unique characteristics of each ecosystem.

Finally, the panelists emphasized the importance of mental resilience in entrepreneurship. Alevtina discussed the importance of mental health support and its integration into accelerator programs, while Joanna stressed the value of international flexibility, which sets foreign entrepreneurs apart in ecosystems like Germany. Each of their stories reflected how adaptability, understanding the local market, and leveraging support systems are key to overcoming initial startup challenges.

37 persons registerd for the event registrations and at its peak, 17 active participants took place in the training.

The interest in German and French market entry underscores the importance of aligning the project’s training sessions with these two key markets. Thus, resources and expertise will be prioritized in helping startups navigate entry into these markets, which are critical for scaling up their operations within Europe.

The significant interest in investment opportunities and networking shows the importance of providing platforms for startups to connect with potential investors and partners, particularly those with international reach. This includes enhance opportunities for cross-border collaborations to strengthen the network and support market expansion.