Publication: Berlin as a Startup Hub: Friend or Foe?
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Type
Thesis
Degree
BA
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Published Version
Abstract
Berlin, the capital of culture, music and media in Germany, has recently been crowned with the title of the startup capital of the nation as well. However, Berlin does not exist within a dynamic economic environment. In order to assess the quality of Berlin as a startup hub and answer the research question “How does Berlin foster a desirable environment for startups?”, as well as the subquestion “Is Berlin really the ideal startup destination it claims to be or is that just a myth?”, the thesis explores the theoretical approaches to entrepreneurship, the current economic circumstances in the city, as well as the results from the interviews with founders of media and culture companies in Berlin. The thesis answers the research question, finding that the culture, existing networks and the living standard are the main ways in which Berlin fosters a desirable environment for startups.
In contrast, the funding opportunities are numerous but do not favour the media and culture industries, and appear to be hard to acquire. This, in combination with the significant bureaucratic and administrative inefficiencies, along with the rising cost of living, lead to the conclusion that Berlin is not an ideal startup destination. The thesis suggests further research.