Kambis Kohansal Vajargah - WKO: Why European startups fall behind
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Summary
In this conversation, Kambis Kohansal Vajargah shares his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, discussing his journey from founder to investor and his role in shaping Austria's entrepreneurial landscape. He highlights the unique aspects of Vienna as a startup hub, the challenges faced by European founders, and the importance of building a supportive ecosystem. Kambis emphasizes the need for a more unified approach within the EU to foster growth and innovation, while also offering practical advice for founders looking to navigate the complexities of the European market.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
00:00 Introduction
01:05 Kambis’ journey through entrepreneurship, investing, and the public sector
09:22 What makes Austria a unique startup hub?
14:32 The policies that helped Austria thrive and what emerging ecosystems can learn from them
18:33 How is the broader EU startup ecosystem evolving?
21:08 Can “EU Inc.” become a reality?
32:50 What the EU can borrow from the US startup playbook
34:45 The difference between a US and EU mindset
37:56 How founders can navigate Europe’s fragmented markets
39:25 What separates a good startup from a great one
41:15 What you need to know before relocating or launching a startup in Austria
43:54 Rapid Fire Questions
48:22 Closing remarks
Takeaways
- Kambis started his entrepreneurial journey in 2011 with a focus on education and HR.
- He transitioned to being an angel investor after a decade of founding startups.
- Austria's startup ecosystem is growing, with Vienna as a central hub.
- The EU startup scene is fragmented, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
- Investors need to balance trust and experience when backing founders.
- Cultural differences impact the mindset of European founders compared to their US counterparts.
- Patience and reliability are key traits for successful founders.
- Building a network and understanding local markets is crucial for expansion.
- Regulatory frameworks in the EU can hinder startup growth but also offer protection.
- The future of startups in Europe relies on harmonizing regulations and fostering innovation.
About the guest
Albi Zhulali
About the host
Albi Zhulali