European entrepreneurs are invading Silicon Valley

In an open office in the American San Francisco Center, European officials in suits and ties are talking loudly about European innovation and American investment. They are trying to build a new Silicon Valley center, hoping to get American funding for entrepreneurial talent in Europe. To celebrate, they cut off the fluttering ribbons in front of the stage and made the European and American flags with bubbles. But many viewers are fiddling with their phones.

The event and the lengthy speeches of its chambers highlight the broken chain between Europe and Silicon Valley. Although Europeans are trying to emulate the success of American technology, they have a lot to learn, including a relaxed, free entrepreneurial atmosphere. Italian consul Moro Batoch (Mauro Battocchi) stood on the stage and said: "If Europeans take self-portraits, the image of the old lady will be displayed." ”

The new technology Center was officially opened in September to showcase Europe's best innovations, despite the current dominance of American technology by Google (Weibo), Facebook and Apple, the tech giants. Overseas start-ups need to prove that they can offer the latest and best ideas to the San Francisco Bay Area investors, who also have plenty of options.

For Europeans seeking a fortune at the San Francisco Bay Area Technology Center, they have a good reason. According to Dow Jones Venture Source, a VC industry research firm, in 2013, VCs invested $33 billion in U.S. companies, more than 4 times times the total invested by VCs in EU companies. The gap is more pronounced in the scientific and technological community. In 2013, U.S. technology venture capital amounted to $8.67 billion trillion, compared with Europe's $1.44 billion trillion.

The newly opened European Centre in San Francisco District, known as Rocketspace, has become an incubator for start-ups in Canada, Brazil and Spain. Start-ups from across Europe have been invited to come here for free training and participation in various activities. There are many organizations funding the centre, including the European Institute of Innovation and the science and technology information and Communication Technology Laboratory (EIT ICT Lab). The center itself is abbreviated as EIT ICT Lab, and it is clear that the organizers are eager to get help from the Silicon Valley marketing guru.

Many countries have established start-up incubators in Silicon Valley, including Germany, France, Spain and Italy. They provide a range of services, including consultancy services, training courses and networking opportunities. But EIT ICT Lab says it also borrows experience from all the European start-ups. "We can choose the best ideas and make the selection process more efficient," said Paul Campbell, the center's Silicon Valley consultant, Paul Cambell. ”

But Bernd Girod, vice president of online learning at Stanford University, said: "It's hard to say whether this is another European outpost," Bernard Girod. If you can get some brilliant talent, it can grow. They have enough money to succeed, but money is not the only cornerstone of success. ”

EIT ICT Lab2014 Annual budget of 300 million euros, but its specific investment in the San Francisco center is not clear. So far, they have serviced four start-ups in Europe, but they are not sure where they are headed or who they are. "We need to show that we have a strong investment ecosystem," said Willem Jonker, chief executive of the European division, William Jonk. ”

The format of the event, however, has led many participants to question the capabilities of EIT ICT Lab, including its ability to bridge the cultural bridges between Europe and Silicon Valley. During speeches and discussions, most entrepreneurs chat in pubs and their voices make it difficult to hear what the speaker is talking about.

Attendee Annie Bruinwers (Anne bruinvels) from the Netherlands, her start-up company named Px Healthcare, can use cancer patient data to create personalized treatment. She said: "We are very embarrassed and we believe there is more momentum in Europe than it is today." I hope they are willing to listen to feedback. Our arrival may have many implications. Without these effects, it could fail, and that could be a huge waste of investment. ”

Despite the low enthusiasm for the speaker, the dialogue is active. Startups have a few minutes to explain their business ideas, and then the referee gives them feedback, just like "American Idol." Similarly, when someone is particularly prominent, the audience is not stingy with praise. Glenn Bilby, a start-up Australian Glenn Bribe in Sweden, introduced his start-up quick posture, which developed tools that allow doctors to diagnose patient movements and pose problems. "I like the atmosphere in San Francisco and feel that anything is possible, and it will definitely work," he said. ”

If EIT ICT Lab can loosen the tie and roll up the sleeves, it might actually be successful.

(Responsible editor: Mengyishan)