Jörg
Meissner, a
partner in Morrison & Foerster's new
Berlin office, had an eye-opening experience while
visiting Silicon Valley to check out the start-up culture
there.
"In Berlin, the streets and coffee shops buzz with
people on their iPads pitching ideas, with start-up
events happening practically every
night," says Meissner, a corporate and finance
lawyer who represents both founders and investors. "The scene
is visible and active; it is the real deal."
Investment in young companies in Berlin is one-tenth that
of Silicon Valley, Meissner notes. Yet the action is
lively. Incubators are popping up throughout the
sprawling city.
"Berlin is overtaking London and Tel Aviv as
Europe's top start-up destination," he says.
"Why? For the same reason that attracted
artists here almost a decade ago: plentiful and
affordable living and work space. Munich, Hamburg, and
Cologne have some start-up activity, but at double the
living costs, people choose Berlin."
