3 Tips About the European Tech Scene

Torq Labs
Torq Labs
Aug 8, 2017 · 2 min read

Recently Torq Labs was accepted into the Founders Program at the world largest startup campus, Station F in Paris, France. It is beautifully located in the 13th district, an easy 5 minute walk to la Seine (river). Station F is home to over 500 start ups currently and plans to double that number by years end.

Here are 3 of the biggest observations I have made about the European Startup/Tech scene thus far.

1) Most companies are SAAS only — Perhaps it is because a lot of capital needed to start, but in my observations very few companies have a hardware component to their product. Torq Labs has found incredible success and support because we have a tangible, physical product. Note to other hardware companies the French market is a friendly one!

2) Great Public Support — BPI France offers 30,000– 50,000 Euro match to qualified startups looking to develop in France. Through out the EU & UK governments at all levels are introducing tax incentive programs and public reimbursement programs to attract investment into startups.

3) Strong Entrepreneurial Culture — I have been blown away by the level of enthusiasm and willingness to work together found here in Paris. In the 3 brief weeks we have been here we have made incredible contacts and established partnerships that will provide substantial mutual benefit for both parties.

Take away: Europe’s tech scene is on the rise. France seems to have elevated the standard of excellence with the launch of Station F. Hardware & manufacturing companies might have an easier time finding the proper funding situations

Inside the Create Zone at StationF, the Worlds Largest Startup Campus!

If you’re still reading…

Thanks to the Station F staff, we were fortunate enough to be introduced to and interviewed by Junko Yoshida of the EE Times. She quoted me and my colleagues in the article below and plans to do a company profile in the coming weeks.

**Fun Fact: Junko actually lives part of the year in Madison WI (Where Torq Labs is headquartered) and her husband attended my Alma Matter, Madison Lafollette High School. The world is perhaps much smaller than expected. **

Check it out! Americans in Paris is on page 3 :)

Thanks for Reading

~Jules

Left: Julian Holtzman , Right: Justin Swenson. CEO & COO of Torq Labs

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Torq Labs

Creators of Torq Smart Leggings - Connected Clothing for Athlete Safety and Performance Improvement #StrideMatters

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