Founders don’t move their companies across the Atlantic because they hate their home countries. They do it because they’re building businesses”European Startups”, not political programs. As the article puts it, “Founders… want to build the biggest company possible, access the largest customer base, hire great talent and access capital. In most cases, that means scaling from the US.”
Politics vs Business: A False Binary Hurting Startups
There’s a growing confusion between politics and business. “This confusion… has intensified in recent years with geopolitical tensions — the war in Ukraine, uncertainty over US-Europe relations under the Trump administration — and also as European countries struggle to find new levers for growth.”
But tech is no silver bullet. Political leaders love to paint it that way. “Tech looks like a panacea: European defence tech companies will protect our borders! European cloud companies will create jobs! European-built software will fix our productivity problem!”
And yet, “there is an inherent danger in founders and investors being seduced by these political considerations.” The article reminds us that “Europe is still a collection of competing economies.” Macron’s calls for more defense spending are a case in point — “he wants that spending to accrue to French companies.”
Global Thinking, Not Domestic Protectionism
Startups don’t win by being protected. “The idea of trying to preserve or retake European tech sovereignty… goes counter to the imperative for startups to aim for huge scale to win. Exposing yourself to competition polishes the winners.”
Eléonore Crespo, founder of unicorn Pigment, sums it up clearly: “Using the best technology to be the most competitive is what will save Europe. It makes no sense to create barriers or to think only on the basis of a European reality.”
What European Tech Actually Needs
Forget slogans. What’s needed is not empty debate about stock options or IPO venues. As Nicolas Colin wrote, European tech needs “a bold, long-term vision executed through concrete, practical steps that leverage our unique context rather than fighting against it.”
“Less fragmentation or regulatory changes may make operations easier for founders. But they don’t impact the true global competitiveness of a business.”
Investors Shouldn’t Hold Founders Back
“If you’re an investor, you shouldn’t be holding back your companies from accessing customers, talent or capital, wherever they may be based.”
And when companies make it, it’s fair to ask that they give back. “Once a company has succeeded, it’s not unreasonable to encourage founders to share some of their success with founder hopefuls back home to help the cycle continue.”
Cheer Them On
“Let’s stop interpreting US moves by European companies as sob stories.” Celebrate their ambition. “We should be cheering them on for the risks they are taking, their dedication to a vision and their boldness.”
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