From cybersecurity and aerospace to generative 3D, startup leaders are scaling ambitious companies from European soil and taking on global markets. In this conversation at the StrictlyVC event in Athens, we talked to three founders about what it takes to go from idea to impact while navigating the continent’s unique challenges — and why building in Europe is no longer a constraint, but a competitive edge.
The founders, they were like super passionate about their companies, you know? They were talking about how hard it was to start up, but also how rewarding it can be. It’s like, you gotta have a strong vision and a lot of grit to make it work, not gonna lie. Building a business in Europe, it’s not always easy, but these guys were all about embracing the struggle and turning it into an advantage.
One of the founders, she was from Germany, and she was all about cybersecurity. She was like, “You gotta stay ahead of the hackers, man. It’s a constant battle, but we’re in it to win it.” And then there was this guy from France who was into aerospace, and he was all like, “We’re reaching for the stars, literally.” It was cool to see how different industries can come together under one roof and thrive.
But, you know, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The founders, they had their fair share of setbacks and doubts along the way. They were like, “We made some mistakes, for sure. But that’s how you learn and grow, right?” It’s like, failure is just a part of the journey to success, or so they say.
And then there was this other founder, he was all about generative 3D. He was like, “We’re creating art with technology, man. It’s mind-blowing.” And I was just sitting there, not really sure why this matters, but hey, it’s cool to see people so passionate about what they do. I guess that’s what sets successful entrepreneurs apart from the rest, you know?
Overall, the conversation was eye-opening. These founders, they were all about pushing boundaries and breaking barriers. They were like, “Europe may have its challenges, but we’re not letting that hold us back. We’re using it to our advantage.” And that’s the spirit that’s driving them to make a real impact on the global stage.
So yeah, building a startup in Europe, it’s no walk in the park. But if you’ve got the drive and the determination, you can make it work. These founders are living proof of that. And maybe, just maybe, their stories will inspire others to take the leap and chase their dreams, no matter where they are in the world. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about where you start, but where you’re headed. And these founders, they’re headed straight for success.
