Comparative analysis of Europe and North America’s start-up ecosystems

Zohayr Ali Khan

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The thesis aimed to provide a comparative analysis of the startup Ecosystems of North America and Europe focusing on aspects such as funding opportunities, governmental support policies, availability of funding and cultural differences to identify similarities and differences and explore structural differences between the two geographically distant, yet globally significant entrepreneurial landscapes. The study revealed substantial growth in venture capital investments in both regions, indicating markets with a plethora of opportunities – yet distinctive features in the approach to governmental support, with North America emphasizing creation of favorable business environment through support and maintenance policies and knowledge sharing, while Europe demonstrated a more direct funding approach and general support policies. Through the case studies and findings, it was found that different sectors can learn from one another with successful governmental support mechanisms in one industry and region, potentially being adaptable to other(s). The added value is in its comparison of the two ecosystems, providing an understanding of the influence of the key factors, and contributing towards the broader discourse on entrepreneurial ecosystems, offering practical implications for entrepreneurs to be, policy makers and researchers.

Abstract:

The thesis aimed to provide a comparative analysis of the startup Ecosystems of North America and Europe focusing on aspects such as funding opportunities, governmental support policies, availability of funding and cultural differences to identify similarities and differences and explore structural differences between the two geographically distant, yet globally significant entrepreneurial landscapes. The study revealed substantial growth in venture capital investments in both regions, indicating markets with a plethora of opportunities – yet distinctive features in the approach to governmental support, with North America emphasizing creation of favorable business environment through support and maintenance policies and knowledge sharing, while Europe demonstrated a more direct funding approach and general support policies. Through the case studies and findings, it was found that different sectors can learn from one another with successful governmental support mechanisms in one industry and region, potentially being adaptable to other(s). The added value is in its comparison of the two ecosystems, providing an understanding of the influence of the key factors, and contributing towards the broader discourse on entrepreneurial ecosystems, offering practical implications for entrepreneurs to be, policy makers and researchers.

Keywords

Start-up ecosystems, North America, Europe, Funding opportunities, Governmental support, Cultural factors, Venture capital (VC)

Keywords

Funding opportunities, Governmental support, Start-up ecosystems, North America, Europe, Cultural factors, Venture capital (VC)

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 7. 6. 2023
• Supervisor: Michal Andera
• Reader: Ondřej Dvouletý

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme:
Management