Posts on 123 Factory Blog

[Interview] To Work Is to Learn Something New

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 04:08:04 +0900

Germany has a wide range of basic and applied science research institutes. Among them, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft comprises 74 institutes across Germany and, with some 28,000 employees, is Europe’s largest applied technology research and development organization.

It was first founded in Munich, Germany in 1949, named after the German physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer, who opened a new chapter in precision scientific instruments.

At its founding it started with 103 employees through the cooperation of the states of Bavaria, Hesse, and Württemberg, and in 1952 the German Federal Ministry of Economics designated the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft — together with the German Research Foundation (DFG, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) and the Max Planck Society (Max-Planck-Gesellschaft) — as one of the three major non-university institutions for German research, making it one of the most important research institutes in German applied science.

[Interview] I Want to Work with People Who Look in the Same Direction.

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 03:48:26 +0900

On December 2, 2020, the German government announced its ‘Advanced National AI Strategy,’ signaling its determination to reclaim leadership in AI-related technologies, where it had fallen behind China and the United States. In Germany and across Europe, AI has been singled out as one of the most important technologies of the future, and policy support for it has been generous.

Within Germany, Berlin is the city with the most artificial intelligence startups, emerging as Europe’s hub for new technologies. Here in Berlin is Nota (Nota AI GmbH), an on-device AI startup with the philosophy of ‘making life more convenient and abundant through artificial intelligence.’

[Interview] I Work at Dawn.

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 10:24:46 +0900

The Dawn Hours Essential for Survival

Only around 10 p.m., while putting the children to bed, I always fall asleep right along with them. At 2 a.m., thinking of all the work piled up, my eyes snap open.

Everything around me is silent. My day begins. Sitting with only a small lamp lit on the dining table, focused on my laptop screen, is the one time of day that is entirely my own. Whether I do something useful or something useless, something I want to do or something I must do, that time of quietly doing my own work is the source of strength that sustains the rest of my daily life. If I am too tired and skip it, an inexplicable irritation sits clumped in a corner of my mind all day long. That is why the hours between 2 and 4 a.m. are precious to me. After putting the children to bed, I opened my laptop on the dining table. The lights downstairs were on, too.

[Interview] I Am Working.

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0900

Though Unseen, There Are Hands All Around Us That Care for Us.

The Unseen Hand

Here, in the broad daylight of the city. Behind a child standing as if by their own strength, there is a hand thought to be invisible.

A hand that was born in 1942, before the liberation, as the eldest of ten siblings; that lived through the Korean War in elementary school; that in the 1970s owned a house in Seoul with a wide yard — a hand that, had she simply held on to it, could have gone on to the dream occupation of being a landlord, left the grandchildren to a helper’s care, and enjoyed her old age traveling around. It is the hand of Ms. Song Munja.

[European Startup Chronicles] Munich IAA 2021: From 'Cars' to 'Mobility'…

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0900

From ‘Cars’ to ‘Mobility’… On Site at Munich IAA Mobility 2021

Cover photo source=iaa.de

The ’transformation’ of the Frankfurt Motor Show… electric vehicles, bicycles, and other future means of transport gather, with startups at the center

“The Future of European Mobility Lies With Us.”

Every autumn, the event that symbolizes Munich, Germany is unquestionably Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival. But due to COVID-19, Oktoberfest could not be held for the past two years, and during the long lockdown period the festival city of Munich had a somewhat subdued atmosphere. This week, after a long while, an “event” began that breathed life back into the whole city and drew the attention of the related industries. From September 7 to 12, Munich IAA Mobility 2021 is taking place.

[European Startup Chronicles] The Korean Wave Sweeping Berlin - K-Startups

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0900

Cover photo source=KIC-Europe official Facebook page

What Happens When Berlin Meets Korea?

enpact, Berlin’s public agency for startup support, has begun paying attention to Korean startups — and from 2022, getting things done in Berlin becomes easier.

What happens when the words “Berlin” and “Korea” come together? Berlin is, without question, Europe’s startup hub: a dynamic ecosystem where 500 startups are born and 80,000 startup jobs are created every year. In 2020, venture capital invested in Berlin startups reached 3.1 billion euros (about 4.2 trillion won). The Berlin Senate Department for Economics has put startup policy front and center and is accelerating its support. Berlin’s economy, which once had a weak traditional industrial base, now looks as if startups are leading the way from the front.

[European Startup Chronicles] Supporting Korean Startups' Entry into Germany

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 09:20:00 +0900

A Reliable Supporter Helping Korean Startups Enter Germany

Cover photo source=nrw.invest.com

An Interview with Soyeon Kim, Representative of NRW.Global Business Korea

With a population of 18 million and accounting for 20% of Germany’s GDP, the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) has the highest economic output in Germany, making it an exciting place for startups. Located here is NRW.Global Business, a German government agency that provides focused support to Korean companies.

NRW.Global Business attracts companies from around the world to NRW and supports NRW-based companies in expanding globally. It has representatives in about 10 countries, including Japan, the US, and China. The Korea office was established in 1988 and has since helped numerous companies enter Germany. We met with Soyeon Kim, who has led the NRW.Global Business Korea office since 2011, connecting Korean and German businesses for over a decade, to discuss NRW’s support policies for startups.

[European Startup Chronicles] Hot Startups of Nordrhein-Westfalen

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 08:57:21 +0900

Nordrhein-Westfalen’s Hot Startups Behind ‘Toniebox’

Cover photo source=Digital Hub Website

From Children’s Audiobooks to Vegan Foods, Biotechnology, Logistics, and Smart Grid Platforms

Located in western Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) is the country’s most densely populated region and borders Belgium and the Netherlands, making it easy to expand into other parts of Europe. In other words, it offers optimal conditions for a wide range of industries to flourish. Until the 1970s, it held an important position in the German and European economy thanks to the booming mining and steel industries; since then, it has maintained a robust economy built on ‘hidden champion’ companies in high-tech industries and services. Today, we introduce the rising startups of NRW.

[European Startup Chronicles] Germany's NRW State Startup Ecosystem

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 08:12:19 +0900

Innovation Blooming in Closed Mines: The Startup Ecosystem of Nordrhein-Westfalen

Cover photo source=Digital Hub Website

Transforming from a Traditional Industrial Hub into an Information Technology Center… Actively Attracting Foreign Investment through State Development Agencies

Previously, we explored the German startup ecosystems of Berlin and Bavaria, including Munich. Starting with this column, we will introduce the startup ecosystem of the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW), centered around Cologne, which is the third-largest startup scene in Germany by individual city standards.

Seoul Robotics, the Korean Autonomous Driving Startup That Captivated BMW

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:47:54 +0900

Seoul Robotics, the Korean autonomous driving startup that captivated BMW

Cover photo source=Seoul Robotics website

Supplying software to BMW: “From the beginning, our goal was overseas expansion… we plan to grow into smart cities”

Munich, Germany, is an attractive city thanks to its rich startup ecosystem and the presence of major German corporations such as BMW, Siemens, and Allianz. It also offers advantages for companies considering expansion not only into German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland, but also into Eastern Europe, including Czechia, Hungary, and Slovenia. Among the companies that entered Munich for these reasons, one Korean startup stands out: Seoul Robotics, which develops 3D computer vision software. We met Seoul Robotics CEO Hanbin Lee to hear about the company’s move into Munich.

[European Startup Chronicles] Munich's Rising Startups: Top 5

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:47:36 +0900

Cover photo source= must-munich.com

Munich has abundant capital and an excellent talent pool, making it a good city for starting a company. Thanks to its global atmosphere, it is also a test bed where startups can build products and immediately test their potential for global expansion. Through some of Munich’s most successful startups in recent years, we can glimpse broader European startup trends.

Holidu, a search and comparison site for holiday accommodation

Holidu is a platform for comparing and booking holiday accommodation. Founded in 2014 by brothers Johannes and Michael Siebers, it has expanded to 21 countries worldwide. What distinguishes Holidu from existing accommodation search engines is its proprietary image recognition technology. Through this, it compares prices for more than 15 million accommodations across more than 600 accommodation-related websites, including Airbnb and Booking.com, and shows the best results.

[European Startup Chronicles] 'Startup Over Beer': Munich's Startup Scene

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 11:47:11 +0900

The Startup Ecosystem in Munich, Where Startups Come Before Beer

Cover photo source=must-munich.com

Rich in capital under Bavaria’s leadership, with deep ties to major companies and universities, Munich is Germany’s second startup region after Berlin

After looking at startups in Germany’s capital, Berlin, this time we turn to the startup ecosystem of Munich, the central city of Bavaria.

Before Germany came to be known under the single name “Deutschland,” it was a collection of region-centered city-states. Even after unification, Germany remains a federal republic made up of 16 states, each with its own constitution, government, and courts. The federal government and the 16 states exercise independent authority, while public safety, schools, universities, culture, and local administration fall under state jurisdiction. As a result, political, educational, and administrative systems differ by region, and regional identities have developed in very distinct and independent ways.

[European Startup Chronicles] Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ③

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:58:35 +0900

Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ③

Cover photo source = fotolia.com

Finding a job abroad, developers’ work, and their future vision

What is it like to work as a Korean developer in Europe? We met three Korean developers who are active in the fintech sector in Berlin, Germany, to hear their stories. The protagonists are Gwangtaek An, a Senior Data Engineer at European insurtech leader Element Insurance AG; Junseok Oh, a Payment Engineer at Delivery Hero SE (which acquired Korea’s Baedal Minjok); and Sujin Lee, a Junior Developer at tax filing mobile app Taxfix GmbH.

[European Startup Chronicles] Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ②

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:58:05 +0900

Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ②

Cover photo source = fotolia.com

About getting to Berlin, and the startup and developer culture experienced in Europe

[European Startup Chronicles] Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ①

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:56:07 +0900

Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ①

Cover photo source = fotolia.com

Hear about Berlin life from fintech developers at Element, Delivery Hero, and Taxfix

When looking into the Berlin startup ecosystem, an interesting detail catches the eye: there is almost always a Korean employee in every reasonably well-known startup.

In traditional German small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or large corporations, opportunities are usually given to those who have studied in German-speaking countries, possess professional skills in the relevant field, or speak German perfectly. However, because German has a very high language barrier and the business culture is quite different from Korea, it is not easy for a typical Korean to get a job at a traditional German company in a general position. But startups are different. Berlin has a very global atmosphere, and since the demand for developers is high but the supply is low, developers from all over the world gather in Berlin. Additionally, the city encourages startups, so there are no major obstacles to obtaining a visa.

[European Startup Chronicles] German 'K-Beauty' Startup 'Yepoda'

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:55:00 +0900

Cover photo source=Yepoda homepage

About 4 to 5 years ago, Korean mask sheets and BB creams began appearing in German drugstores. Seeing Korean packaging introduced directly to the German market made it easy to realize the popularity of Korean cosmetics. Nowadays, it is hard not to spot the word ‘Korea’ in department stores, drugstores, and other shops where cosmetics can be purchased. Korean cosmetics or Korean-style skincare products have become that mainstream. This is thanks to the influence of Korean dramas and K-Pop, which have become easily accessible anywhere in the world through new media like Netflix, YouTube, and Instagram.

[European Startup Chronicles] Female Entrepreneurs Connecting Germany and Asia ③

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:53:00 +0900

Cover photo source=Crossbie homepage

Selecting Japanese and German startups for mentoring and matching… focusing on connecting communities rather than connecting individual companies

Working in Germany, when I see Koreans active in similar fields, I cannot help but feel incredibly glad to meet them. I am curious about many things—what they do, whether they experience similar difficulties in this field, what vision they have for their work, ranging from daily matters to long-term plans. This is not limited to Koreans. If it is an Asian who shares a similar appearance, the intimacy builds up in no time. Interestingly, when talking with Asian friends, I sometimes feel that the conversation flows much better. Even when speaking in English or German, we understand each other’s words better than those who speak them as a native language. This is because our modes of expression and cognitive structures are similar. My encounter with Chika Yamamoto was exactly like that.

[European Startup Chronicles] Female Entrepreneurs Connecting Germany and Asia ②

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 09:50:00 +0900

Founding a solo startup with a focus on digitalization after majoring in Chinese studies… A series of expert interviews as the primary business model

Cover photo source = China Impulse homepage

Germany and China established diplomatic relations in 1972. Since then, their relations have developed in various political, social, and economic aspects. In particular, in 2020, China became Germany’s top trade partner, recording a trade volume of over 212 billion euros. China also views Germany as a key European partner. Despite these close ties, China is evaluated from various perspectives in Germany. In German society, which is highly sensitive to political and social issues, there are critical views of China due to the persecution of minority groups such as the Uyghurs in Xinjiang and the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong, leading to movements to keep China in check.

Female Entrepreneurs Connecting Germany and Asia ①

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0900

Founding a startup consulting company to solve ‘human relationship issues’ experienced while working at leading global companies

Cover photo source = Business PowerZone homepage

In Berlin, there is a special event held every year. It is the AsiaBerlin Summit. It started in 1997 as the Asia-Pacific Weeks Berlin (APW), organized by the City of Berlin. Since then, it has grown significantly through partnerships with cities like Beijing, Jakarta, and Tokyo. Since 2013, it has focused more on the theme of “Startups and Smart Cities,” concentrating on business between the City of Berlin and various Asian cities. Recently, it has emphasized connecting the startup ecosystems and investor groups of Asia and Berlin. To this end, various organizations, including the City of Berlin, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, various embassies, trade associations, NGOs, universities, and corporations, are collaborating closely.

Berlin Startup Ecosystem ②

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0900

Coworking spaces, coaching, mentoring programs, and investment—all accessible in Berlin

Cover photo source = Hubraum website

Beyond affordable living costs, an international atmosphere, and strong government support, the reason Berlin has become a paradise for startups is its vibrant investment ecosystem. Here, we introduce the major institutions providing coworking spaces, coaching, and mentoring, as well as the investment opportunities that provide the capital essential for a startup’s growth.

Diverse Hubs Providing Coworking Space and Accelerating

In addition to the previously mentioned Factory Berlin and Finleap’s H:32, where fintech startups gather, Berlin has a variety of spaces that serve as both coworking hubs and accelerators.

[European Startup Chronicles] Berlin's Startup Ecosystem ①

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0900

Home to the National Hub Agency… Accelerator ‘Finleap’ plays a central role in Berlin’s Fintech scene

Berlin currently hosts 5,052 startups, 1,052 investors, 80 accelerators, and 485 established corporations. As a hub city for IoT (Internet of Things) and Fintech in Germany, and the most active startup ecosystem in Europe, it is becoming a global capital of innovation. While London, which led the European startup scene for years, has slowed down due to Brexit, Berlin has established a dominant position.

How Berlin Became a 'Startup Mecca'

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0900

Large influx of young people thanks to low costs and techno music… The ’effect’ of timely startup support policies

Berlin, which had slow economic growth due to the division of the city, has now become the city with the most startups in Germany and the youngest city in the world. Photo = City of Berlin

The Networking Experts Who Led Me to Factory Berlin

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0900

Inspiration and the power of networks through Factory Berlin CRO Catherine Bischoff and founder Hana

Cover photo source = Factory Berlin website

I moved into Factory Berlin in February 2020. I happened to visit in December 2019 and had the opportunity to hear an explanation from Catherine Bischoff, Factory’s CRO (Chief Relationship Officer), who welcomed our visiting team. Catherine had been running an incubating platform in the Canadian startup scene before moving to Berlin due to her connection with Nico Gramenz, the current CEO of Factory Berlin. Together, they now lead Factory.

Berlin's Korean AI Startup 'Nota'

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 13:00:00 +0900

Starting as a KAIST in-house venture and discussing an AI-powered intelligent traffic control system with the City of Hamburg

The Korean AI startup ‘Nota’ has established a European legal entity in Berlin. Nota introduction posted at the entrance of Factory Berlin. Photo = Provided by Eunseo Yi

Berlin: From Symbol of Division to Startup Mecca

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 12:32:00 +0900

How affordable living and support policies turned Berlin into a startup hub… The role of Factory Berlin in building the ecosystem

When I first moved to Berlin for my studies 10 years ago, the shock of seeing such a “disorganized” city as the capital of Germany lasted for quite a while. Berlin’s U-Bahn Line 1, which served as the setting for the musical “Line 1,” first opened in 1902, and it felt like the facilities and atmosphere hadn’t improved much since then. The subway stairs and elevators often smelled of a familiar(?) odor found in poorly maintained restrooms. I soon realized the source of that smell was “Gil-maek” (drinking beer while walking on the street), and I eventually nodded in understanding.

[Interview] Zak Jaiathe of Xibit

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 14:38:29 +0200

People I Met at Factory Berlin

Zak Jaiathe of Xibit

If Only I Could Catch a Glimpse from Afar

My interest in virtual reality (VR) began with the thought: “If only I could watch someone I can’t meet in person, even from a distance.” When I first studied theater in Berlin, I learned about the acting theory of Michael Chekhov, a Russian actor. My teacher, describing Chekhov’s performance, spoke of it with such vividness.

Where Art Meets Tech: Factory Berlin

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0200

I’m going to make things happen in Germany.

There is a question in the MBTI test that is popular these days.

“You find it difficult to introduce yourself to other people.”

I am one of those who strongly agree with this question. When I first meet someone, during the silence of about 3 seconds after saying “Hello,” intense conflict and agony, and questions like “Who am I and where am I going?” flash through my mind at high speed.

Posts on 123 Factory Blog

[Interview] To Work Is to Learn Something New

[Interview] I Want to Work with People Who Look in the Same Direction.

[Interview] I Work at Dawn.

The Dawn Hours Essential for Survival

[Interview] I Am Working.

Though Unseen, There Are Hands All Around Us That Care for Us.

The Unseen Hand

[European Startup Chronicles] Munich IAA 2021: From 'Cars' to 'Mobility'…

From ‘Cars’ to ‘Mobility’… On Site at Munich IAA Mobility 2021

“The Future of European Mobility Lies With Us.”

[European Startup Chronicles] The Korean Wave Sweeping Berlin - K-Startups

What Happens When Berlin Meets Korea?

[European Startup Chronicles] Supporting Korean Startups' Entry into Germany

A Reliable Supporter Helping Korean Startups Enter Germany

An Interview with Soyeon Kim, Representative of NRW.Global Business Korea

[European Startup Chronicles] Hot Startups of Nordrhein-Westfalen

Nordrhein-Westfalen’s Hot Startups Behind ‘Toniebox’

From Children’s Audiobooks to Vegan Foods, Biotechnology, Logistics, and Smart Grid Platforms

[European Startup Chronicles] Germany's NRW State Startup Ecosystem

Innovation Blooming in Closed Mines: The Startup Ecosystem of Nordrhein-Westfalen

Transforming from a Traditional Industrial Hub into an Information Technology Center… Actively Attracting Foreign Investment through State Development Agencies

Seoul Robotics, the Korean Autonomous Driving Startup That Captivated BMW

Seoul Robotics, the Korean autonomous driving startup that captivated BMW

Supplying software to BMW: “From the beginning, our goal was overseas expansion… we plan to grow into smart cities”

[European Startup Chronicles] Munich's Rising Startups: Top 5

Holidu, a search and comparison site for holiday accommodation

[European Startup Chronicles] 'Startup Over Beer': Munich's Startup Scene

The Startup Ecosystem in Munich, Where Startups Come Before Beer

Rich in capital under Bavaria’s leadership, with deep ties to major companies and universities, Munich is Germany’s second startup region after Berlin

[European Startup Chronicles] Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ③

Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ③

Finding a job abroad, developers’ work, and their future vision

[European Startup Chronicles] Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ②

Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ②

About getting to Berlin, and the startup and developer culture experienced in Europe

[European Startup Chronicles] Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ①

Meeting Three Korean Developers in Berlin ①

Hear about Berlin life from fintech developers at Element, Delivery Hero, and Taxfix

[European Startup Chronicles] German 'K-Beauty' Startup 'Yepoda'

German cosmetics startup ‘Yepoda’ competing with ‘K-Beauty’… ‘Good cosmetics’ valuing Korean skincare and sustainability grows rapidly within a year via online and social media

[European Startup Chronicles] Female Entrepreneurs Connecting Germany and Asia ③

Selecting Japanese and German startups for mentoring and matching… focusing on connecting communities rather than connecting individual companies

[European Startup Chronicles] Female Entrepreneurs Connecting Germany and Asia ②

Founding a solo startup with a focus on digitalization after majoring in Chinese studies… A series of expert interviews as the primary business model

Female Entrepreneurs Connecting Germany and Asia ①

Founding a startup consulting company to solve ‘human relationship issues’ experienced while working at leading global companies

Berlin Startup Ecosystem ②

Coworking spaces, coaching, mentoring programs, and investment—all accessible in Berlin

Diverse Hubs Providing Coworking Space and Accelerating

[European Startup Chronicles] Berlin's Startup Ecosystem ①

Home to the National Hub Agency… Accelerator ‘Finleap’ plays a central role in Berlin’s Fintech scene

How Berlin Became a 'Startup Mecca'

Large influx of young people thanks to low costs and techno music… The ’effect’ of timely startup support policies

The Networking Experts Who Led Me to Factory Berlin

Inspiration and the power of networks through Factory Berlin CRO Catherine Bischoff and founder Hana

Berlin's Korean AI Startup 'Nota'

Starting as a KAIST in-house venture and discussing an AI-powered intelligent traffic control system with the City of Hamburg

Berlin: From Symbol of Division to Startup Mecca

How affordable living and support policies turned Berlin into a startup hub… The role of Factory Berlin in building the ecosystem

[Interview] Zak Jaiathe of Xibit

People I Met at Factory Berlin

If Only I Could Catch a Glimpse from Afar

Where Art Meets Tech: Factory Berlin

I’m going to make things happen in Germany.