Substantial effort remains.
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In the heart of Europe, Germany is witnessing a surge in the startup ecosystem. Here are some of the latest developments that are shaping this new economic force.
Focus on Startups by ZDF
The German broadcaster ZDF is shedding light on startups, recognising them as a significant economic force in the country.
Google's 'Payment Per Gaze' Technology
Google has stirred up controversy with its recent patent for 'payment per glance' technology. The potential uses of this technology remain to be seen, but questions about privacy and consumer behaviour are already being raised.
Competition in Cloud Managed Printing
Berlin-based software company ezeep has entered the fray with its expansion into Cloud Managed Printing, directly competing with Google's Cloud Print.
A New Market on the Horizon
The Startup-Mobile-Web-Barometer, or Samwer, is being discussed as a potential counterpart to the DAX. This new market could provide a platform for young, innovative companies to thrive.
New Pet Shop Launches Under ProSiebenSat.1's Incubator
Petobel, a new pet shop, has made its debut under ProSiebenSat.1's incubator Epic Companies.
Reeperbahn Festival Expands to Include Startups
The Reeperbahn Festival is broadening its horizons to encompass digital creative industries and inviting startups for the first time.
StartUps@Reeperbahn and Startup Hotel
Specific companies participating at StartUps@Reeperbahn on September 26 are yet to be announced. However, startups interested in presenting their ideas at the Startup Hotel on Hamburg's Reeperbahn can apply until September 5th. The top 1-3 startups will be selected after evaluation of their unique selling proposition and value.
Live-Tweeting and Articles on Start-up-Deutschland
The Startup Day is being live-tweeted in addition to regular articles on Start-up-Deutschland.
Financial Successes and Expectations
Zooplus, a German e-commerce giant, expects to achieve annual targets of over 400 million EUR and a positive EBITDA in the low single-digit million EUR range.
Hanse Ventures has launched its second-hand shop Rebelle, aiming to become the Net-A-Porter for the second-hand sector.
Two unnamed private investors are investing up to 600,000 Euro in Motory, an automotive platform.
Challenges and Opportunities for Startups
The topic of 'zombie startups', non-profitable startups who missed the earlier exit window, is a subject of discussion.
KOCHMAMSELL, a startup focusing on customer-centric business strategies, is the focus of an article in Gruenderszene.
Fielmann, an online glasses retailer, is considering selling contact lenses and cleaning products online in the future.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Etsy and mymuesli are teaming up, offering a special catalog in mymuesli packages until autumn.
Criticism and Support
Florian Noell, BVDS board spokesman, criticises Green party candidate Jürgen Trittin for speaking against a new market.
The Economic Council of the CDU welcomes the new "Neuer Markt" for young, innovative companies in Germany.
Secret Projects and Innovative Concepts
ToFo is announcing "Emerging Submarines", a secret project of innovative concepts for market entry.
Unusual Workspaces
Plista co-founder Christian Laase has a confirmation room with a big ball pit and artificial grass.
Digital Divide in Germany
Around every seventh resident in Germany aged 16 to 74 has never used the internet.
Investments in Vienna Game Studio
Floore13, Clemens Beer, and Mike Borras are investing 200,000 Euro in Socialspiel, a Vienna game studio.
These developments underscore the dynamic and evolving nature of the startup scene in Germany, offering a glimpse into the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.