by Sören Stamer April 26, 2007 at 08:19 PM

Germany loves Italian food, soccer, and cars. And Germany loves pets. Some parents complain that Germans might love their pets even more than their children, which sounds like a real tragedy.

But a small group of people seems really unloved in Germany: Entrepreneurs.

Klaus is one of those German entrepreneurs. He is a friend and a former colleague of mine, who first founded his company in Cambridge, UK and recently relocated to Hamburg. (Attention: I had to update the link due to a fault. Klaus founded Sierra Sensors after leaving Akubio.)

I met Klaus on Tuesday and learned something about one of my blind spots: Klaus told me that being an entrepreneur in Germany feels a lot different than in the UK. It was amazingly easy to start his company in the UK. There was only a little bureaucracy, helpful support by the government (even at the weekend!), and – most important – the good feeling to be respected by society.

Klaus does not feel the same since moving his company to Hamburg. He seems to be somewhat frustrated talking about all the jealousy and envy he receives day to day. ‘Entrepreneurs are not welcome in Germany’ is his alarming conclusion.

Well, I love to be an entrepreneur. It is such a great experience to build an enterprise that makes a difference for all the people involved – even in Germany.

It seems that I am so used to Klaus’ experiences that I am hardly aware of them anymore.

However, we have to change this poisoned attitude. I think it is dangerous for our society. It harms our ability as an open society to innovate and create a better life for all.

I vote for ‘Intrapreneurship’ (Thanks Ed for the hint). It looks like a far better model for the future. It works well not just for entrepreneurs.