Furo, a startup focused on software for industrial battery storage systems, has demonstrated that relocating from Silicon Valley to Germany can be advantageous. Founded by three 28-year-olds, the company has raised $4 million primarily from U.S. investors and secured major clients such as Deutsche Bahn within a year.
Although Furo is incorporated as a Delaware C Corp and raised funds from U.S.-based investors including TQ Ventures, Neo, and Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners, its operations and growth are centered in Munich. The founders credit their decision to return to Germany with accelerating their progress, particularly given Europe's pressing energy challenges.
The founders, Lena Sophia Voß, Leonie Wagner, and Simon Wittner, initially connected to Silicon Valley through Munich’s Center for Digital Technology and Management and studies at Stanford and UC Berkeley. However, they identified a stronger market need in Europe, especially Germany, which has faced consecutive energy crises over recent years.
Voß emphasized the importance of proximity to customers and networks for early-stage startups, noting that being based in Germany facilitated customer introductions, operational support, and access to technical talent. The lower engineering salaries in Germany compared to the U.S. also allow Furo to maximize its budget without compromising on talent quality.
Despite their European base, Furo maintains active connections with U.S. investors and visits the U.S. several times a year for administrative and fundraising purposes. This approach reflects a broader trend where startups leverage resources and networks across continents to optimize growth.
Furo’s experience suggests that for some startups, especially those addressing region-specific challenges, operating outside Silicon Valley while maintaining U.S. investor relationships can be a viable and effective strategy.