Furo’s founders left Silicon Valley — and it’s paying off

“So it was a decision to go back to Europe not because we needed to, but because we see that right now, it’s a better time to build an energy startup in Europe instead of the U.S.,” Voß said.

According to Voß, starting Furo out of Munich was “highly beneficial” for its growth, “because a lot of people in our network recommended us to our first customers,” as well as for “operational expertise” and mentorship. “Every time we have a challenge, we know exactly whom to call,” she said, adding that being close to technical universities is also helpful for hiring.

It doesn’t hurt, either that “if you compare the salary of an engineer in the U.S. versus Germany, it is just way cheaper,” Voß said. She recalled that Furo’s U.S. investors wondered whether it would be able to source talent for the amount it had budgeted, which was actually at the top end for salaries in Germany. “So it’s definitely better that you can do more with the money,” she added. 

Salary is just one aspect, though. Voß said the quality of talent is also on par, while workers are more accessible because there is less competition with Big Tech and also thanks to Furo’s CDTM ties. “It’s such a great network in Germany and in Europe that people somehow start to know you.” 

The startup is also maintaining its U.S. network.

“We’re back in the U.S. three or four times a year for admin stuff, but also to catch up with our investors and maybe see new investors,” Voß said.

It’s a reminder that, even for startups that are now happy at home, getting the best of both worlds may still mean fundraising from the United States.

Pictured from left to right: Furo co-founders Lena Sophia Voß, Simon Wittner, and Leonie Wagner.