In the eyes of many, Europe lacks the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation drive that has come to define Silicon Valley and the broader US start-up ecosystem. The common narrative suggests that European founders are less driven, that venture capital in Europe lags far behind, and that the continent’s fragmented markets and complicated regulatory environments stifle creativity and innovation. Add to this the economic downturns of recent years, and you would be forgiven for assuming Europe is a less-than-favourable environment for start-ups and venture capital.

But that view ignores a deeper truth. While Europe may indeed have some hurdles to overcome, it also possesses several unique advantages that make it a formidable region for entrepreneurial and venture capital success. As Jyri Engeström, a Finnish venture capitalist with more than a decade of experience from Silicon Valley and now a partner at Lifeline Ventures in Helsinki, puts it, Europe has some "unfair advantages." It’s time we take a closer look at these advantages that could foster a rethink of the European start-up narrative. READ MORE