After futurist Paul Saffo´s short essay, I asked Mike Sigal, CEO of the Guidewire Group, what the term "Made in Germany" means to him -- in line with the current issue of brand eins about identity.
Mike´s consultancy is, among other things, well known for producing the DEMO tech showcase twice a year, unearthing new products and services long before they appear on most people´s radar screens.
Since Mike had just returned from Berlin, scoping out German start-ups for his firm´s Innovate Europe! event, he has a pretty good story to share:
It’s probably no surprise that the first thing that popped in my mind when I was asked about Made in Germany was the BMWs I’ve owned and loved. A 2002 and a 327i. Such wonderful cars. Oh… and of course my Braun and Miele home appliances… well designed… precisely manufactured, and flawless in delivering on the promises of ownership.
But those are well-known by many and well-established. I was fortunate enough to have a more recent and personal experience with Made in Germany that introduced me to the contemporary German environment and the entrepreneurs and startups it’s producing.
It was wonderful to re-familiarize myself with the city and its brand of German culture after the 10 years since I last visited Berlin. The city was nothing short of wonderful. The thoughtful and refined blending of new and old architecture. Sitting out to enjoy a warm spring day and a cold Berliner on Potsdamer Platz. The stark yet powerful design of the Holocaust memorial.
It wasn’t so much each individual site, but rather the blending that made the experience so memorable. New and old together. Modern and historic. And all in perfect balance. That was distinctly German. You could feel the energy and no more so than during our Going Global workshop. At Guidewire Group, we meet more than 1000 startups a year. Our experience at the workshop in Berlin highlighted what makes German startups distinct.
MyPrinting is helping individuals get their photos into posters to share with their friends…and monetizing social networks.
Plista is helping individuals find the internet content that’s important to them…personally.
Tracks & Fields is empowering independent musicians to succeed without major music labels.
Precise. Humble. Thoughtful. Well-executed. Energetic. Modern. Timely. These companies and the entrepreneurs behind them are personification of "Made in Germany."
Up next, in part 3: architect and sustainable design thinker Prisca Terven Weems, founder and principal of Future Proof in New Orleans and her take on "Made in Germany."
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