{"id":66051,"date":"2020-11-04T08:51:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-04T07:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.munich-startup.net\/?p=66051"},"modified":"2020-11-03T17:20:11","modified_gmt":"2020-11-03T16:20:11","slug":"going-global-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.munich-startup.net\/en\/66051\/going-global-france\/","title":{"rendered":"Going Global: Successful in France"},"content":{"rendered":"
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France, with its 20 unicorn companies, is the European destination country that attracted the most foreign investors in 2019 (source: EY<\/a>). It is very positive about welcoming German startups to enable the emergence of future European champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though France and Germany have a long shared history as neighboring countries, a successful market entry in France requires knowledge of the country's cultural peculiarities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of knowledge of German culture among French people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In general, the French aren't very familiar with German culture and are often subject to one or another prejudice. Very few know the history of the German nation and the strong cultural differences between our various federal states. They tend to confuse things. They envy Germany's economic success, but not our way of life (gastronomy, monotony). So, it's a matter of overcoming these clich\u00e9s right from the first contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we insist on reliability, risk measurement, and profitability when launching a new project, the French are more interested in the innovative side of the project and don't want to go into too much detail at the beginning. The French are much more attached to the concept and risk appetite than to the security and risk aversion that are typical for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the beginning of the relationship, it is therefore extremely important to convey this vision of the future to your future partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creative does not mean chaotic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We're used to saying that Germans never stray from the mold, while the French are very creative. Therefore, you might be surprised by the chaotic side of your interlocutors during your first encounters. You'll get the feeling that they're striving in all directions without any common thread. Don't let this surprise you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we may be better organized through our upbringing, they are undoubtedly more inventive<\/a> and feel more comfortable in complex relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowledge of culture and economy as a key to success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The French are more attached to their own identity than we are to it and, in a way, proud of it. They value their history, their country, their culture, their republic, their milder climate than ours, and, of course, their way of life: "Living like God in France."<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This knowledge of French culture is your key to success in establishing trusting relationships. Show interest in your conversation partners and their interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let's take an example of the cultural differences between the two countries: While staying late at the office can be viewed negatively as a sign of disorganization in our country, working overtime in France is a sign of commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowledge of the French economic structure is also an important element in ensuring the success of your partnership and\/or establishment in France. Two organizations can help you with this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n