First, let's look at the numbers:
• US GDP: $25.5 trillion
• EU GDP: $16.6 trillionBut in 2008, they were nearly equal.
What the hell happened over the past 16 years?
It's simple: pic.twitter.com/rD29vS17Er
— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
But it goes deeper than numbers…
European talent is fleeing en masse.
I see most European entrepreneurs choosing between two paths:
• The US for higher salaries ($350k+ tech jobs)
• Southeast Asia for lower cost of living to build startupsWhy? pic.twitter.com/tPXnG8Olkx
— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
Meanwhile in places like Silicon Valley and NYC:
Founders are celebrated. Risk-taking is rewarded.
Failure is seen as education, not embarrassment.To make matters even worse… pic.twitter.com/F0CvjKAzcR
— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
Even French president Emmanuel Macron admits it.
When comparing Europe to the American and Chinese markets, he said: pic.twitter.com/1QWKRapf5a
— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
Europe's regulatory culture created an economic spiral of doom:
• Talent leaves
• Companies avoid investing
• Innovation dies
• Economy stagnates
• More regulation followsThis is why memes like "Europoors" exist. pic.twitter.com/SLoBNEm4K0
— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
The numbers are brutal:
• 90% of EU tech talent would move to US for right offer
• European tech salaries: 50% lower than US
• Startup funding: 5x higher in USAnd Europe's few tech successes?
— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
While Europe debates the ethics of AI…
America builds it.While Europe regulates cryptocurrencies…
America innovates them.While Europe protects old industries…
America creates new ones.— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
This is why America keeps winning.
Not because Americans are smarter.
But because their system benefits those who build. pic.twitter.com/sVnk2XaQ5R
— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
This is forcing a generation of Europeans to make an impossible choice:
Stay in a culture we love but can't build in?
Or leave everything behind to chase opportunity?
— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
The rich culture and history.
The incredible cuisine.
The best techno scene on Earth.The fact a 2-hour flight takes you to new worlds with new language, new culture, new country.
I'm rooted here. pic.twitter.com/IL9vIfPPxD
— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
The question isn't if Europe will fall behind. It already has.
It's on its way to irrelevancy. And its a reason why I'm currently looking to move out of the continent.
The real question is….
Will they change course before its too late? pic.twitter.com/aGhSgjV2ya
— Ole Lehmann (@itsolelehmann) January 13, 2025
‼️Germany is in a full-blown recession:
Unemployment in the world's third-largest economy has risen for 24 months straight, the longest streak in at least 35 years.
The country has also likely experienced a 2nd straight year of contracting GDP, the longest stretch since 1999. pic.twitter.com/6lT3X2DhdV
— Global Markets Investor (@GlobalMktObserv) January 12, 2025