Ten years ago, I was unpacking my bags in Luxembourg, ready to take my first steps as a sales manager in an e-commerce startup. I had no concrete reason for coming here. Having just returned from Montreal, a conversation with an entrepreneur in a Parisian restaurant was all it took to convince me to repack my bags and give the Grand Duchy a try. I had no idea if a startup ecosystem existed here yet. On the other hand, in my mind, the location of a digital startup didn’t really matter as long as you pushed boundaries and prioritized innovation. However, a decade later, I am proud to contribute to an ecosystem that has gained rapid visibility through successful initiatives and events. Today, an international community full of energy and entrepreneurship is making Luxembourg a place where everything is possible. A warm thank you to the Studio Polenta for the new design & layout as well as all the contributors, writers, photographers and partners who made it possible!
Get a copy of the new edition of Silicon Luxembourg magazine.
PART I – NEWS
Discover the story of Alma Solar
Even though Luxembourg isn’t famous for its sunshine, the leading European online shop for photovoltaic equipment and its leader Erick Durand, a French entrepreneur, set up shop here.
Learn more about Disciplined Entrepreneurship
Bill Aulet, MIT Entrepreneurship Director, sat down with Silicon Luxembourg to discuss his Masterclass in Luxembourg and what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
Learn more about the new tech jobs
Along with new technologies, new jobs are popping up. Those working in the tech field know the struggle: how do you explain them to your grandmother? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here’s a list of 5 tech jobs that are super hard to explain to your grandmother.
PART II – BUSINESS
Discover the story of Phoenici
A new regtech has emerged on the Lux startup scene. A Fit4Start pitching startup, Giovanni Patri’s Phoenici combines a holistic approach to identification with a standardized method of protecting people against fraud.
Listen to legal advices about financial innovation
The benefits of financial technology go unquestioned today, sustained by the rise of big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). The improved, tailored services offered to customers leave fintech service providers with a host of challenges proportional to the opportunities.
Push the boundaries of space
Luxembourg has established the space industry as its newest pillar of innovation. The country intends to leverage its ICT and legal skills to develop this high-potential but capital-intensive sector. We asked Olivier Lemaire, Partner at EY Luxembourg, to share with us his analysis and initial thoughts.
PART III – COVER STORY
The digitalization taking place in every corner of business
Our lives are becoming more digital every day, sometimes so seamlessly that we don’t even notice the change. But each new way of shopping, booking, reviewing, or ordering that we adopt brings our offline habits process into the digital era. Certain industries have long been dominated by online players, such as ecommerce or travel, but new startups are continuing to launch products, services and online marketplaces that are digitalizing everything from single processes to entire industries. In Luxembourg, a string of new startups are introducing popular concepts from abroad to the local market, while others are making waves both locally and internationally with novel ideas or superior delivery. And though the country is small, there is still huge, untapped potential to transform entire sectors with digital solutions, whether homegrown or imported.
8 tips for launching your digital startup
Take it from the founders who have already been through the ups and downs of launching their ideas.
PART IV – EXPLORE
Experience Zenview’s innovation
House of Startups-based Zenview is making a name for itself with a solution for workspace relaxation. Silicon Luxembourg sat down with cofounder Agnella Serafin to learn more.
Fast & Curious interview with RocketMail
Your email marketing campaigns have never been easier than with RocketMail, a Luxembourgish startup determined to change the way you press send
10 Startups to look out for in Belgrade, Serbia
Serbia, a hub for IT outsourcing, is putting itself on the map when it comes to innovation. With famous innovators throughout history, the Serbian tech community is drawing attention to its startups. Here are 10 startups from Serbia you should know about.
PART V – LIFESTYLE
Discover Natural Vibes’ socks
Most of us wear socks every day. Why not make them funny, colorful, and meaningful? Thanks to Natural Vibes, you can. Since its launch, the startup has produced 30,000 pairs and has already sold 10,000. We met with Guillermo Ortega, the company’s founder.
Try the Silicon Gin recipe
Gin cocktails are undergoing an unprecedented revival. Our partner Gin & More, has concocted a unique recipe for you.
(Re)Discover Luxembourg city with Marion’s tips
Get to know Marion’s top spots and (re)discover Luxembourg City and its neighborhoods. Blogger (you should have a look at Goguette Trotter) and life lover, she knows the places to be! Her motto? “Life is too short to do boring stuff!” Just saying!
