I run a company with Ltd. entities in a number of countries including Germany, USA and the UK.
IMO Germany do not encourage startup businesses. In the UK it takes a couple of hours and £2 capital to setup a company. In Germany it is a pain and you need €25,000 capital. The Dax reflect this as there are no new players in the 250.
I lived in California and did a startup. There the environment is very easy to get a business going and is supported by finance, VCs who want growth, proof that the model works outside the USA and make sure it is scaleable. If you can do all of that you can get your second round of funding and you are away. I am not sure it works that way in Europe.
In the UK we frequently Look shorter term and sell the business earlier than in the USA. Probably because funding growth often means putting your house on the line.
