Atlanta Companies Extend into Europe Aided by Germany’s Prime Tech Hub

North Rhine-Westphalia Paves the Way for US Companies

Business leaders in the Southeastern U.S. may not be familiar with the German region North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). However, this crucial hub offers immense opportunities for American firms seeking entry into the European market. NRW.Global Business, with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, and the West Coast, serves as a guide for U.S. companies investing in NRW, the most populous and technologically progressive of Germany’s 16 states.

Daniel Dueren, heading NRW’s economic development office in Atlanta, is determined to raise awareness about the advantages of setting up businesses in this robust region. His concentration has been assisting small- to medium-sized enterprises in the Southeast by leveraging his comprehensive business networks and Georgia’s rich tech ecosystem.

Extensive Support from NRW.Global Business

“We recently supported companies like Rivian and Microsoft in expanding into our state. However, our primary focus is smaller, mid-sized companies here in the Southeastern United States because they need the connections and support,” says Mr. Dueren. His organization provides a myriad of business incorporation services in Germany, helping companies select banks, hire key personnel, and navigate the startup landscape in NRW.

Fostering Connection with Atlanta’s Tech Ecosystem

Mr. Dueren has collaborated with entities like the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) at Georgia Institute of Technology, a business incubator fostering technology startups. Through such partnerships, Georgia companies identify and connect with opportunities in NRW like ReadyforSocial, an Atlanta-based startup that expanded its operations in Düsseldorf through assistance from the Atlanta NRW office.

NRW: Stepping Stone Into Europe

NRW is home to over 18 million people, amounting to more than 20% of Germany’s population. Globally recognized industries including logistics, automotive, aerospace, biotech, medtech, and fintech have embedded their roots in the region. Burgeoning technologies like electric vehicles and hydrogen energy are also gaining traction in the state, making it an attractive destination for U.S firms looking to venture into Europe.

NRW.Global Business: Central to Future Plans

Atlanta companies foresee their relationship with NRW.Global business as integral to their success in Europe. As Mr. Biehn of ReadyforSocial indicates, “As we grow and mature inside the German market, we’re expecting a lot of help from NRW.Global Business.” With their assistance, companies are able to find new spaces, establish partnerships, and navigate legal and accounting hurdles in NRW, boosting their business growth.

Collaboration in Atlanta and Germany

Carving out a connection with NRW.Global Business also opens doors to the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States (GACC South). The chamber’s president and CEO, Matthias Hoffman, acknowledges the advantage of having an NRW.Global Business office in Atlanta, enabling Georgia companies to gain insights into German market sentiments and regulations.

Mr. Dueren, optimistic about the potential for Southeast U.S companies to expand to NRW with his office’s aid, promises a soft landing. “We are here to build the bridge between the United States and North Rhine Westphalia. Since NRW.Global Business is state-funded, every service we offer is free of charge.”

Conclusion

With its robust technological scene, expansive industry presence and strategic location, North Rhine-Westphalia, supported by the effort of NRW.Global Business, provides a golden opportunity for American companies looking to venture into Europe and broaden their global outreach.