The European startup ecosystem is facing a significant cultural debate, as trends from China’s controversial “996” work model seep into discussions among local founders and venture capitalists. This model, characterized by working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, has gained traction in various sectors but has also spurred public outcry and protests against its detrimental effects on employees’ well-being. Recent discussions on platforms like LinkedIn have ignited a vigorous response from European startup leaders who argue that adopting such a grueling work culture is both unnecessary and counterproductive.
In an era where the European tech scene is often perceived as lagging behind the United States and China—two powerhouses that have birthed globally dominant tech giants—some venture capitalists are calling for an adjustment in work ethics. Sebastian Becker, general partner at Swiss venture firm Redalpine, publicly criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s call to maintain the current eight-hour workday while advocating for greater efficiency. “Forty hours a week won’t cut it,” Becker asserted, insisting that a more demanding standard akin to the “996” culture prevalent in Silicon Valley is essential for competing on the global stage.
This sentiment was echoed by Martin Mignot of Index Ventures in London, who highlighted the subtle normalization of the “996” mindset in startups around the world. The inclination to adopt harder work regimes stems from a persistent belief that European startups lack the aggressive drive seen in their American and Chinese counterparts. In parallel, influential voices like Sarah Wernér, co-founder of Husmus, caution against viewing overwork as a path to success, arguing instead for a focus on substantial funding to energize Europe’s innovation landscape.
Despite such calls for a more rigorous work ethic, many in the European startup community contend that these views are outdated. Suranga Chandratillake, a general partner at Balderton Capital, articulated that, contrary to the narrative suggesting Europe is lagging, the continent has recently produced several deca-corns—companies that have exceeded valuations of $10 billion. Notably, firms like Klarna, Revolut, Wise, and Checkout.com have demonstrated Europe’s capacity to innovate and excel without resorting to overwork. “The European tech market is keeping pace today with the U.S. and Asia,” he stated, challenging the perception of a lagging ecosystem.
The resurgence of the “996” dialogue has ignited backlash from numerous startup founders and investors, who emphasize the risks of glorifying overwork in the workplace. Chandratillake characterized this as a “fetishization of overwork,” criticizing the mythologization surrounding startup culture. Similarly, Nina Mohanty, who hails from Silicon Valley and now leads London-based Bloom Money, pointed out the tangible negative impacts of aggressive work cultures. She noted that Revolut—a company recognized for its demanding environment—has faced challenges such as high employee turnover and issues securing necessary licenses, demonstrating that relentless work expectations do not guarantee success.
In response to claims about the necessity of increased working hours, many founders believe that a focus on funding and supportive infrastructure would yield more beneficial results. Dama Sathianathan, a senior partner at Bethnal Green Ventures, expressed concern that rigid work hour prescriptions fail to substantiate genuine productivity improvements, especially if they undermine employee well-being. “Optimizing labor does not always lead to better productivity,” he cautioned, emphasizing the importance of maintaining meaning and purpose in work.
Contrarily, the most recent generation of the workforce, particularly Gen Z and younger millennials, is exhibiting a distinctly reduced tolerance for toxic work cultures. Jas Schembri-Stothart, founder of Luna—a health and wellness app—argued that toxic models like “996” will likely deter younger talent from considering opportunities in European startups. Instead of inciting a culture of relentless grinding, many advocate for a reimagined startup environment that prioritizes work-life balance, fostering loyalty and retention among staff.
Calls for a cultural shift within the European startup ecosystem have become increasingly prominent. Founders contend that enhancing funding access is far more effective than simply extending working hours. Wernér emphasized that proper capital investment would allow startups to expand their teams without overwhelming existing employees. The financial landscape for European startups remains challenging, as evidenced by the fact that they have missed out on nearly $375 billion in growth-stage funding since 2015. Furthermore, one in two firms seeking investment is turning to U.S. markets, highlighting a significant gap in local funding opportunities.
Though founders acknowledge the inherent grind associated with launching and nurturing startups, the consensus appears to be that dogmatic adherence to a “996” mentality is not the solution. Timothy Armoo, co-founder of the influencer marketing firm Fanbytes, indicated that while hard work is essential, it is not a blanket requirement for all entrepreneurs at all times. He emphasized the seasons of labor intensity, suggesting that there are critical phases where extraordinary efforts are unavoidable, but not to the detriment of employee health.
In a landscape where startups face growing pressures to compete on an international scale, many European founders firmly reject the notion that adopting a “996” work culture will inexorably lead to success. They argue for a model that emphasizes funding, talent acquisition, and innovative strategies to differentiate themselves in a rapidly evolving market. The entrepreneurial discourse is shifting towards prioritizing sustainability and well-being, suggesting that the future of European startups may lie not in extended work hours but in smarter, more collaborative approaches to innovation and development.
As debates surrounding work culture intensify, the path forward for European startups is unclear. While the allure of models that emphasize relentless work may hold some appeal for investors, an increasing number of founders are articulating the necessity for a more measured approach to work. Balancing ambition with mindful practices could help to foster a startup environment that not only nurtures talent but also contributes to sustainable growth—a vision that resonates with a modern workforce eager to redefine success beyond mere productivity metrics.