Furo's Founders Left Silicon Valley for Germany — and It's Paying Off in Talent and Funding

TechCrunch · United States · Sep 10, 2026

German energy-tech startup Furo raised $4 million from predominantly U.S. investors — including TQ Ventures, Neo, and Sandberg Bernthal Venture Partners — after its founders deliberately relocated from Silicon Valley back to Munich. The founders cite significantly lower engineering salaries in Germany, less competition with Big Tech for talent, and strong local university networks as key advantages for hiring and growth. The story reflects a broader trend of international startups building outside the U.S. while still tapping American capital, with direct implications for staffing firms competing for technical talent across geographies.