Loic Le Meur - Latest Comments in Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Fred — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:48:17 -0000

Yes Mike Arrington should be invited back because you do not want to invite only people who kiss butts and do not contribute to a lively debate.

Now, everybody had their opinion / explanation on the following topics that were mentioned during the Gillmor Gang panel:
-Silicon valley is the game, in Europe you cant play the game.
-Greater track in San Diego.
-Difference is: you dont know how to take time and have lunch.
-Europe looks up to US for leadership in Tech.
-In Silicon Valley, we're all at the same place (friendfeed example)
-Cultural difference in US advantage: less formal.
-Tax structure bad in Europe.
-Plus M Arrington post on the subject.
All these blurbs and now your lengthy post to try to explain why European (and Israelis) start-ups/entrepreneurs are not as "hot" as their US peers (except for a few exceptions)?!

Well the main reason is CUSTOMER BASE / MARKET SIZE.
America is a fabulous market with 340M consumers (US+Canada) speaking the same language within the same legal, cultural, fiscal framework. Whereas Europe is the sum of many small countries (markets) that are very different in terms of culture, tax, etc...
So when a successful European (either French, German, British...) entrepreneur does some PR, it only reaches as far as the borders of his tiny country. His marketing does not go beyond the borders because who in Germany understands a French ad???
In the US, when a company is successful, 340M people can get to know about it instantly.
Of course Ebay is bigger than Aucland, of course Skype was taken over as Mike Arrington delights to say. But the main explanation is not in what you guys were all talking about at the panel.

Put one single language and one single fiscal policy throughout Europe and 360M consumers will be reached out instantly each and every time a new company does good PR, good marketing, etc... Aucland would have been as big and successful as Ebay if they had enjoyed a 360M single-speaking consumer market.

With such prospect, VCs would flow in and a Silicon Valley bis would be created in the French Riviera :).
With that prospect, European entrepreneurship would skyrocket.
With that prospect, nobody would ever say that Silicon Valley is where the game is, nobody would talk about cultural differences/advantages. And nobody would say that Europeans take 2h lunch to network, because nobody would have time for it or would feel the need for it to grow one's own network because things would be so much easier just like in the Valley!

It is a true fact that US corporations are more successful and creative than European ones (Coke, 3M, McDonalds, Starbucks -regardless its difficulties-, Ebay, HP, Intel, Facebook, Google...) and Mike is right on that.

But again folks, the main explanation lies in market size.

PS: I am a French entrepreneur who relocated to NYC to embrace this fabulous 340M consumer market.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

alex — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:39:16 -0000

5628 peeps on the poll ! that's enought .

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

jeaneudes — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:26:43 -0000

2 hours lunch in France versus 3 hours happy hours drink in US. That"s the only difference in socializing on the 2 continents!

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Kathlyn — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:17:38 -0000

Does anyone know where I can find an easy-to-read (in English) summary and comparison of the differences in tax codes/structures relevant to online entrepreneurs in Europe (at least the most populous three nations) and the United States?

I am interested to learn more about which locations are best for entrepreneurs in this regard - as well as in terms of social security. In this regard, I most enjoyed hearing the French minister who visited LeWeb. She was a solid (if not showy) addition.

Further, I think the only people who can accurately comment on this US v. Europe matter are people who have lived and worked in both places. Then, going a step further, I'd most prefer to hear from people who can speak multiple languages (Loic, for example ,speaks French and English and thus has a better understanding of the French online media landscape as it compares to the American landscape).

Discussions about the different lunching habits of various cultures are fun, but these are surface-level issues a person discovers in her first week of working in a new place.

And, to be more opinionated, I found it lame the American panelists in the final presentation kept presenting Israel as an example of their knowledge abroad. I've been to Israel, the US and Europe. I certainly think Israel is an entirely unique country with an interesting set of circumstances, but an American would impress me a hellofa lot more if he could speak at length about startups in Jordan or Lebanon. The cultural and political ties between Israel and the US are too strong for it to be a unique place for an American to have knowledge of.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Vasco — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:38:52 -0000

Bravo pour LeWeb, Loic!

Conseil Michael Arrignton à lire Geert Hofstede (www.geert-hofstede.com) après les choses seront plus claires pour lui. (Je pense!)

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

jsmibert — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:27:08 -0000

Nicole, What an engaging conversation.... I think you hit the nail on the head! It is ridiculous to expect that people all should value the same things. If you are speaking about revenues and growth... look to Silicon Valley. If you are interested in quality, branding and personal fulfillment, then perhaps 'Guy Savoy' is your bag. It is interesting to hear from those who show complete duality by criticizing one culture for not accepting, adopting or understanding theirs (as is their supposed practice). Does that not show the exact same ignorance?! I personally enjoy the extreme parts of both discussed cultures, and feel that without the extremes found in the American 'hardcore' personality or in the strong French 'value for quality' the world would be poorer for it.

I couldn't help but laugh at the above statements about Crunchbase! As a publicly edited database it only shows its viewers the companies which people find relevant. I am in marketing and I would perceive it as my job to get information about my company in places where it needs to be, not some third parties job to seek me out. If I am not relevant to people who I am trying to be noticed by... then I am doing something wrong.

I'm also with you on complaining! It is only when we want something from someone else that we criticize their lack of knowledge. Whether it be attention, respect or something more capitalistic. Having spent some time in Asia and watching people as they interact, I would argue that were some of us in need of something from the Japanese or Chinese we might be quick to call them equally as 'arrogant or ignorant'.... but that would then demonstrate our ignorance of them. I have partners, clients and friends in the US.... and the main reason it works, is that I try to be open minded and understand the culture. Otherwise I could be offended too.

I love what Loic and others are doing with LeWeb. I would say however, that if we want to play in an world wide arena we need to learn from the most successful. Historically we are so quick to take offense (even from those who are from EU) that we are our own worst enemies. I would love to see a conference where we can take the best from EU, Asia, America and the rest of the world.... and get what we want out of it! Im cool with just leaving the rest to someone with more time to blog than I find :)

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Prolific Programmer — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:14:06 -0000

I am a British-born, French/Lebanese/Persian chap working in Silicon Valley. There are a hell of a lot of Europeans around here.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Guillaume — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:33:55 -0000

Loïc, et les autres,

je pense qu'il est essentiel d'inviter à nouveau ce cher Monsieur Arrigton la prochaine fois. En effet, même si ses propos sont plutôt décalés, maladroits voire indécents, TechCrunh représente une beaucoup de personne et joui d'une notoriété importante. Je pense qu'une méthode amicale, en discutant est nécessaire afin de convenir à une réflexion posée et raisonnable.
Ne soyons pas trop mesquins nous aussi, nous savons que ça présence apporte tout de même un "petit plus" et il faut essayer de prendre sa "remarque" comme telle et non comme reproche.

Enfin, je dis ça, faites-en ce que vous voulez, ce n'est qu'un conseil.

Bon courage pour la suite.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Viktoria — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:03:46 -0000

Wow, i am impressed by all that emotions here! And it was very entertaining to see the last panel... Come on, what do you expect if you put almost only Americans on stage to talk about the European startup scene? It is meant to be teasing and provoking. (Otherwise it just could have been an organizational failure.)

Why should anyone feel offended, if not by having a low self-esteem? Better than feeling dissed, we should go out there and show them, what we are capable of!
As Nicole said, they just gave us a great presentation of American behavior. So take it as a lesson to learn how to approach the American market, in order to conquer it!

The Americans themselves have so many trouble in going in the European market. Comparing, it should be much easier for us to go into the American one. Don't you think so?

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

mini-d — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:17:08 -0000

I have a great idea:

Invite M.A. to next flight. Send him on easyjet or any lowcost flight to france. Make him take a cab from the airport to a series of hotels around France, and take the rest of the guys (including me to 3 stars restaurants) and send him to eat shawarmas! (they're tasty and served in 3 minutes)

I know Mike will appreciate this time saver schedule.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Sam — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:47:46 -0000

Reading this and also from other feedback I heard from people at LeWeb it annoys me a bit to have to realize that TechCrunch is so typically US-american in thinking that the US is so superior to everything else in the world. I will gladly unsubscribe from their RSS feed.

Speaking of 5 hour lunches: I like the culture here in Europe (Switzerland) of not just filling ourselves up with junk. But five ours is quite a long time for me to sit still I must admit ;-) Would have to get used to that if I were to move to France (which I guess I wouldn't do because of the language, sorry. English, German, Swiss-German, bits of Swahili, Chinese and C# are enough for me)

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

FredImparatta — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:01:21 -0000

Arrington is a sucker, but the lack of internet connection at Le Web is lame too. You should both just shut up.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

wangjel — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 04:29:50 -0000

europe ignore already too much, get competitive, yes get pissed of on arrogance, and work better, use it to become, better, stronger.................

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Sares — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 03:08:45 -0000

michael should be ignored

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

John Doe — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:02:11 -0000

I think everyone knows Michael Arrington of TechCrunch can be a deucebag, so no worries ...

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

COP — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:35:10 -0000

You Sir are a Douchebag. I was annoyed by your presence on stage during Marrisa's interview.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Carlos Serrano-Morales — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:38:19 -0000

Let's not miss the key point: obtaining funding in Europe is far more difficult than in the US, and in particular the Silicon Valley. It's a true statement backed by numbers. The biggest boost that enterpreneurs in Europe could get from this type of conferences is significantly more participation by risk taking European fund providers. Where is the angel investor culture in Europe? How do VC funds really manage the risk they take so that they can invest in more and bet on less success percentage?
It's not a question of enterpreneur culture. It's been said many times: a large percentage of the enterpreneurs in the Silicon Valley are European. It's not a question of individual investors: a significant number of European individual investors participate to the investment networks in the Bay Area.

It seems to be much more a question of risk taking culture and risk management appetite. We could use help to change that.

These personality clashes have only one calculated goal: create controversy, so that they get talked about. We are in the reputation world with 140 character exchanges to create them or destroy them. The easiest way to attract attention is to be controversial. Both Loic and Michael know it well.
Of course Michael should be invited and given space to talk, the same way Loic and co are invited and given space to talk in the other conferences. Controversy is at least entertaining.

But don't confuse those details with the real issues.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

wangjel — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:07:06 -0000

and you you ex french loic le mort better if you offer something else to your friends than paris and the french wine and go back in the US, or before you offer our country here do something real here and hide behind europien culture after.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

wangjel — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:02:29 -0000

and accept that critic of michael because it is true

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

wangjel — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:57:36 -0000

and about europe....... yes of course we have problems, and those problems will be not solved until the people don't learn how to use the possibilities, and until most of the french do not understand a word in english and nobody translate and speak about what is happening on the other side of the world, french users will super proud and ignorant, and ignorant soooooooooo much you can not imagine from the US. users you know users, without users you have nothing, it can be brilliant what you do, but without users it is good for nothing, and in france the internet is google, skyblog, msnmessenger, youtube and dailymotion. these are the real problems of france so you can understand if a little provocation to have some competition is turning bad. then french they start to call the ghosts of "culture to hide their ignorance and lazyness.

the first and most important job to do in france is education and support to use the internet. Translate everything and show step by step. I know it is difficult to accept such a point of view, but compare your actual numbers of active users with the actual numbers of not users, and find a positive solution.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

wangjel — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:28:44 -0000

to have the last shot on something already dead....................
this discussion is about a f*up conference and about some critics what is true. and it is difficult to accept for those rich idiots, who are lazy to learn just wanna f*around in five ***** as LouisXIV

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Jose del Moral — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:06:54 -0000

He's a great showman. I really did love the last session. He knows how to entertain people both online and offline. I just take him as a great clown, a hilarious one.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Jose del Moral — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:00:50 -0000

This is so interesting to hear Robert! Blogging and tweeting is killing part of the free time we should spend with real people we have closer. Maybe we are some type of junkies?

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

TechCrunch Sucks — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:30:19 -0000

Why did you invite a journalist to comment on entrepreneurship?
That's like asking a fat man to give a talk on how to diet to bunch of fitness trainers.

Re: Should Michael Arrington Be Invited Back At LeWeb Next Year?

Rockmenace — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:50:06 -0000

I think it also shows that not all Americans are rude and "to-the-point". It all depends on what part of the country you come from. Being from the Midwest, I am successful and still have no need to be a "straight to the point" kind of guy. There are certainly times when you want to get to know someone better and an opportunity to get to know a counterpart from another country would definitely be one of those times.