Ever since the industrial revolution, the west (countries whose cultural match is similar to Europeans) has been the hub of innovation and technology.
Almost every major technological advancement that has impacted our lives in the past 100 years has been researched and developed there.
Recently, there has been a rise of tech startups on the Eastern Front (countries in Asia where cultures differ from Europeans).
The rapid rise of technologically advanced Asia raises a question. Are they following similar approaches to tech startups in the West, or do they differ significantly?
Discover how tech startups differ in the West from their relatively newer counterparts in the East.
This blog covers the differences in culture and the environment of tech startups in both regions.
Environment for Tech Startups
A difference in the environment these startups are born into can determine the impact they have.
In the East
There are many well-established cities such as Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo that host a number of technological giants. Additionally, emerging cities like Bengaluru and places in the SEA region that are rapidly investing in developing appropriate systems and infrastructure.
Governments provide major investments and are only recently starting to invest in tech development for most countries. Developing proper regulations for innovation and invention is still under progress.
In the West
Tech hubs have already been established for many decades and have an extremely well-developed system and infrastructure.
Investments in tech startups are primarily by venture capitalists, angel investors, and more. These are further supported by a wide range of incubators for development of the firm in it early stages.
Culture of Innovation
A difference in needs and wants creates a difference in the culture of tech startups that arise in both regions.
In the East
Startups are mostly driven by developing technology to fit certain needs and fulfil certain requirements of the masses.
That is not to say that no investments are made in creating disruptive technologies, but the primary goal of basic need fulfillment remains.
In the West
Here, the standard of living on average is significantly higher compared to Eastern nations. So, there is a greater focus on creating disruptive technologies that will be able to completely transform or even dismantle an industry.
There are high investments made in this direction which often draws the best talent to operate the finest machinery for cutting edge advancements.
