I agree with Sten that it's a pitty that Europe doesn't receive more attention from SV. But most Europeans don't care. Most people don't want to be like SV. We don't care that there isn't as many startups. We're happy about living a balanced life and that most people here can do that (Most think it's ok to be taxed hard so that so many don't have to suffer and at least get healthcare and shelter...). People just don't strive to be financially hugely successful. Doing good is enough so that you can focus on what's important for you, which for most europeans isn't work. The ones that love to push their intellectual boundaries all the time and devote themself to work find their niche in Europe or move to the Valley. That's ok. I've heard from friends in SF that a lot of people there are "depressed" because of their high ambitions that they're not reaching. Europeans are often considered a bit boring. We don't have the same highs as in SF of pushing something amazing forward every day. There are good and bad sides to both of these places.