European startup founders put in more hours than one might expect.

      Contrary to recent statements suggesting that European startups are not putting in enough effort, new research indicates that founders across the continent are making significant sacrifices to transform their ideas into thriving businesses.

      A survey conducted by early-stage VC firm Antler, involving 128 founders, revealed that three-quarters of these individuals work over 60 hours a week, with 19% exceeding 80 hours.

      German founders stood out as the most dedicated, with 94% committing more than 60 hours weekly and 38% surpassing 80 hours.

      Daria Stepanova, co-founder of the German startup AIRMO, shared that she has given up “time, stability, and relationships” to advance her business, although she believes a certain level of obsession is beneficial, stating, “otherwise, what you’re building probably isn’t worth building.”

      Swedish entrepreneurs were not far behind, and while UK founders also logged long hours, they were the least likely to exceed the 80-hour mark, with only 10% doing so.

      Over 70% of founders describe building their company as “easily the hardest thing they have ever done,” but almost all (98%) remain passionate about their career paths.

      This passion persists despite feelings of underappreciation; nearly 73% of European founders feel their hard work goes unnoticed.

      Alan Poensgen, a partner at Antler, remarked, “In Europe, you are more likely to be an Olympic medalist than a founder of a unicorn company. While both require similar ambition, resilience, and endurance, founders don’t receive equal recognition.”

      What motivates these founders?

      The survey suggests that founders are more driven by impact than by financial rewards. A mere 4% identified financial gain as their main motivation, while most cited creating innovation (27%), making a positive global impact (22%), and proving their ability to tackle challenging problems (19%).

      However, this commitment requires sacrifices, with founders highlighting work-life balance (61%) and salary reduction (36%) as their biggest trade-offs. Additionally, 62% reported familial concerns about leaving stable jobs, adding another layer of pressure.

      What keeps these driven entrepreneurs awake at night? Concerns over execution speed (40%), customer acquisition (24%), and runway issues (18%) top their worries, reflecting the intense pressure to achieve results within limited resources and time.

      These findings emerge amidst a growing debate in the European tech sector regarding whether workplace culture is hindering the region compared to the US or China.

      In a recent podcast, Revolut CEO Nik Storonsky criticized European startup founders, suggesting they do not work hard enough and place too high a value on work-life balance. His remarks followed a spirited social media discussion earlier this year questioning whether French founders lacked the necessary “grindset” for success.

      Yet, Antler’s results challenge the perspective that European founders prioritize balance over hustle, suggesting that a culture of often unnoticed hard work underlies the continent’s startup ecosystem.

      “People often see the headlines but not the sleepless nights or personal risks involved,” stated Danyal Oezdeuzenciler, co-founder of London-based Capsa AI. “Founders invest so much into their ideas — financially, emotionally, and mentally — and the resilience required is truly remarkable.”

      Startup founders from across Europe are gathering in Amsterdam for the TNW Conference scheduled for June 19-20. Tickets are currently available for purchase, and by using the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at checkout, attendees can receive a 30% discount.