My friend wanted to launch an AI startup in Germany I told him Europe is one of the best places in the world to build startups All he had to do was: 1. Register the company 2. Notarize the incorporation documents 3. Deposit the minimum share capital 4. Register the beneficial owners 5. Appoint a data protection officer 6. Complete an AI risk assessment 7. Prepare a GDPR impact study 8. Complete a cybersecurity audit 9. Register for VAT 10. Obtain professional liability insurance In just 24–36 months he will be ready to start building his product “But by the time I finish all this, American competitors will already have launched” I looked at him confused “You cannot rush innovation at the expense of proper regulation” This is why precisely Europe leads in AI