still want Handpicked Berlin?

Special edition issue with all the articles of 2024 and your chance to influence the future of this project.

It’s been over a year since a former subscriber told me he was unsubscribing because I used AI to generate an image in my last year-end post. I was sad to see him go.

What to say about 2024? It was an amazing year of learning, growth and content. Before I show you some growth numbers, I’d like you to help me with a very short feedback round.

You are the main reason I am doing this. So I wonder how would you feel if you could no longer receive Handpicked Berlin newsletter?

On top, I am asking about what should I do more of: More links to events? More jobs? More career tips? Your (anonymous) call with a total of 5 clicks and around 37 seconds:

After you submit the survey, you will see a link to a PDF with a list of all Berlin-based funded startups published in 2024. To get this small token of appreciation, you’ll need to submit your email. I have no interest in investigating who submitted what on the survey, but to ensure anonymity, save the link and download it sometime later.

What do the numbers say?

I like them, especially on Instagram. I wanted to reach 10,000 newsletter subscribers before year-end, but life is no fairytale.

• Linkedin page: 883 → 2,155 (+144,05%)

• Instagram: 755 → 7,029 (+830,99%)

• Newsletter: 5,410 → 9,627 (+77,95%)

• Website: 1,900 → 7,000 (+268,42%)

• TikTok: aborted.

(as of 29.12.2024)

I also wrote or co-authored a lot of great articles

• Berlin Salary Trends 2024 (with support from a great team! Thanks again Ignacio, Richard, Juan and Katya)

• 11 things to know before you join a startup

• Why you need a mentor (or become one)

• 🍔 Best Burger in Berlin 2024: Local Favorites & Expert Picks

• 👀 Eye contact in Berlin – a short guide

• 9 ideas to optimise your holiday in Berlin 2025

• 🚨 CV writing guide in Germany: insights from 6 tech recruiters

• How to find a great company to work for?

• 🇩🇪 How to learn German and get over “Genau” and “mit Karte, bitte”?

• Signing a new employment contract in Germany? Read this before.

• Football in Berlin: where to play, watch and how to get involved? (with the amazing Nik and Davyd)

I also made a few media appearances.

What’s coming in 2025?

I realised that the less I talk about my plans, the more they get implemented. Changes are coming as soon as possible.

Before you go… a reminder to help me improve this project: Thank you so much for your 2-min.

Did I mention I lost my job? No? Anyway, since I am now officially a side business, you can advertise too.

Have a great start to 2025! 🎉

Igor¹

1. Connect with me on LinkedIn.