Berlin, Germany – March 8, 2013 – Chancellor Angela Merkel visited ResearchGate, the professional network for researchers, on a tour of startups in Berlin on the afternoon of March 7, 2013.
During a tour of the office, Merkel spoke with the team to learn how ResearchGate is making science more efficient and leading it into the digital age. The chancellor, who holds a PhD in Physics, was particularly interested in ResearchGate's contribution to the way researchers are connecting on a global scale. "This is a glimpse into the future, a future that's already becoming reality" said Chancellor Merkel.
The chancellor appeared to be impressed by the company culture at ResearchGate. She said: "All of this can only be achieved because everyone has dedicated themselves to a common vision. This is a new approach, and I hope that it has a future in Germany."
Ijad Madisch, ResearchGate's co-founder and CEO, is honored that the chancellor chose to visit ResearchGate: "The chancellor's visit is a stamp of approval for us: we are on the right path—as a pioneer in science and in the German startup scene. With her visit to ResearchGate, the chancellor has increased public awareness surrounding innovative German entrepreneurs."
Two of ResearchGate's investors, Joachim Schoss (entrepreneur and founder of the Scout24-Group) and Matt Cohler (one of the first employees at Facebook and co-founder of LinkedIn) also greeted the chancellor at the company's headquarters. Matt Cohler was thrilled by the meeting: "It was fascinating to witness two world changers from the scientific and political arenas come together. To experience this and to have the opportunity to participate is a privilege for me."
ResearchGate was founded in 2008 by the physicians Dr. Ijad Madisch and Dr. Sören Hofmayer along with computer specialist Horst Fickenscher. Four years later, more than 2.6 million researchers publish their findings, distribute them worldwide, and make a name for themselves on ResearchGate. The company has completed two rounds of financing, led by Founders Fund partner Luke Nosek, co-founder of PayPal, and Matt Cohler of Benchmark Capital, co-founder of LinkedIn and early employee of Facebook. Such a joint involvement of top-tier Silicon Valley investors is unique in Germany.
