Aleksander Ciszek (age 27)

Where do you work?

I'm COO at 3YOURMIND, a company that provides the best possible 3D printing. We focus on the data for 3D printing so they print well. We have an online portal: 3d-button.com. There you can upload your print data; we analyze the model and optimize it for 3D printing. We then propose a variety of 3D printing suppliers. The customer can compare prices and delivery times, choose the material and then order the least expensive or fastest printing service. You don't really need your own 3D printer to generate a high-quality 3D print. We take care of that. Our customers include architects and designers.

Why Berlin?

Coming here was a career decision. I was living in Warsaw and had studied there. After my studies, I traveled around the world and happened to meet Stephan: (now CEO at 3YOURMIND) in a hostel in Saint Petersburg. From that point on, we met regularly. At some time, we decided to found 3YOURMIND. This naturally raised the question: Where? Since my German was better than his Polish, it was clear that we should found it in Germany. We really wanted to come to Berlin because it has the best start-up infrastructure. Then TU Berlin granted us funding. So I packed my bags and came to Berlin, although I had never been here before.

Who or what helped you when you first came to Berlin?

To that, I, of course, have to say that the funding was a relief. It's provided a more relaxed working environment, since we didn't have to worry about money for rent or food while we were waiting for sales to pick up. But at least as important is the good structure for start-ups in Berlin. Here, it's possible to go to an event or meet-up every day of the week. It's very easy to get to know new people who can help you. Berlin is like the Silicon Valley. You meet people, talk frankly with them and after a brief conversation decide whether you want to work together or not.

Of course, Stephan has also helped me privately. He knew Berlin better than me and showed me the city. But even privately, I have to say that it is very easy to meet new people.

What do you love about Berlin?

This city is very tolerant and open. Everyone is accepted here. People who would stand out in other cities don't for the most part here. In Berlin, much more things are considered normal than elsewhere. I love that. Although Berlin has a reputation as a party capital, you don't have to be a party animal to live here. Professional networking is a top priority. Here, you can simply work and live well.

If you could give a new Berlin resident a tip, what would it be?

Take enough time to find the right apartment! I tried to just casually find an apartment. That did not work. Plan at least one week full-time to look for a place to live, if not more. And when you get to Berlin, you should definitely go out to eat around Rosenthaler Platz. There are a lot of restaurants there. The area is very nice. For nightlife, I recommend RAW on Warschauer Straße.