Ezgi Akin (30 years)

Where do you work?

I’m working as an Backend Engineer at Affinidi. We are developing the decentralized technologies that enable people to have more control over their own data. In terms of that, we are building some services and tools that other external developers can use and build their own web3 products.

Why did you choose Berlin?

I chose Berlin because Berlin is kind of the tech hub of Europe. Most of the start-ups have offices here. Berlin is a good place to create a career and build a solid network.

What do you love about Berlin?

Berlin is for everyone. It’s creating space for you to be yourself and you’ll see that no one is going to judge you. And another thing that I really like is cycling, and Berlin is a really bike-friendly city.

Who or what helped you to settle in when you arrived in Berlin?

I moved from Istanbul to Berlin a year and a half ago. A good friend was here a month earlier. She helped me with the registration and to find an apartment. Of course that was good for me.

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

Be ready for paperwork because bureaucracy is a little bit slow here! You need to prepare everything beforehand. So it’s a little bit overwhelming, but at the end, it will be okay. 

And another personal tip: I like the coffee shops in Berlin. One of them is my favorite coffee shop, Bonanza Coffeeshop in Kreuzberg. Check this one out while you're here!