Comment by Roark66

One of the main barriers for early-on ramen-stage startups in many EU countries are compulsory "social, pension and health" insurance and minimal pay rules. Thankfully the health part is not a big component - usually around $100 per person per month if you pay yourself the minimum salary required by the law, but for example in Poland the minimum for other "insurances" is between $150 and $500 depending on if your startup qualifies for various discounts. You have to pay that per owner or employee regardless if you make any money or not.