we do have a growing startup scene yearning for experienced engineers

Money is a bit of a problem and equity rarely makes up for it these days (most of the legitimately profitable business ideas have been done, what's left is either complete shots in the dark that are unlikely to succeed or grifting such as blockchain or "growth and engagement" crap).

Besides equity, the salary itself for software engineers is terrible in Europe (unless you branch off into consulting which while more lucrative comes with its own challenges).