Analytics engineer (4+ yrs, CFA L1) trying to pivot to equity research - how realistic?

TLDR: 4+ yrs in data/analytics engineering, finishing an MSc in Germany, CFA L1, undergrad in Finance. Want to break into equity research in the EU, but my resume/ current job is 100% tech. How do I make this transition? (Currently living in Germany)

Looking for an honest reality check from anyone who's done this or has hired in equity research.

Background

• 4+ yrs experience across data engineering, analytics engineering, and recently some applied AI/agent work
• Currently an analytics position at a publicly listed MNC in the EU - with a return offer
• CFA Level 1 cleared, undergrad concentration was investment management (I only studied investments, never worked practically)
• EU Blue Card work-authorized, German is roughly A2

Why the switch: In 2021, I took the tech path because it paid, the jobs were there, and I'm genuinely good at it. But equity analysis is the thing I still ruminate over. I've been telling myself for 4 years that the interest would fade once I went deeper into tech. It hasn't. Even after building a career in analytics, my head keeps going back to company analysis, valuation, and thesis-building. So I want to stop fighting it.

The problem

1. My resume is wall-to-wall data/analytics. Nothing screams "equity research candidate."
2. Equity research, I fear, would require speaking local office language in Europe. I speak English only fluently.
3. No buy-side or sell-side internships. Just a CFA L1 and a few CFA Challenge experiences
4. I'm 4+ years out of undergrad, so the "new grad ER analyst"; I feel the pipeline isn't really open to me anymore.

What I'm trying to figure out

• Is Europe realistic for Equity Research without knowing the local language?
• Does the analytics background help at all, or is it a liability I have to overcome?
• Pass CFA L2? Does it actually move the needle for breaking in, or is it just table stakes once I'm already in?
• Any specific firms, sectors, or areas where I could sell my tech experience to get in the game?

Thank you. My apologies for the long post! ❤️