The difficult economic climate is also taking its toll on German startups. Currently, around one in ten startups (11 percent) fears insolvency within the next twelve months due to the economic situation. Almost half (45 percent) say the situation for startups in Germany has worsened in the past two years. A year ago, this figure was 30 percent. However, only seven percent see a deterioration in the situation for their own startup. In 2023, this figure was 14 percent. This is according to a survey of 172 tech startups commissioned by [organization name missing]. Digital Association Bitkom stands out.
An improvement in the general situation of Startups 23 percent see a change (2023: 30 percent). 26 percent of respondents notice no change (2023: 33 percent). However, regarding their own startup, 30 percent have observed an improvement (2023: 36 percent). And 41 percent report an unchanged situation (2023: 44 percent).
„"Founders are naturally optimistic, especially when looking at their own company. However, the skeptical assessments of the general situation of startups should give us pause.",
Bitkom President explains Ralf Wintergerst.
„"The German government has set ambitious goals for startup support and has already implemented several measures, such as improving employee participation and strengthening growth financing through the growth fund. Now that the economic outlook has weakened, the German government should expand its startup programs accordingly."“
The AI voucher announced in the German government's startup strategy should be introduced quickly. This could support collaboration between medium-sized businesses and startups in the field of artificial intelligence. Bitkom also recommends that the cuts to the investment program for business angels, which were implemented at short notice at the beginning of the year, should be reversed.
