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Summary of Start-ups and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Germany

Core Content

This document provides an overview of the start-up landscape in Germany, focusing on the number of start-ups, their regional distribution, socio-demographic characteristics of entrepreneurs, funding sources, and the role of institutions and programmes in promoting entrepreneurship. It also highlights the impact of start-ups on employment and innovation.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Total Start-ups in 2016: 378,000 in commerce, liberal professions, and agriculture/forestry (excluding sideline businesses).
• Commercial Start-ups: 282,400 in 2016, a decline of 5.4% compared to 2015.
• Sideline Businesses: 249,900 new registrations in 2016, with a net increase of 67,900.
• Women Entrepreneurs: Represented 29.1% of new commercial sole proprietorships in 2016, a slight increase from 2015.
• Age Groups: The "baby boomers" (45–54 years) accounted for 17% of new businesses in 2016, while the 25–34 age group increased their share slightly.
• Non-German Nationals: The proportion of start-ups by foreign nationals dropped in 2016, influenced by the free movement agreement with Romania and Bulgaria.
• Start-up Sectors: Services (68%) and retail/wholesale trade (16%) dominate the start-up landscape.
• Funding Sources: Most start-ups are funded by the entrepreneur's own resources, with external financing mainly coming from loans and private investors.

Main Challenges and Opportunities

• Training and Policy: There is a need for improved entrepreneurship training and stronger policy commitment.
• Regulation and Taxation: Reducing regulatory and tax burdens is essential to foster start-up activity.
• Innovation: Only 15% of new start-ups offer products or services that are novel on a regional, national, or international level, though they significantly contribute to overall innovation.
• Regional Trends: Hamburg is emerging as a new start-up capital, surpassing Berlin in entrepreneurial activity, especially in the media and IT sectors.

Support for Start-ups

• Government Support: The German government provides advisory services, networking opportunities, and financial support through various institutions.
• KfW Banking Group: Offers promotional loans, venture capital, and guarantees to support start-ups.
• EXIST Programme: Aims to promote entrepreneurship in science and academia, offering grants and support for technology-based start-ups.
• High-Tech Start-up Fund (HTGF): Provides venture capital up to €600,000 for young technology companies, with possible follow-up funding of up to €1.4 million.
• INVEST Grant: Encourages private investors to support start-ups, offering tax-free reimbursement of 20% of investment.
• Coparion: A co-investment fund for young, innovative technology companies, investing up to €10 million per company.
• WIPANO: Assists in the patenting and exploitation of research-based ideas, promoting innovation through standardisation.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit in Schools: A national initiative to introduce entrepreneurship to students and support educators.

Regional and Sectoral Distribution

• Regional Distribution: Hamburg leads in start-up activity, with a higher rate of new entrepreneurs per 10,000 gainfully active people than Berlin.
• Sectoral Distribution: Services are the most common sector for new start-ups, followed by retail/wholesale trade.

Impact on Employment

• Start-ups contribute to employment through full-time-equivalent jobs, with a focus on creating new job opportunities.
• The majority of new entrepreneurs were previously employees, indicating a trend of transitioning from employment to self-employment.

Encouraging Start-ups

• Institutions and Programmes: Include Länder ministries, chambers of industry and commerce, skilled crafts chambers, local business developers, and KfW's support structures.
• Special Services: Tailored for women entrepreneurs, including eTraining, seminars, and expert networks.
• Events and Competitions: Initiatives like the German Entrepreneurship Week and various competitions provide platforms for young entrepreneurs to showcase ideas and gain support.

Conclusion

Germany has a robust start-up ecosystem, supported by a range of government and institutional initiatives. While challenges such as declining numbers of new commercial start-ups and under-representation of women in start-up figures remain, the country continues to invest in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through funding, advice, and educational programs. The focus is on improving training, reducing regulatory burdens, and encouraging more diverse participation in the entrepreneurial landscape.