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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, highlighting key data, trends, and support mechanisms for entrepreneurs. It covers macroeconomic data, socio-demographic aspects, business data, innovative start-ups, and the institutions and programmes that encourage entrepreneurship. The document also includes statistics on new businesses, their sectors, and funding sources, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurial spirit in schools and higher education.

Main Points

Macroeconomic and Business Data

• In 2016, there were 378,000 start-ups in commerce, liberal professions, and agriculture/forestry (excluding sideline businesses).
• 282,400 new commercial start-ups were registered in 2016, a 5.4% decrease from the previous year.
• The number of liquidations exceeded the number of new businesses, with 311,000 liquidations compared to 282,000 start-ups, resulting in a net loss of 29,000 companies.
• 249,900 new sideline businesses were registered in 2016, with a +67,900 net increase.
• 90% of start-ups are new businesses, while 74% are sole proprietorships.
• Over one in ten start-ups are based on inheritance, purchase, or lease of an existing company.

Socio-Demographic Trends

• Women accounted for 29.1% of new commercial sole proprietorships in 2016, showing a slight increase from 2015.
• Non-German nationals had a lower share of start-ups compared to previous years, partly due to the freedom of movement for Romanians and Bulgarians in 2014.
• 58% of new entrepreneurs were previously employed, indicating that many start-ups are based on existing work experience.

Age Groups

• 17% of new businesses were started by people aged 45-54 (baby boomers).
• The proportion of start-ups by 18-24 and 25-34 year-olds increased slightly compared to 2015.

Sector Distribution

• Services (personal, corporate, and financial) accounted for 68% of new businesses.
• Retail/wholesale was the second-largest sector, representing 16% of start-ups.
• The services sector has remained highly active for years, reflecting structural economic changes.

Motives for Starting a Business

• 46% of new entrepreneurs started their businesses to realise a business idea.
• 25% started due to lack of alternative income.
• The majority of start-ups rely on tried-and-tested business ideas, with only 15% introducing novelty on regional, national, or global markets.

Support for Start-ups

Funding and Financial Support

• 9% of start-ups do not require material or financial assets.
• 50% of start-ups require material and financial assets, with external financing primarily coming from loans (bank loans, current account loans, etc.).
• Venture capital is available through the High-Tech Start-up Fund (HTGF), which funded 577 companies and created 4,842 jobs from 2005 to 2016.
• The INVEST grant encourages private investors, especially business angels, by offering 20% tax-free reimbursement of their investments.

Institutions and Programmes

• The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy provides various support services, including:
  • www.existenzgruender.de – A central portal for start-up information.
  • www.existenzgruenderinnen.de – A special service for female entrepreneurs.
  • www.unternehmergeist-macht-schule.de – Initiative to introduce entrepreneurship in schools.
• EXIST supports science-based start-ups by providing funding, training, and mentorship for students, graduates, and scientists.
• Coparion is a co-investment fund for young, innovative technology companies, with a maximum investment of €10 million per company.
• WIPANO promotes knowledge and technology transfer through patents and standards, offering support to research institutions and SMEs.

Innovation and Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Germany has a strong track record in supporting entrepreneurship, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM).
• The main challenges include improving entrepreneurial education, enhancing policy commitment, and reducing regulatory and tax burdens.
• Entrepreneurial spirit is being promoted through professorial chairs in universities, with 133 chairs established as of 2017.
• Start-up competitions and events such as the German Entrepreneurship Week and the Young Digital Economy Advisory Board are used to encourage innovation and support young entrepreneurs.

Regional Trends

• Hamburg has become the new start-up capital, overtaking Berlin in terms of entrepreneurial activity.
• Urban areas offer advantages in services and retail/wholesale due to easy transport.

Further Research and Resources

• The document includes links and addresses for further research, publications, and support services.
• Regional and local business development agencies also provide support for start-ups.
• The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), IfM Bonn, and KfW are key data sources for start-up statistics.

Conclusion

Germany's start-up ecosystem is diverse, with a strong emphasis on services and trade, and support for innovation and entrepreneurship through various funding programmes, advisory services, and educational initiatives. While there are positive trends in female entrepreneurship and youth involvement, the overall number of start-ups has declined in recent years, largely due to stable employment and fewer unemployed individuals starting businesses. The government and institutions are working to improve training, enhance policy, and reduce regulatory burdens to foster a more dynamic entrepreneurial environment.