Despite economic challenges, German start-ups are resilient and optimistic about the future. One key to success: close cooperation with universities and their start-up support, as provided by the Startup Port in the Hamburg metropolitan region.
Job engine sputters, optimism remains
The German startup landscape is resilient and optimistic despite the economic downturn. Although the average number of employees in startups has fallen slightly – from 18.9 per cent to 16.7 per cent – the belief in an improved business situation by the end of 2025 remains unbroken. An impressive majority of almost 80 per cent of startup founders expect a positive development.
Strategic reorientation towards profitability
In response to persistent financing bottlenecks, the focus of many startups has shifted: Away from rapid growth and towards sustainable profitability. Currently, 78.8 per cent of startups have profitability as their primary goal, compared to 54 per cent who are aiming for rapid growth. This pragmatic approach is also reflected in an increasing focus on business customers (B2B), whose share of revenue has risen to 74.7 per cent.
Sustainability and internationality as fixed parameters
Despite the economic challenges, German start-ups are unwavering in their commitment to environmental sustainability. Self-assignment to the green economy has risen slightly to 48.1 per cent. Internationality is also a defining characteristic: English is the working language in over a third of startups, which emphasises the global character and openness of the sector.
The central role of universities
An outstanding feature of the German startup scene is its close connection to universities. More than every second startup (55.1 per cent) is now supported by a university. These collaborations not only provide access to research and talent, but also significantly strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Satisfaction with this collaboration has reached a new high of 80.5 per cent.
DeepTech – from research to the market
Start-ups specialising in DeepTech are playing an increasingly important role in the transformation of the German economy. They transfer the latest research findings into marketable products and technologies, which is made possible not least by the support of universities. The proportion of such companies is a stable 11.4 per cent.
Need for cooperation with established industry
Despite the many positive developments, the need for improved cooperation opportunities with established companies remains a critical point. Only 37.5 per cent of start-ups see good opportunities here, which is a clear call to politicians to create framework conditions and incentives for more intensive cooperation.
Outlook and expectations of politicians
The startups agree that a strong future requires progressive digitalisation of administration and a more flexible labour market. Access to capital is also crucial, with the European capital market playing a key role. A stronger IPO market could open up new opportunities here and further fuel innovation.
The resilience and innovative strength of German start-ups are significantly strengthened by the support structures of universities, for example through initiatives such as the Startup Port in the Hamburg metropolitan region. These platforms are crucial to meeting the diverse challenges facing the industry. By promoting knowledge-based start-ups and creating optimal framework conditions, the Startup Port makes a significant contribution to ensuring that the start-up scene is not only well positioned, but can also look to the future with confidence. Its role and influence therefore emphasise the need to further strengthen and expand such support networks.
The full report is available here.
