Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key technology for German tech startups. According to a recent survey by Digital Association Bitkom among 152 tech startups from Germany, 82 percent of the startups now use AI. This is a significant increase compared to 76 percent in the previous year and 49 percent in 2023. Another 16 percent are planning or discussing its use. 89 percent of respondents see AI as the most important future technology, and 55 percent are convinced that startups have no future without AI.
Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst emphasizes:
"Artificial intelligence has become a driver of innovation at record speed. Startups are pioneers in the use of AI. Small and medium-sized companies, in particular, can learn from startups how to put AI into practice in a meaningful way."
Startups use AI both to optimize business operations (63 percent) and to improve their products and services (62 percent). 87 percent of startups using AI also rely on generative AI – 71 percent in operations, 54 percent in their product offerings. Strikingly, 74 percent report that integrated AI products increase their chances of obtaining funding. Nevertheless, 35 percent say that the technology has not yet met all expectations.
Skepticism towards regulation
Many founders are critical of the European AI Act. Sixty-three percent fear that excessive regulation will slow the development of strong AI solutions in the EU. Forty-five percent expect restrictions for their own companies, and 43 percent see competitive disadvantages compared to the US or China. Nevertheless, 71 percent hope that Europe can achieve a leading role in the global AI race.
Respondents cite data protection requirements (33 percent) and legal uncertainties (27 percent) as the biggest obstacles. Closely followed by a lack of financial resources (21 percent) and staff shortages (20 percent). Other concerns include data security, lack of time in day-to-day business, and potential future limitations of the technology. Around a quarter (26 percent) see no obstacles at all to the use of AI.
