Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a central key technology for German tech startups. According to a current survey by the digital association Bitkom among 152 tech startups from Germany, 82 percent of 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 prospects without AI.
Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst emphasizes:
“Artificial intelligence has become an innovation driver at record speed. Startups are pioneers in AI deployment. Above all, medium-sized companies can learn from startups how to bring 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 AI-using startups also rely on generative AI – 71 percent in operations, 54 percent in product offerings. Notable: 74 percent report that integrated AI products increase chances of securing financing. Nevertheless, 35 percent say the technology has not yet met all expectations.
Skepticism toward regulation
Many founders view the European AI regulation AI Act critically. 63 percent fear that excessive regulation will slow the development of strong AI solutions in the EU. 45 percent expect restrictions for their own company, 43 percent see competitive disadvantages compared to the USA 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 uncertainty (27 percent) as the biggest obstacles. Followed directly by lack of financial resources (21 percent) and staff shortages (20 percent). Other concerns relate to data security, lack of time in day-to-day operations, and possible future restrictions on the technology. Around one quarter (26 percent) sees no obstacles to AI use at all.
