More and more established companies are seeking proximity to startups to stay ahead of the latest innovations. This is especially true for companies listed in the DAX 30. To gain a better overview, the consulting firm mm1 took a closer look at the startup and innovation programs of DAX 30 companies.
More than 90 percent of the 30 largest companies on the German stock market already operate special programs. The analysis distinguishes three categories: incubators for the rapid launch of new business models, accelerators for the rapid implementation of an idea through to market readiness, and VC programs for purely financial investment in promising startups. The study classifies 32 of the identified startup initiatives as accelerators. 20 programs fall into the VC category, and 17 are considered incubators. (see graphic). Almost 80 percent of the programs have existed for less than 5 years.
Volker Scholz, Managing Partner at mm1, says:
"We expect corporations to continue expanding their startup and innovation programs this year. With the annual update of our DAX 30 Startup and Innovation Monitor, we will track the companies' staying power and whether the diverse program landscape will continue in the medium term."
Most programs in Berlin and Munich
The Bavarian capital is home to the most DAX-listed companies of any German city. Therefore, it's hardly surprising that, alongside Berlin, Munich is the preferred location for accelerator programs. Some initiatives are also based in Silicon Valley.
