In addition to an increase in the number of startups, the age structure of founders also shifted last year: Significantly more companies were founded by people under 30. This also had a positive impact on the number of startups, as the projects of younger founders more often exhibit startup characteristics, according to KfW. The chief economist of Development Bank, Fritzi Köhler-Geib, says:
"The recovery in the number of startups in Germany is good news, because innovative and growth-oriented companies drive change and the further development of the economy and society and are particularly important for the development of new markets and sustainable jobs."
KfW: Proportion of women among founders remains low
The present Startup report from the development bank According to KfW, only 12 percent of German startups seek venture capital financing. The proportion of female startup founders is only 19 percent compared to 39 percent of all startups. Among startups seeking VC financing, female founders account for only 12 percent. Some possible reasons cited by KfW include the fact that a larger proportion of the business models, corporate goals, or financing intentions of female-led startups are less well suited to VC as a financing instrument. (Unconscious) biases among VC investors may also play a role.
"The persistently low proportion of women in the startup scene is a fly in the ointment in the generally positive development. Gender stereotypes continue to be powerful, both among many female founders and among potential financing partners,"
says Köhler-Geib.
“Our entire society is called upon to ensure that gender and origin no longer play a role in the founding and financing of innovative and high-growth companies, because Germany is dependent on developing its full innovative potential.”
