Germany boasts one of Europe’s leading startup ecosystems, with Berlin being a major hub for innovation. As of 2023, Germany is home to approximately 20,000 startups. The country benefits from strong government support, excellent infrastructure, and a robust industrial base. In 2022, German startups raised around €12 billion in venture capital funding. These factors collectively highlight Germany's dynamic and rapidly evolving startup landscape.
As of 2023, Germany's startup ecosystem encompasses around 20,000 startups. In 2022, these startups attracted approximately €12 billion in venture capital funding. This substantial investment underscores the ecosystem's growth potential and robust nature. The market's size and financial backing reflect its capacity to foster innovation and sustain a competitive edge within Europe and beyond.
Germany's startup ecosystem is characterized by several key strengths, including a strong engineering tradition, high-quality research institutions, and a central location in Europe. The country excels in sectors such as automotive tech, industrial manufacturing, and cleantech. These strengths are bolstered by Germany's robust industrial base and government support, positioning it as a leader in the European startup scene.
Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are the primary hubs of Germany’s startup ecosystem. Berlin is renowned for its vibrant tech scene, attracting entrepreneurs from around the world. Munich is a key center for deep tech and industrial startups, benefiting from its proximity to major corporations and research institutions. Hamburg excels in logistics and e-commerce, leveraging its strategic location and strong infrastructure. These cities collectively drive Germany's innovation and economic growth.
In addition to the major cities, emerging hubs like Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Cologne are gaining prominence in Germany’s startup ecosystem. Frankfurt is known for its fintech and financial services, Stuttgart for automotive technology and manufacturing, and Cologne for media and entertainment. These emerging hubs are expanding the reach and diversity of Germany’s entrepreneurial landscape, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth.
Germany’s startup ecosystem benefits from a strong network of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces that provide essential support and resources for entrepreneurs. Programs like the German Accelerator and the High-Tech Gründerfonds have been instrumental in supporting early-stage startups by providing funding, mentorship, and resources. This supportive infrastructure is crucial for nurturing startups and fostering a collaborative entrepreneurial environment.
Despite its strengths, the German startup ecosystem faces challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and a relatively risk-averse investment culture. Navigating regulatory frameworks can be time-consuming and complex for startups. Additionally, attracting venture capital can be more difficult compared to more risk-tolerant markets. Addressing these challenges requires strategic efforts and supportive policies to sustain growth and competitiveness.
Germany has significant opportunities for growth in sectors like automotive tech, industrial manufacturing, and cleantech. The country's strong focus on sustainability and green technology drives innovation in renewable energy and environmental technologies. Germany's strategic location in the heart of Europe provides startups with access to a large market and numerous opportunities for international expansion. With continued investment and innovation, Germany's startup ecosystem is poised for further growth, contributing significantly to the global innovation landscape.
Germany's startup ecosystem demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability. The country's commitment to innovation, coupled with strong government and institutional support, enables startups to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The diverse talent pool and high-quality research institutions attract entrepreneurs and investors alike, ensuring sustained growth and success in the face of global economic shifts and market dynamics.
San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - Germany
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Media • Businesses Solutions • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Advertising • Online Social
Entrepreneur & Investor
Berlin, Germany
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • FinTech (& Financials services) • Sales (& Marketing) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Advertising • Logistics (& Distribution) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Productivity
Most Interested In
Founders who are pursuing daring projects. Big vision & able to deliver on the nitty gritty parts. Currently AI/ML, big data, process innovation.
Not Interested In
(e/m) commerce companies, pure adtech plays, hardware only firms
Rouven Dresselhaus serves as Co-Founding Partner & Managing Partner at Cavalry Ventures. Dresselhaus serves as Managing Director at Voltage Ventures. Prior to Voltage Ventures, Rouven has invested in more than 35 companies worldwide. He is the go-to guy for our portfolio companies whenever they need strategic advice, input on their product, network and fundraising. Rouven's academic career ended when he dropped out of WHU's Ph.D. program in order to pursue his passion in Venture Capital.
Zurich - Berlin, Germany
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Hospitality (& Events) • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Advertising • Analytics • Food & Beverage • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Payments • Mobile Apps • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • LegalTech • Mobile • Online Social
business angel // entrepreneur // founder lieferando.de
Product Manager, MBA, data scientist & passionate technologist.
London - Berlin, Germany - U.K.
Sales (& Marketing) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Advertising • Developer tools • Consumer
Early-stage angel investor, looking for high-growth startups and companies in Europe/US. Techstars Managing Director
Jag Singh serves as Managing Director at Techstars. Singh is a Co-Founder of MessageSpace. He also serves as a Senior Partner at Strateusis. He's founded several companies, and invested in over 70 startups over the last six years, including two that went through Techstars accelerators. He's an ad-man at heart, and spent a decade as a political strategist advising high-profile politicians, campaigns and corporations across the US and Europe.
Malta, Malta - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland, Monaco
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • AgroTech • Sales (& Marketing) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Logistics (& Distribution) • Messaging • Mobility
Co-Founder & CMO at Mox
Most Interested In
Digital marketing and mobility/transportation companies based in Spain.
Not Interested In
Companies not based in Spain, Singapore, Portugal or Malta.
San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Analytics • Developer tools • Future Of Work • Food & Beverage • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Co-Founder at New Food CPG Co.
Berlin, Switzerland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Media • BioTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Entertainment (& Sports) • IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Aerospace (& Defense) • Real Estate (& Construction) • DeepTech • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Mobility • Nanotechnology • Online Social • Consumer • Woman Focused
Lakestar is a European venture capital firm investing in technology companies led by exceptional entrepreneurs. Lakestar helps companies identify new markets and expand rapidly, with a focus on the US and Europe. Lakestar advises and supports portfolio companies in business development, recruitment, technology and marketing. The firm's investments range from early stage companies to those in their growth stage. Lakestar has presence in Berlin, Zurich and London.
New York, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Hospitality (& Events) • AgroTech • FinTech (& Financials services) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Advertising
Co-founder / Managing Partner at HOF Capital
Fady Yacoub is a Co-Founder and serves as Managing Partner at HOF Capital. He is also an Angel Investor. Together with Hisham El Haddad, Fady created a Hong Kong-based SPV to invest in the record-setting IPO of Alibaba. The SPV received a stock allocation at a discount with a 3x margin and was successfully exited with a 76% return in two months. Fady worked previously at Digital World Capital, a technology-focused hedge fund, helping the firm to expand its investment portfolio in Asia, including a sizeable investment in Baidu, the world's second largest online search engine. Along with Hisham, Fady also invented the drumm device, an IoT-enhanced wearable that allows for haptic communication, after participating successfully in Switch SuperNap's technology accelerator in Nevada. Earlier in his career, Fady held multiple positions at El Tholathia Corp Egypt (ETC). He led El-Tholathia Corp's (ETC Egypt) industrial development team in deploying a new home appliances factory in Sudan for a $8m initial cost. Through ETC's real estate development arm, he also facilitated the purchase of and subsequently led the development team for ~400,000 m2 on Egypt's North Coast, a project initially valued at ~$60m. Fady holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Business Administration & Psychology from the University of Southern California. He is also an Angel Investor.
San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A. - Brazil - Japan - China - Western Europe: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom - Eastern Europe: Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romani
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Media • Businesses Solutions • Advertising • Consumer
Entrepreneurial VC with truly global exposure
San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - France - Luxembourg - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg,
Advertising • Productivity
Most Interested In
Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, SpaceTech, DeepTech, AI, ML
Not Interested In
FinTech, AdTech, Ecommerce, CleanTech, BioTech
Menlo Park, U.S.A. - Germany
Businesses Solutions • Advertising • Local commerce • Mobility • Online Social
Chairman at Star, Bang & Olufsen and CloudMade, Vice Chairman at Netcompany. Advisory Board at Blazar