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.
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.
London, U.K. - Germany
FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Gaming (& eSports) • Messaging • Consumer
Founder Haatch Group | Restless entrepreneur with 2 exits worth $150m | Prince’s Trust Alumni | 24+ Digital Investments
CO-FOUNDER, PARTNER at Haatch
, 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, Malta, Iceland, Mo
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Hospitality (& Events) • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • Entertainment (& Sports) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Messaging • Mobile Apps • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Investment Management • Mobile • Mobility • Online Social • Consumer • Productivity
Mangrove Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in the internet, software, mobile, automotive, e-commerce, multimedia services, security, media, network, infrastructure, SaaS and wireless communication sectors. The firm was founded in 2000 and is based in Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
London - Barcelona, Spain - U.K. - U.S.A. - Germany
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Gaming (& eSports) • Consumer • Woman Focused
Entrepreneur, Investor, Advisor
Entrepreneur, Investor and Executive
London - Paris France - Switzerland - - Luxembourg Belgium - Earth Texas ; Luxembourg Belgium; ; Belgium; Gewest Belgium; Croatia; Germany; Unite, U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Businesses Solutions • Energy • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • CleanTech • Music • Mobile • Consumer
Owner of @sn-invests, Founder @manwin, sold 2013. Dad, Geek, Petrolhead, Serial Investor & Entrepreneur. Loves early startups with a great vision and drive.
Berlin Germany, Germany
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS
Khalil is the Managing Director at eDarling. He also serves as Board Member at Movinga. He is a Co-Founder and serves as Managing Director at Sunshine Smile.
Cologne, U.S.A. - Germany - Russia - Brazil - Japan
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Media • Education • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • IoT (& Wearables) • Gaming (& eSports) • Online Social • Consumer
Co-founder and Managing Director at fulfillmenttools
Investor in @groupon, @playhaven, Pulse (alphonso Labs), @yume, @angieslist, @kaufda-de, @myfab-com, @experteer, Friendbuy, @xango, @9flats, @sapato, @fastlane, @teamo...
Grobenzell - Latvia, Germany
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • Businesses Solutions • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • Industrials
Founded in 2006, A W Brunn International is a venture capital firm based in Grobenzell, Germany. The firm prefers to invest in companies based in Northern and Western Europe.
Munich, Germany - Brazil
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Hospitality (& Events) • Media • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • Entertainment (& Sports) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Advertising • Autonomous vehicles (& Cars) • Food & Beverage • Impact • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • LegalTech • Mobile • Mobility • Consumer
HV Capital is a venture capital firm headquartered in Munich, Germany. The firm invests in the retail, software, and infrastructure sectors.
London - Vancouver Washington - San Francisco Bay Area (CA), U.K. - U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • IT (& TMT) • Media • Education • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • IoT (& Wearables) • Gaming (& eSports) • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Mobile • Online Social • Consumer
Founded in 1998, e.ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. The firm invests in early-stage companies and in the consumer internet and software sectors.
Berlin, Switzerland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • IT (& TMT) • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • Cosmetics (& Fashion) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Developer tools • Human Resources • Logistics (& Distribution) • Real Estate (& Construction) • Consumer
Cavalry Ventures is a venture capital firm that is headquartered in Berlin, Germany and was founded in 2015. The firm supports early stage companies with capital, real operations know-how, provides access to an international network and active fundraising support.