Despite a weak economy, rising interest rates, and difficult financing rounds, startups in Germany continue to strive for growth and seek additional staff. This year, 81 percent of startups plan to hire additional employees. Currently, 58 percent have open positions, with startups having an average of two positions to fill. These are the results of a survey of 172 tech startups commissioned by the Digital Association. BitkomCurrently, startups in Germany have an average of 15 employees. Last year there were only 14 – but two years ago it was still 20.
Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst classifies:
"The general economic downturn has not left the startup scene unscathed, but the startup ecosystem has now solidified. While 2024 remains challenging for startups in Germany, the signs point to slight growth, and this also applies to jobs."
On average, around half of startup employees (48 percent) are between 30 and 44 years old. Just over a third (36 percent) are younger than 30. In contrast, only 15 percent are between 45 and 59 years old, and just two percent are 60 or older.
Many German startups can't function without employees from abroad. Fifty-seven percent of startups rely on people with foreign citizenship. Of these, 29 percent employ both European and non-European employees. 15 percent recruit their staff exclusively from Europe, and 13 percent exclusively from outside Europe.
Winter barley says:
"Consistent location marketing abroad is important. Startups would also benefit from simpler and faster visa processes and the ability to communicate with German authorities in English."
