Only 557,000 people dared to become self-employed in 2017. At the same time, the quality of start-ups is increasing significantly, according to a study by KfW.
Opposite the previous year The number of new businesses fell by 115,000 or 171,000 million. The number of part-time business founders fell particularly sharply, with a decrease of 101,000 or 241,000 million. The reason for this is Dr. Jörg Zeuner, Chief Economist of KfW, on the “record situation on the labor market”:
"Finding paid employment to earn extra income is now easier than ever. And those who already have paid employment are unable to become self-employed on the side due to the high workload."
Supporting innovative founders “on their courageous path to self-employment”
Despite an overall decline in start-up activity in Germany, the number of so-called "opportunity founders" rose by 81,000 to 334,000 compared to the previous year. These founders do not start businesses out of necessity, but rather because of a specific business idea. According to KfW, this group "is expected to make a significant economic contribution."
Also encouraging: 76,000 founders are researching and developing technological innovations themselves. The number of innovative founders thus increases by 311,000. Zeuner says:
"Germany needs innovation. Germany needs people who turn their ideas into businesses. We must make every effort—especially given the very good labor market situation—to support these people on their courageous path to self-employment."
