Starting blocks in athletics

KfW Research

KfW Entrepreneurship Monitor

Edition 2024

Start-up activity lacks macro-economic impetus – self-employed people are becoming more important as multipliers

According to the KfW Entrepreneurship Monitor, entrepreneurial activity in Germany grew moderately in 2023. The number of newly founded businesses rose to 568,000 (+3%). Of this total, however, businesses launched on a full-time basis decreased to 205,000 (-8%), while part-time business start-ups increased again by 11% to 363,000. Overall, the economy did little to encourage entrepreneurial activity in 2023. Economic and labour market forecasts suggest not much impetus can be expected in 2024 either.