Germany

Berlin

#24

Global Startup Ecosystem

Top 15

Global Ecosystem in Funding

#2

Global Ecosystem in Talent & Experience

#4

Global Ecosystem in Performance
Berlin’s startup ecosystem blends edgy creativity with strong tech innovation, attracting global talent and investors to a city where bold ideas, diversity, and a thriving entrepreneurial culture drive next-generation growth.

Highlights

Berlin has solidified its status as Germany's startup capital, with approximately 500 companies founded each year. The city attracts entrepreneurs and innovators globally, fostering a dynamic and diverse business environment. 

Berlin's economy grew by 0.8% in 2024, outperforming the national average. Despite economic challenges, Germany experienced an 11% increase in startup formations in 2024, with a total of 2,766 new startups registered, reflecting the country's robust entrepreneurial spirit and Berlin's pivotal role as a leading startup hub.

A strong base of local and international VCs, including Earlybird, Project A, and HV Capital, fuel Berlin’s investment activity. HTGF is one of Germany’s most active early-stage investors, pouring funds into over 750 startups since its inception. The Opportunity Fund will launch with a fund volume of $720 million. The German government announced it will invest $13 billion into domestic startups by 2030, alongside private capital sources including Deutsche Bank and Allianz.

The Chancenkarte, which opened for applications in June 2024, offers a new points-based system that rates applicants by specific criteria, including academic qualifications, language skills, and past professional experience. Those granted the Opportunity Card can live in Germany for up to one year while looking for work, rather than requiring an employer to sponsor them beforehand.

The Startup Summit 2024 in Berlin introduced the WIN initiative, which aims to position Germany as a leading center for innovation and entrepreneurial growth in Europe. GITEX Europe was held in Berlin in May 2025.

Ecosystem by the Numbers

ECOSYSTEM VALUE

A measure of economic impact, calculated as the value of exits and startup valuations from H2 2022–2024.
(H2 2022 - 2024)
$76.3 BN
GLOBAL AVG. $20.4 bn

NUMBER OF UNICORNS 

The number of startups that meet our definition and have been valued at more than $1 billion and have not exited.
(ACTIVE UNICORNS)
20
GLOBAL AVG. 4

SOFT. ENGINEER SALARY

Average software engineer salary informed by data from Glassdoor, Salary.com, and PayScale, as well as local sources when available.
(2024)
$75 k
GLOBAL AVG. $52 K

TIME TO EXIT

The average age at the time of exit in the ecosystem in 2020–2024.
(2020 - 2024)
8.5 years
GLOBAL AVG. 11.2 years

TOTAL EARLY–STAGE FUNDING

The total seed and Series A funding in tech startups in H2 2022–2024.
(H2 2022 - 2024)
$2.6 BN
GLOBAL AVG. $514.8 m

MEDIAN SEED ROUND

The median of seed rounds in tech startups in the ecosystem in H2 2022–2024.
(H2 2022 - 2024)
$1.7 M
GLOBAL AVG. $889 k

EARLY-STAGE FUNDING
GROWTH

Early-stage funding growth is based on number of seed and Series A rounds raised between 2021-20222 vs. 2023-2024 and calculated on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
(2021 - 22 VS. 2023 - 24)
4
Scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest)

EXIT AMOUNT

The total value of exits from the ecosystem.
(2020 - 2024)
$23 BN
GLOBAL AVG. $8 bn

ECOSYSTEM VALUE GROWTH

Ecosystem Value growth (CAGR) is calculated based on companies founded in the ecosystem in H2 2020–H2 2022 vs. H2 2022–H2 2024.
(H2 2020 - H2 2022 VS H2 2022 - H2 2024)
-13%
GLOBAL AVG. -14%

MEDIAN SERIES A ROUND 

The median of Series A rounds in tech startups in the ecosystem in H2 2022–2024.
(H2 2022 – 2024)
$10.2 M
GLOBAL AVG. $6.8 m

TOTAL VC FUNDING

The total VC funding (seed, Series A, Series B+) in tech startups in H2 2022–2024.
(2020 - 2024)
$27 BN
GLOBAL AVG. $5.2 bn

EXIT COUNT (#)

The number of exits from the ecosystem.
(2020 - 2024)
358
55
2020
74
2021
87
2022
74
2023
68
2024
GLOBAL AVG. 86

Sub-Sector Strengths

Fintech
Fintech

Berlin-based startups secured 89% of Germany's Fintech investments in 2024, totaling $508 million across 31 funding rounds. Fintech Upvest raised $104.6 million in December 2024 following its August 2024 strategic collaboration with Deutsche Bank to embed the lender’s banking infrastructure into its services. Fintech Solaris raised $146.7 million in February 2025. FIBE 2025 brought together top minds from Fintech, startups, banking, and investors in Berlin in April.

AI, Big Data & Analytics
AI, Big Data & Analytics

The September 2024 WELT AI Summit brought startups and policymakers to Berlin to discuss the future of AI. Also in September, Samsung Electronics opened an AI-powered home appliance experience zone in Berlin, the largest home appliance market in Europe. In 2024, Siemens announced a $4.7 billion smart city regeneration project in Berlin as a global blueprint for urban development and industrial transformation.

Cleantech
Cleantech

​Berlin is a leading hub for Cleantech innovation, offering a robust ecosystem that supports sustainable technologies and green startups. The city offers dedicated Cleantech accelerators and support programs including the A² Accelerator at the Adlershof technology park, which connects energy sector startups with established companies and governmental organizations. In October 2024, Berlin-based solar energy company Enpal secured $1.5 billion in debt and equity financing to expand its solar solutions. Cleantech Bees & Bears raised $500 million in January 2025.

Reasons to Move Your Startup to Berlin

International Talent

Berlin attracts a global workforce, fostering innovation and offering startups access to a wide range of skills and perspectives. Berlin's relatively lower cost of living compared to other European capitals attracts a diverse pool of entrepreneurs, underscoring its cultural diversity and openness. In 2024, there were around 200,440 university students in Berlin, an increase compared to the previous year. These students provide a steady stream of tech talent to local startups.

Market Access

Situated at the heart of Europe and supported by an extensive transportation network, Berlin offers strong connectivity across the continent. Berlin holds tariff-free trade agreements with 26 other EU countries and boasts harmonized regulations, simplifying cross-border commerce. With hundreds of thousands of companies — including numerous global industry leaders — Germany presents a vast pool of potential partners and customers for Berlin-based startups.

Ease of Relocation

Berlin makes it simple for overseas talent to relocate to the city. Germany offers a visa specifically tailored for entrepreneurs and startup founders. Berlin's Business Immigration Service provides a centralized platform for entrepreneurs to obtain residence permits and navigate administrative procedures efficiently. Numerous relocation agencies in Berlin specialize in assisting entrepreneurs with various aspects of moving and settling in.

Work with us

If you are interested in working with us to drive global attention to your ecosystem, please get in touch with Marina Krizman, Director of Business Development.

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