In 2025, Germany is witnessing a transformation of its startup landscape. According to the Migrant Founders Monitor 2025, around 14% of startup founders in the country were born abroad. This figure rises to 23% among unicorn companies, underscoring the significant contribution of migrants to Germany’s innovation-driven economy.
Migrant founders often bring a high level of education: 91% hold university degrees, with 56% of them in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Many began their journey in Germany by enrolling in local universities, highlighting the attractiveness of the German education system for global talent.
However, despite their achievements, migrant entrepreneurs face several hurdles. These include limited access to funding, smaller local networks, and bureaucratic obstacles, such as language barriers and complex visa processes. Only 46% of migrant founders rate their local networks positively, compared to 57% of all founders.
At the same time, their international networks tend to be more developed: 45% rate their global contacts positively, versus 32% among all founders. Moreover, 87% of migrant-led startups are already active internationally or plan to be — demonstrating a clear global orientation.
To strengthen Germany’s position as a startup hub, the report recommends improving conditions for international entrepreneurs. This includes streamlining visa procedures, offering multilingual services, and fostering more inclusive networks and access to funding.
Supporting migrant founders is not merely about inclusion — it’s a strategic imperative for maintaining the competitiveness and innovation of Germany’s economy.
For further information and access to the full report, visit: startupverband.de/research/migrant-founders
