German tech leaders cautiously optimistic about new coalition agreement’s startup measures: ‘A good starting point, but we need action’
German tech leaders are cautiously optimistic about new measures proposed in the government’s new coalition agreement to boost the country’s startup sector, which could see billions more funding for late-stage companies and a slashing of red tape.
On Wednesday, the German Christian Democrats (CDU) sealed a coalition deal with the Social Democrats (SPD), unveiling a 146-page coalition agreement with proposals for all areas of society, including tech.
Investors and founders tell Sifted that the recognition of startups as “hidden champions” and “the DAX companies of tomorrow” is a welcome signal of startups’ growing economic importance.
“The quality of discussion has really changed,” says Nikolas Samios, managing partner at PT1, a VC firm focused on real estate, infrastructure and energy. “It sounds like the new government really understands that for Germany to become an innovative export nation, the startup ecosystem is really crucial.”