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Which startups are included in the Green Startup Monitor as green startups?
Green startups are characterized by their commitment to developing innovative solutions to environmental problems while simultaneously striving for economic success without endangering the needs of future generations.
To be included in the Green Startup Monitor, they must exhibit the following characteristics:
- The startups are less than 10 years old.
- They are (very) innovative and/or have (planned) employee/revenue growth.
- They make a targeted contribution to the ecological goals of a green economy.
- They aim to achieve a positive societal or environmental impact.
- They integrate environmental and/or societal impact into their key performance indicators.
What role do green startups play in the economy?
The Green Startup Monitor 2024 shows that despite a challenging market environment and uncertain financing options, green startups continue to play an important role in the transformation towards a sustainable economy. Nearly one-third of all startups are sustainable enterprises. These green startups are increasingly striving for rapid growth and high market shares.
What results has the study produced?
Here are some interesting facts:
- With 29%, the proportion of green companies among German startups has slightly decreased compared to the previous year. This could be related to the currently tense market and financing environment, in which companies adjust their strategies in the short term.
- Self-identification with the green economy remains stable, standing at 47% in 2023.
- It is also noteworthy that the proportion of female founders in green startups is higher at 24% than among non-green startups (17%). Additionally, the proportion of women in leadership positions is higher in green startups (30%) compared to non-green ones (23%).
- Green startups lead in innovation transfer from universities and research (58% compared to 47% in non-green startups).
- According to the study, green startups also cooperate more frequently than non-green startups with partners from industry, business, and universities (71% compared to 58% of non-green startups), highlighting their important role in knowledge exchange for a sustainable transformation of the economy.
- For more than half (56%) of green startups, both rapid growth and high market share are considered rather to very important.
What other information can be found in the Green Startup Monitor?
The study, published by the Borderstep Institute for Innovation and Sustainability and the Federal Association of German Startups, analyzes the role of startups as drivers of innovation in the green economy and identifies specific challenges they face, providing recommendations for policy and the startup ecosystem.
