Companies: Many young Germans want to start a business – few do so
Many young people dream of having their own company, but few actually implement the plan. The reasons for this are varied. Some prefer the security of being an employee.
A survey by the Bertelsmann Stiftung found that 40% of young people in Germany are interested in starting their own business, but only 3% have actually done so. Almost 10% plan to become self-employed by their 30th birthday, while 29% rule it out. The main reasons for not taking the step are a preference for a secure employment relationship, lack of knowledge, and fear of stress.
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2025/2026, the proportion of young founders aged 18-24 has almost doubled in recent years, rising from 13% in 2024 to over 23% in 2025.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
