{
  "id": 11225568,
  "title": "Österreich: So erfolgreich ist die Einführung der FlexCo-Rechtsform bisher",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/osterreich-so-erfolgreich-ist-die-einfuhrung-der-flexco-rechtsform",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-01T15:32:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/oesterreich-so-erfolgreich-ist-die-einfuehrung-der-flexco-rechtsform-bisher/100258971.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Since early 2024, Austria has been attempting to make it easier for founders to establish new businesses through a new legal form known as the Flexible Capital Company (FlexCo). According to an update from Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) in a parliamentary response on September 30, 2025, a total of 1,953 FlexCos were registered with the Austrian company register by August 25, 2026. While this number has continued to grow in recent months, it remains relatively small compared to the much larger number of GmbH (limited liability company) formations. The most recent comparison figure, from January 2025, indicated that around 800 FlexCos had been established at that time. The FlexCo legal form aims to allow employees a simplified participation in a company's economic success, such as through the sale of a startup to investors. A special form of equity capital was introduced specifically to provide employees with a claim to parts of the balance sheet profit. Additionally, resolution matters can be decided without unanimous approval from all shareholders, unlike in a GmbH. Unlike a GmbH, which requires a minimum capital of 70 euros per shareholder, FlexCo shareholders can enter the company with a capital contribution of just one euro. Shares can also be transferred through a private deed, eliminating the need to involve a notary. Green deputy Alma Zadic asked the federal government in a written parliamentary inquiry at the end of July, among other things, how many FlexCos exist, which industries use the legal form, and what the average capital contribution is. The ministry did not have data on the distribution of FlexCos by industry, the proportion of \"innovative\" companies from tech or life sciences sectors, or the use of small capital contributions of one euro or less. Neither did they provide figures on the number of single-member FlexCos, venture capital investments, or supervisory board duties. The ministry also had no feedback on potential cases of misuse, such as money laundering, social fraud, or opaque corporate structures. The ministry pointed to data from the Austrian Start-up Monitor 2025, which showed that 34 percent of the 2025 newly established startups chose the FlexCo legal form. Whether KMUs primarily use the FlexCo for succession planning was not clear, as the report did not show this. The report also noted that the annual number of new business formations has stagnated since 2021. However, employee benefit models, such as the one introduced with the FlexCo legal form, are gaining importance as young companies often lack sufficient liquid funds to attract skilled employees at market rates in their growth phase. The introduction of the FlexCo and the amendment to the Income Tax Act for employee participation in startups and young SMEs were significant steps in improving the legal and tax framework in 2024, according to the report. The report stated that raising awareness among businesses about these opportunities is now necessary. Minister Hattmannsdorfer referred to the government's program, which indicates that the coalition partners have agreed to evaluate the FlexCo model and potentially develop it further.",
  "summary": "Die junge Rechtsform soll das Gründen von Firmen vereinfachen. Der österreichische Wirtschaftsminister Hattmannsdorfer hat nun eine Anfrage zum Fortschritt der Reform beantwortet. Doch der Markt stockt.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}