KfW Entrepreneurship Monitor
The start-up scene in Germany is changing, and noticeably so. 2024 brings a breath of fresh air: new dynamics, new age structures, new impetus. Start-ups today not only bring ideas, but also completely different prerequisites than just a few years ago. The latest KfW Start-up Monitor shows why this is a good sign and where challenges nevertheless remain.
EY Startup Barometer January 2025: Venture Capital for German Startups on the Rise
The annual EY Startup Barometer report offers valuable insights into the German startup scene. While the number of financing rounds decreased for the third consecutive year in 2024, the total investment volume saw a significant increase. Over seven billion euros flowed into young companies, marking an increase of one billion euros compared to 2023.
Crowdfunding in the EU: market overview and evolution
Crowdfunding has become an important financing tool for start-ups and small businesses in Europe. The European Securities and Markets Authority’s (ESMA) first market report on the European crowdfunding landscape provides an insight into developments in 2023.
What does it cost to pay? Cash and card payments from the consumer’s perspective
Which payment method is the cheapest? A study by the Deutsche Bundesbank looked into this question. Despite the growing popularity of cashless alternatives, cash is still the most commonly used payment method in Germany. But how expensive is cash compared to debit and credit cards? The new study provides interesting answers by analysing the costs of these payment methods from the consumer’s perspective.
Frankfurt and ESG fintechs: plenty of potential
The number of ESG fintechs is increasing. According to the ‘Snapshot of the ESG FinTech environment’ study by EY Parthenon, presented together with Frankfurt Main Finance, the number of ESG fintechs in Europe grew to 371 by December 2024. Despite a strong B2B focus and favourable conditions, there is a lack of targeted measures such as funding visibility and accelerator programmes to unleash the city’s full potential.
Digital banking: How banks can gain the trust of customers
The Deloitte study “Building Trust in Digital Banking” shows that despite the advantages of online banking, German bank customers prefer personal contact for more complex financial products. Banks face the challenge of designing digital offerings in such a way that they strengthen customer trust and at the same time enable personal interactions.
Study: Sustainable funds barely transparent
The new white paper by FMF member PwC in cooperation with Morningstar shows that the inconsistent data situation makes it difficult to compare sustainable funds and investment decisions.
Consumers Demand a Rethink on Globalisation
For their new study “The Way Back Home”, Oliver Wyman and gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH each surveyed more than 1,000 people from five major economies about their consumption behaviour of electrical household appliances and consumer electronics.
Companies fear increasing cyber attacks
The e-crime study by FMF member KPMG shows that the mail server is the most attractive target in companies and that untrained employees favour vulnerability.
Gender Diversity: The Pains and Gains of Germany’s FinTechs
A short study conducted by the Berlin Finance Initiative on gender diversity shows that Germany’s FinTech scene has a lot catching up to do. The result: talent pools are not being optimally exploited.
