Whether you’re founding, investing, or supporting startups – here you’ll find concise facts, up-to-date data, and key trends from Hamburg’s startup scene. Discover how startups in Hamburg secure funding, build international connections, and, together with strong partners, continue to shape the diversity and dynamism of Hamburg’s startup landscape.
Hamburg’s founders: Key facts & figures
-
Startups value Hamburg’s quality of life
91 % of Hamburg-based startups highlight the city’s quality of life as a major draw. Meanwhile, 59 % praise the city’s social openness. 1
-
One in five startups considers itself a GreenTech company
In Hamburg, 22 % of startups identify as part of the GreenTech sector. This means that about one in five startups considers itself part of the green economy. Nationwide, the figure is 16 %. 1
-
Entrepreneurs in Hamburg are loyal to the city
59 % of Hamburg-based entrepreneurs want to start another business in the city after their current startup. Only 8% prefer another location in Germany. 1
-
83 % more startups in Hamburg
After a decline in 2022, the number of startups has picked up speed again. In the first half of 2026, 96 startups were founded – an 83 % increase compared to the previous half-year. 1
1. Next Generation Startup-Neugründungen in Deutschland H1 2026
-
One in two founders has experience working for a large company
46 % of startup founders in Hamburg have previously gained experience working for a large corporation. This puts Hamburg above the national average of 41 %. 1
-
More Female Founders in Hamburg
In Hamburg, the percentage of female founders at 23 % is slightly above the national average of 20 %. 1
Quotes
Mirko Schedlbauer
& Tobias Bohnhoff
Founders of shipzero
“We are both rooted in Hamburg and grew up here. When you think of Hamburg, you think of the harbour, the Elbe: logistics is simply omnipresent. Hamburg has always been the gateway to the world for traditional logistics and we are proving that it can also be for green logistics pioneers and innovation hubs. The perfect birthplace for shipzero.”
Learn more
Miriam Schütt
Founder of SofaConcerts
“I couldn't imagine a better city for SofaConcerts. There is a great cultural landscape here, many of our international artists stop in Hamburg and drop by our office, and the startup scene is also very lively and helpful. People know and support each other. I can only recommend Hamburg as a startup location!”
Learn more
©FrauSiemersFotografiert: Miriam Schütt
Daniela Arango
CPO Lignopure
“To all female founders: Trust yourselves and the work you have done. Don't be afraid to demonstrate this and build on it.”
Learn more
©Lignopure
Hendrik Susemihl
CEO of GoodBytz
“We value the creative atmosphere and international flair that Hamburg offers. The open corporate culture promotes innovation and encourages collaboration. Hamburg offers proximity to outstanding research institutions, a strong network of technology companies and a high quality of life, which enables us to attract talent and build international teams.”
Learn more
Founder Dr Hendrik Susemihl © goodBytz
Startup investors in Hamburg
-
Business angels as a common source of funding
In 2025, 40 % of Hamburg-based startups used business angels for financing. 1
-
210 business angels in Hamburg
A total of 210 business angel investors are based in Hamburg. 1
-
124 venture capitalists in Hamburg
There are a total of 124 different venture capital investors in Hamburg. 1
Public funding for innovative startups
-
Public funding as the most common source of financing
In 2025, more than half of all startups in Hamburg used government funding as a source of financing. The national average was 45 %. 1
-
Diverse public investor landscape
Hamburg is home to a total of nine public, nonprofit investors, ranging from local government organizations to research institutes. 1
-
Strong Public Startup Investment
The Innovationsstarter Fonds Hamburg manages a total of 108 million euros in venture capital for investments in Hamburg-based startups. 1
Quotes
Janina Jaspers
CEO of wellplayd
“The InnoFounder program didn't just provide the funding to grow our product - it also gave us strategic support and access to key partners. IFB Innovationsstarter is a strong partner for innovative startups looking to scale.”
© wellplayd
Benny Bennet Jürgens
Founder and CEO of Nect
“The funding opportunities through initiatives like Hamburg Innovation or the Hamburgische Investitions- und Förderbank, which made our technology possible in the first place, are manifold.”
Learn more
© Matthias Friel: Benny Bennet Jürgens, founder and CEO of Nect
Prof. Dr. Pia Wülfing
Founder of PINK!
“The PINK! concept had many supporters right from the start. The InnoFounder programme gave us a helping hand in 2021 – and helped turn our idea into a company that remains firmly rooted in Hamburg to this day”
more about PINK!
© Martin Zitzlaff Photo Film Hamburg: Prof. Dr. Pia Wülfing, founder of PINK! gegen Brustkrebs
Nico Hansen
Founder of Vanozza
“From my perspective, Hamburg is a melting pot for creative ideas and innovations. There are numerous networking platforms and funding programmes - we have benefited greatly from the foodlab accelerator programme and IFB innovationsstarter´s InnoFounder programme.”
Learn more
© Vanozza
International startups and talents in Hamburg
-
Hamburg is particularly attractive to international talent
One in two entrepreneurs in Hamburg considers the city to be attractive to international talent. 1
-
Hamburg as an English-speaking city
Seven out of ten startups say that it’s easy to communicate in English in everyday life in Hamburg. 1
-
One in five startup founders has an international background
21 % of startup founders in Hamburg were born outside Germany, compared with 13 % across the country. 1
-
Hamburg startups reach international markets
82 % of Hamburg-based startups are already active internationally or plan to be. Nationwide, the figure is 79 %. 1
Quotes
Achim Leder
Founder of jetlite
“Founding jetlite in Hamburg, a centre of international aviation, has enabled us to be closely connected to the industry from the very beginning. Hamburg, with its strong aviation industry, was the ideal starting point for jetlite's ambitious journey.”
Learn more
© jetlite: Achim Leder, founder and managing director
Anusha Akkina
Co-Founder - Aurelytix
“I chose Hamburg – international, pragmatic, and with a true “get-it-done” spirit. As a migrant, I bring new perspectives and strong determination. The Startup Unit and local founders were my compass in the early days. My tip: actively ask for intros and join meetups – those who reach out openly find support quickly.”
Hanne Butting
Co-Founder Beyond Emotion
“It is said that Hamburg is "the gateway to the world", and the mindset of the people is shaped accordingly. We enjoy the openness to the use of the latest AI technology and look forward to using it meaningfully in the context of care.”
Learn more
© Beyond Emotion
Sowmya Thyagarajan
Founder of Foviatech
“Despite many opportunities abroad, Hamburg’s international and industrial character makes it the perfect fit for us. From an aviation perspective, it’s an ideal location. And I love the Alster and Landungsbrücken — especially at sunset.”
Learn more
Sowmya Thyagarajan, founder of Foviatech, © Johannes Arlt/laif:
Ecosystem and events in Hamburg
-
Hamburg as a strong higher education hub
74 % of startups in Hamburg consider their proximity to universities a positive factor, and nearly one in two received support from a higher education institution during their founding. 1 In addition, 30 % of founders in Hamburg with a university degree hold a STEM degree. 2
-
Outstanding networking structures in Hamburg
About 7 out of 10 startups in Hamburg highlight their connections with other founders. Events, in particular, play a key role in building these networking structures. 1
-
Events are especially important for customer acquisition
66 % of entrepreneurs in Hamburg plan to expand their customer base by participating in events. 1
Further insights into Hamburg’s startup scene
Those who want to dive deeper into the numbers and trends should take a look at the Hamburg Startup Monitor 2026 and Dealroom. Both provide comprehensive data, analyses, and insights into Hamburg’s startup landscape – from funding and growth trends to unicorns, innovation potential, and the development of the ecosystem. This way, you’ll always stay well informed about the dynamics of Hamburg’s startup scene.
Data last updated in July 2026