The Migrant Founders Monitor 2025 shows how much migrant founders enrich the startup scene in Germany. At the same time, the study makes it clear where the ecosystem still has some catching up to do. An important read for anyone who wants to promote diversity in the start-up culture.
What’s behind the Migrant Founders Monitor
The Migrant Founders Monitor 2025 is a special analysis of the German Startup Monitor and examines the role of female founders with a history of immigration in the German startup world. The study is based on over 1,800 interviews, 255 of which were conducted with people with an immigration background who were themselves born abroad. The aim is to make the situation of these female founders more visible and to better understand their perspectives. The definition of migrant founders has been revised compared to previous editions. The focus is no longer on nationality or passport, but on the place of birth and the reality of the founders’ lives. This creates more clarity and reflects the diversity in the startup ecosystem more realistically.
Who Migrant Founders are – and what they do
Around 14 per cent of all female startup founders in Germany were born abroad. This group is particularly strong. According to the Migrant Founders Monitor, over 90 per cent of these female founders have a university degree. They have particularly often studied in Germany, which shows how important a good education system is for attracting talent. More than half of the Migrant Founders come from the STEM sector, i.e. maths, IT, natural sciences or technology. This expertise flows directly into the development of pioneering technologies. 14 per cent of the start-ups founded by Migrant Founders can be categorised as DeepTech. This means that solutions with a real impact on the economy and society are created here.
International, committed and resilient: the profile of Migrant Founders
Many of the start-ups included in the Migrant Founders Monitor are internationally orientated from the outset. 87 per cent of the founders are already active in foreign markets with their product or service or are preparing to take this step. The teams of these start-ups are often international and communicate in English – this increases their reach and attractiveness for global markets. What is particularly exciting is that migrant founders often describe themselves as resilient, visionary and willing to take risks. These characteristics are crucial for entrepreneurial success. The study clearly shows that people with a history of immigration not only bring ideas with them, but also the attitude to put them into practice – even if the framework conditions are not perfect.
Despite strengths: Access to the ecosystem remains difficult
Despite their qualifications, many migrant founders encounter obstacles. A key problem is access to networks. Only 46 per cent rate their professional network in Germany as good. By comparison, the figure for female founders without a history of immigration is 57 per cent. The search for co-founders or investors is often more difficult, as is establishing contacts with established industry players. There are also differences when it comes to financing. Although migrant founders state more frequently that they want to raise external capital, they also often see raising capital as a major challenge. The desire for venture capital is there, but access remains limited for many. Targeted support is needed here – not only through funding programmes, but also through more openness in the investor scene.
What needs to change – and how we at Spotlight! are helping
The Migrant Founders Monitor 2025 makes it clear that Germany offers good conditions for innovative start-ups, but still has a lot to do to reach talented migrants. Among other things, the study suggests creating more English-language programmes, simplifying visa processes and integrating international networks more actively.
At Spotlight! this is exactly our approach. We want to support people from different backgrounds in finding their place in the start-up world. This includes workshops, networking events, individual support and access to resources that don’t just work in German. Because we know that Diversity is what makes innovation possible
Our conclusion on the Migrant Founders Monitor
The Migrant Founders Monitor is more than just a collection of figures. It gives migrant founders a voice and shows how much their contribution is advancing the German startup ecosystem. At the same time, it reminds us that diversity does not just happen on its own. It needs structures that are open and accessible. Anyone who invests in migrant founders today – be it with capital, knowledge or visibility – is investing in the future of Germany as a business location.