The Green Startup Monitor 2024 presents the latest findings on sustainable start-ups, revealing that nearly a third of all start-ups in Germany are successfully focusing on sustainability. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, with around 39 per cent of companies now able to prove their sustainability impact with facts and figures, compared to 27 per cent previously. This shift highlights the growing importance of sustainability in driving economic transformation, according to the Green Startup Monitor 2024, a project by the Borderstep Institute and the Startup Association. Many start-ups are aligning their goals with ecological and economic objectives, aiming to address the climate crisis and support the energy transition and circular economy.
The report emphasizes the crucial role of start-ups as catalysts of innovation and facilitators of collaboration between science and commerce. Helmut Schönenberger, Deputy Chairman of the Startup Association and CEO of UnternehmerTUM, notes that sustainability and climate neutrality require a fundamental shift in resource consumption and system rethinking, presenting significant business potential for both established companies and start-ups alike. Over half of the start-ups collaborate with universities and research institutions, enabling the translation of cutting-edge research into sustainable business models.
An aspect highlighted in the report is the representation of women in the start-up ecosystem, with women accounting for 24 per cent of founders, a notably higher percentage than in traditional companies (17 per cent). In Hamburg, women are prominently driving sustainability initiatives. For example, Dr Anne Lamp and Johanna Baare, founders of Traceless, have developed a plastic alternative based on natural ingredients. Patricia Christians, an eco-trophologist, and her start-up Green Food Planet are devising strategies to guide food companies towards sustainability and climate-friendliness. Stella Blohmke and Valéa Vadaleau, founders of Kybele, are advocating against fast fashion. Nadine Herbrich, founder of Recyclehero, collects recyclable materials and reintegrates them into the local cycle. These women-led initiatives demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and innovation, earning recognition and nominations for their impactful contributions to Hamburg's entrepreneurial landscape. Johanna Zoern, founder of Hinterland, created a platform supporting small Spanish olive-tree growers and farmers, promoting fair pay and traditional farming methods.
This diverse range of start-ups, led by women entrepreneurs, underscores the importance of gender equality in fostering innovation and driving sustainable practices, aligning with UN global goal gender equality and industry innovation and infrastructure.
More information: www.startupverband.de