Greeting 2014

Experience shows: Innovative start-ups are often more complex and capital-intensive than normal start-ups. When traditional loan financing fails in such cases, venture capital often remains the only financing option. This is where we started during the last legislative period. It was particularly important to strengthen the great potential of business angels. Together with the European Investment Fund, we have launched the European Angels Fund, for example. This fund co-finances investments by selected and experienced business angels and thus supports innovative companies in their early and growth phases. With the "venture capital investment grant", we have provided additional incentives to attract private venture capital and open up opportunities for young innovative companies.

In order to meet the capital requirements of young companies, the framework conditions for private investors must also be right. With the transposition of the AIFM Directive into German law and the entry into force of the new EU regulation on venture capital funds, we have already achieved a great deal in this regard during the last legislative period. After all, a Europe-wide "level-playing field" for private equity and venture capital funds strengthens investor confidence and thus improves access to capital for high-growth, innovative companies.

With the "German Silicon Valley Accelerator", we have also created an instrument to make it easier for young German companies to establish business contacts internationally and to find investors. It is important to think outside the box: The USA is still a big step ahead of us when it comes to financing start-ups. But Germany has caught up in recent years. The local start-up scene is attracting more and more international attention. Berlin in particular has developed into a globally valued location for the start-up scene. Here, new ideas for innovative business models and technical innovations are created every day. This is something that can be built upon.