NRW Startup Ecosystem Thrives Amid Global Decline
Düsseldorf, Thursday, 11 September 2025.
The NRW Startup Report 2025 reveals a 9% growth in ecosystem value to $12.6 billion, defying a global median decline of 24%, highlighting the region’s strategic positioning and resilience.
Strategic Growth Amidst Global Challenges
The NRW Startup Report 2025, spearheaded by Startup Genome and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia, underscores a remarkable 9% growth in the region’s ecosystem value, bringing it to $12.6 billion USD. This growth is particularly noteworthy given the global median decline of 24% across the top 50 startup ecosystems [1]. North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) stands out as a beacon of resilience and strategic positioning in the global startup landscape, contrasting sharply with broader trends of decline.
Significant Increases in Startup Formation and Scaleups
In 2024, NRW recorded 674 new startup formations, marking a 26% increase from the previous year, positioning it as Germany’s second-largest region for startup creation, just after Berlin [2]. Additionally, the number of scaleups in NRW more than doubled, approaching levels last seen in 2021. This boom in scaleups highlights the success of initiatives like the Scale-up.NRW program, where participating startups are scaling 30% faster than their counterparts [3].
Venture Capital Boom and Sectoral Leadership
Venture capital investment in NRW surged by 58% in 2024, with artificial intelligence emerging as the leading sector. This influx of capital is transforming the region into a hub for innovation, particularly in Deep Tech, which accounted for 52% of all startup funding between 2020 and 2024 [4]. The strategic focus on AI and Deep Tech is driving both economic growth and technological advancement in the region.
Employment and Economic Impact
NRW’s startups created approximately 6,200 new direct jobs in 2024, setting a record for the region. Since 2020, startups have contributed over 26,000 direct jobs and 100,000 indirect jobs across Germany. This employment growth is a testament to the ecosystem’s strength and its role in bolstering the regional economy [5]. The continued growth and support for startups are fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment that supports both local and international ambitions.