In economically challenging times – with multiple crises and numerous geopolitical tensions – new ideas are needed more than ever. Innovations that tap into future markets, secure local value creation, create jobs and enable the transition to a more resource-efficient economy. Yet Germany, in particular, has some catching up to do in this regard when compared internationally. Whilst in countries such as the US or the UK far more private capital flows into start-ups, the German venture capital market is lagging behind current developments. Significantly greater efforts are therefore needed at various levels – both nationally and locally – to ensure that good ideas do not migrate abroad but instead reach market maturity here at home.
Start-ups
Start-ups to combat the crisis
Nationwide WIN initiative
The Savings Banks Finance Group – as the market leader in Germany and with its regionally rooted institutions – plays a prominent role in this regard. It is part of the WIN initiative (Wachstums- und Innovationskapital für Deutschland – Growth and Innovation Capital for Germany), a broad alliance comprising the Federal Government, KfW, as well as companies and associations. The aim is to improve the framework conditions for growth and innovation financing in Germany, to bring together policymakers, the financial sector and businesses, to remove structural barriers and to mobilise more private capital for businesses. The WIN Initiative focuses on more than just start-ups: many small and medium-sized enterprises are also investing in new business models, digitalisation or resource-efficient technologies – and they, too, require capital for this. And the WIN Initiative’s first annual report for 2025 shows that implementation is making progress. In the very first year, some 2.64 billion euros were invested, marking a significant step towards the target of 12 billion by 2030.
8,720
start-ups were launched by savings banks in 2025
€1.5 billion
in funding flowed through savings banks into start-ups.
20,540
new jobs have been created as a result of the subsidised start-ups.
Local innovation hubs
At a regional level, too, savings banks – with their close ties to small and medium-sized enterprises and local businesses – are consistently providing important impetus for innovation. Innovation centres and hubs at various locations across Germany offer support from the start-up phase through to growth and succession planning. A recent example is Deck4 in Kassel, which, since 2025, has been filling a gap in North Hesse’s start-up ecosystem as a meeting place for founders, investors and advisers. Kasseler Savings Bank is a shareholder in the non-profit organisation and also provides the premises. Deck4 offers a structured programme comprising mentoring, pitch events and themed workshops — for example, on scaling up or finding investors. A distinctive feature of this initiative is its focus on sustainable business models: founders gain access to experts in sustainability strategies and regional partners who help implement resource-efficient production or business processes.
From nationwide networks to regional hubs – the companies within the Savings Banks Finance Group make a vital contribution to enabling start-ups to grow and small and medium-sized enterprises to remain resilient. In doing so, they help to drive innovation and economic development even in times of crisis, thereby securing existing jobs in the long term or creating new ones.