On March 29th, 2019, the acatech group on innovation and growth financing presented first results in Berlin. Prof. Achleitner and Prof. Braun as project leaders presented at the meeting with high-ranked politicians first results of the study. All information, including the interims presentation can be found on the acatech website.
Background:
Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier has triggered a sometimes controversial debate with his proposals for an industrial policy strategy. Undeniably, we need more successful and innovative growth companies. They can use their ideas to change markets, create new markets and perhaps be the middle class of tomorrow. However, growth financing remains a key weakness of the German innovation system. Against this backdrop, acatech, KfW and Deutsche Börse have come forward with joint recommendations for action. The key message is that efforts to mobilize domestic venture capital into venture capital funds are at best half the battle. In order to strengthen the ecosystem for growth financing, there are two other areas where action is needed: additional financing instruments such as venture debt and "patient capital" and cooperation between growth companies and established companies.