Bureaucratic hurdles: This is how a start-up in Böblingen fights for success!

Bureaucratic hurdles: This is how a start-up in Böblingen fights for success!

The path to self-employment in Germany is often paved with numerous bureaucratic hurdles. Rebecca Schenk, who founded a company in Böblingen with two friends in 2022, knows these challenges all too well. Her experiences during the founding process were predominantly negative, as she had to repeatedly deal with the same administrative requirements. According to [Stuttgarter Nachrichten](https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/content.existenzgruendung-in-boeblingen-start-up-gruendung-so-buerocratisch-ist-der-process- aktuell.4c69b313-c09c-4dfd-93b8-417039f616e8.html), Schenk had to submit the same documents up to 25 times to authorities, which made starting their business activities much more difficult.

These bureaucratic hurdles are not just limited to Böblingen, but are a common problem that many startups in Germany face. Daniel Blazek, a consultant for startups, highlights in an interview with Deutsche Startup Zeitung that bureaucratic hurdles and legal requirements are the main difficulties for founders. This includes not only business registrations, but also high requirements in the areas of data protection and contract law, which can have costly consequences if handled incorrectly.

Bureaucratic hurdles and financing

Rebecca Schenk remembers how stressful these requirements were for the entire startup experience. She emphasizes that the bureaucratic hurdles severely hindered her entrepreneurial ambitions. This leads to the question of how young companies in Germany can actually get from the idea to implementation. Blazek explains that raising capital remains a central issue, as German banks in particular are often hesitant about new business models.

There are various financing options for startups, such as looking for business angels or taking advantage of funding. Nevertheless, the path to capital is often long and complex. Founders must be prepared to present a solid business plan and financial models as well as navigate challenging contract negotiations. Common mistakes, such as inadequate preparation when approaching investors, can pose additional hurdles.

Tips for founders and outlook

Nevertheless, according to Blazek, there is hope that the framework conditions for startups in Germany will be optimized by reducing bureaucracy and improving financing conditions. The prospects for innovative companies are there, but founders must be well connected and receive ongoing legal and tax advice. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial to be able to assert yourself in the dynamic market.

Finally, it should be noted that despite the existing challenges, there are also numerous opportunities to successfully start a company. Rebecca Schenk's experiences show how important it is to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and find the right support systems. The prospects for creative founders in Germany could be significantly improved through targeted reforms and greater support also confirmed. It remains to be seen whether and when such changes will occur.