Start-ups are desperately looking for employees

German tech start-ups are feeling the effects of the skills shortage in particular. On average, they have five unfilled vacancies.

A survey by the digital association Bitkom shows that tech start-ups in Germany are currently on the lookout for employees. The study surveyed around 150 German tech start-ups. On average, the start-ups have 20 employees. Eight out of ten of the companies surveyed are currently planning to hire new employees.

Some positions are currently vacant. "The lack of qualified workers is becoming the number one obstacle to growth," says Bitkom President Achim Berg. Around two thirds of start-ups have stated that they currently have vacancies. "Every fifth position at start-ups is currently vacant, which is dramatic," says Berg. That is significantly more than a year ago, when there were only three vacancies on average.

The digital association states that start-ups have lost their staff to SMEs and established companies. In order to meet the demand for skilled workers from start-ups, a more attractive structure for employee equity participation would be required. According to Bitkom, IT specialists from Russia and Belarus could also help to meet the demand for staff.

The fact that start-ups are looking for skilled workers despite the economic situation is a good sign.

"However, the aggressive personnel planning shows that tech start-ups are optimistic about the future," says Berg.