Mobility is becoming more expensive, tourism is recovering, society is becoming more diverse

Three current trends and what they mean for founders

The Federal Statistical Office has published exciting figures that could have a major impact on founders in individual sectors. However, start-ups that are close to the market can definitely benefit from this.

Driving is becoming a cost factor and changing markets

Mobility with their own car is increasingly becoming a financial burden for consumers. In March 2026, prices for driving were 6.7% higher than in the previous year and therefore significantly higher than the general inflation rate of 2.7%. The main driver is fuel prices: These rose by a whopping 20% in the same period, with diesel (+29.7%) and premium petrol (+17.3%) in particular becoming significantly more expensive.

There is also a clear long-term trend: costs for motorists have risen by more than 30% since 2020. Insurance, used cars, driving school and driving license costs have risen particularly sharply.

This creates an area of tension for start-ups, but also an opportunity. Business models relating to alternative mobility, sharing offers, electromobility and efficiency solutions are encountering a market in which cost awareness is increasingly becoming a driver. At the same time, mobility remains a key area of expenditure: households invest almost 12% of their consumer spending in this area.

Public transport: between price pressure and political influence

Even local and long-distance public transport is not immune to price increases. Combined bus and rail tickets have risen in price by 6.2% within a year, which is partly due to the adjustment of the Deutschlandticket.

However, a medium-term comparison reveals a more differentiated picture. While many mobility costs are rising, the Deutschlandticket has led to a significant fall in prices for combined public transport services since its introduction. For start-ups in the mobility or travel tech sector, this means that political measures can quickly change markets and enable new business models or put pressure on existing ones.

Tourism on the road to recovery, but still below pre-crisis levels

At the same time, the German tourism sector is stable and growing. In February 2026, 27.7 million overnight stays were recorded, an increase of 3.3% compared to the previous year. Both domestic and international guests contributed to this growth.

The start of the year was also positive. In the first two months of 2026, the number of overnight stays was up on the same period last year. Nevertheless, a gap remains, as the level of the record year 2020 will still not be reached.

For start-ups in the tourism industry, this opens up a market on the upswing that still offers development potential. Digital booking platforms, sustainable travel offers and specialized niche concepts could benefit in particular.

Germany is becoming more diverse and younger

A third key trend concerns the social structure. 21.8 million people in Germany now have a history of immigration, which corresponds to 26.3% of the population. This group has grown by two thirds since 2005.

Particularly relevant for the economy: people with a history of immigration are significantly younger on average. In the 25 to 34 age group, more than one in three people already have a similar background.

At the same time, a mixed picture emerges in terms of qualifications. While academic qualifications are just as common as in the population as a whole, there are significantly more people who have not completed vocational training. This represents considerable potential for the edtech sector, but also a challenge for the labor market, the state education system and companies.

What founders can learn from this

The three developments: rising mobility costs, growing tourism and increasing social diversity are more than isolated trends. They are intertwined and are changing markets in the long term.

For start-ups, this means

• Cost-driven innovations in the mobility sector are becoming more important
• Tourism remains a growth market, but needs new impetus
• Diversity is becoming a success factor, both for teams and target groups

Those who understand these developments early on can develop viable business models from them.