2. Launching the New_Start-up_Era: Assisting start-ups and encouraging cooperation between young companies and established companies Start-ups are the driver of the digital transformation. They are willing to take risks, are open for new paths and methods, have dynamic and adaptable structures, often collaborate closely with the technology and research communities and are strongly oriented toward success. Many start-ups develop digital solutions and business models that are quickly scalable and provide interesting solutions for established companies. Moreover, they are important job motors. Given this, it is very troubling that the number of high-tech companies established between 1995 and 2015 has declined by more than 40%. We must take determined action to stop this trend by addressing the causes for the drop in founding activity, in particular in highly innovative areas, with effective promotion measures for start-ups. In order to be successful in the long run and to establish their presence in the international market, start-ups must be relieved of unnecessary bureaucracy. About 75% of start-ups plan to become more international. To do so, they already need sufficient capital in the formation and growth phase. The financing requirements of a German start-up over two years is €2.5 million on average.12 Most start-ups depend on venture capital. In Germany, however, there are presently only a few large funds that provide the capital volumes required for startups. This is especially true for growth financing. In addition, young companies do not often go public. 12 Federal Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media (BITKOM): Survey of 250 start-up founders, press release of 11 June 2015, https://www.bitkom.org/Presse/Presseinformation/Start-ups-benoetigen-im-Schnitt-25-MillionenEuro-frisches-Kapital.html www.de.digital 17