Germany has recorded unprecedented founding dynamics in the first half of the year with 3,053 new start-ups, representing a 52 percent increase compared to the previous year. According to the German Start-up Association, artificial intelligence is primarily driving this boom, as over one-third of new foundations have a clear connection to AI. The software sector remains the leading industry with 844 foundations. In addition to technological advancements, the current economic crisis is acting as a catalyst, as talents increasingly choose self-employment due to the cautious hiring strategies of established companies. While Berlin remains the center with 429 foundations, Bavaria recorded the highest number of new foundations. Despite the growth to a total of 36 unicorns, Germany lags significantly behind the USA, which counts over 900 such companies, which according to Association President Verena Pausder is primarily due to a weak European capital market.