Austria's investors rely 225 million euros on start-ups and SMEs!

Austria's investors rely 225 million euros on start-ups and SMEs!

Österreich, Land - On July 7, 2025, the new Austrian Investing Report was published by State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner and Invest.austria. The report analyzes the Austrian private capital market and the perspectives of private investors. In a comprehensive survey of 165 investors: inside, including business angels and institutional investors, it was found that private investors want to invest around 225 million euros in start-ups, scale-ups and small and medium-sized companies in 2025.

These investment plans reflect a positive economic growth: According to the report, 79.4 percent of domestic start-ups are planning new hires, which means an estimated employment potential of up to 206,000 new jobs. The survey also shows that Business Angels want to invest an average of 270,000 euros (an increase of 13 percent) and institutional investors 12.6 million euros (an increase of 15.6 percent).

growth and focus of the investments

80 percent of investors see start-ups and scale-ups as the most important asset class. The main focus is on artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, defense and the health and medical technology sector. A relevant statement by the survey is that 70 percent of business angels and 45 percent of institutional investors plan to invest in new start-ups in 2025. In addition, 86 percent of institutional donors intended new investments in the SME area.

A look at the motivations of the investor: Inside, shows that 64.8 percent of business angels and 63.8 percent of institutional investors regard cooperation and corporate growth as the main motive for their investments. Nevertheless, there are challenges: geopolitical uncertainties, a high interest rate level and regulatory hurdles slow down the full potential of investment activities.

challenges and solutions

According to Nikolaus Futter, President of Invest.austria, it is necessary to improve the framework conditions for investments. A central solution is the red and white red roof fund, which 60 percent of the investors surveyed see as an important instrument to improve investment conditions. The government plans to set it up by the end of 2026 at the latest.