The promotion of start-ups and young companies is one of the most important economic policy tasks of our time. Because we will not make the transition to the digital age without the innovative ideas of young start-ups. Today's start-ups are tomorrow's SMEs. They will ensure that Germany retains its top position as the world's leading business location in the future.

In order to grow, start-ups need a secure financing perspective. In the last legislative period, we therefore set ourselves the task of improving the financing conditions for young companies. We were able to make great progress in this respect, particularly in the provision of venture capital for the early and growth phases. We have increased, expanded or launched important support programs.

In particular, we have massively upgraded the INVEST program. The program allows investors to receive a grant of 20 percent of the invested amount for their investments in innovative start-ups. As of January 1, 2017, we doubled the upper limit of the possible grant to 500,000 euros. We have also introduced a tax-free exit allowance on the sale of the acquired shares in the company.