Software

Bitkom: One in two startups uses autonomous AI agents

July 27, 2026. Writing and testing code, conducting independent research, or handling entire workflows from start to finish: Artificial intelligence can now take on even complex tasks without a human having to specify every step. Such AI agents are already in use at nearly half of all startups in Germany (48 percent). To make their own work more efficient, nearly two-thirds of startups (65 percent) are also developing their own AI applications that build on large AI models—such as those from OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google—and access their own company data, for example. Nearly one in three startups (30 percent) adapts existing AI models through specialized training or so-called fine-tuning. These are the findings of a survey of 102 tech startups in Germany commissioned by the digital industry association Bitkom.

Stock image: Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Photo by Zach M on Unsplash

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Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Digitalization, IT, Software Development, Startups

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“AI makes work more efficient and companies more competitive. Startups are pioneers in AI adoption and can serve as role models for German small and medium-sized businesses,” says Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst. “Those who not only use off-the-shelf solutions but also enhance models with their own expertise can gain valuable competitive advantages.”

However, generative AI tools for text, code, or images—such as ChatGPT, Claude, or GitHub Copilot—remain the most widely used in startups: 87 percent of startups use them. AI functions embedded in existing software, such as Microsoft 365 or HubSpot, are used by 59 percent. Overall, not a single one of the startups surveyed does without AI.

Methodology Note

The data is based on a survey conducted by Bitkom Research on behalf of the digital association Bitkom. A total of 102 tech startups from Germany were surveyed online. The survey took place between calendar weeks 21 and 27 of 2026. The survey is not representative, but it provides a meaningful snapshot of sentiment among tech startups in Germany. The question asked was: “In what ways do you use AI in your business processes? This does not refer to its use in products.”

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