Around one in four German tech start-ups has refrained from making planned hires because of artificial intelligence, according to a new survey by digital industry association Bitkom.

In the past twelve months, 27 per cent of the 102 surveyed companies said AI had allowed them to avoid additional recruitment, while seven per cent had actually cut jobs for the same reason. At the same time, 16 per cent said they had hired additional staff specifically because of their use of AI. For half of the companies, AI has so far had no impact on staffing levels.

The findings suggest that artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment rather than simply reducing employment. Many young technology companies are using AI to automate routine tasks, increase productivity and enable smaller teams to handle a broader range of responsibilities.

The trend is expected to continue. Over the next twelve months, 28 per cent of respondents expect AI to reduce the need for new hires, while 19 per cent anticipate recruiting additional employees because of the technology. Only two per cent expect AI to lead directly to job cuts.

Despite these changes, most German tech start-ups continue to plan for growth. Sixty-two per cent expect their overall workforce to increase during 2026, with those companies planning to add an average of four employees.

The survey was conducted online by Bitkom Research between calendar weeks 21 and 27 of 2026 among 102 German tech start-ups. All participating companies already use AI in their business processes. Bitkom notes that the survey is not representative, but provides an indication of current trends in Germany’s start-up sector.