German startups raise €8bn as AI drives record formation. More than 3,000 startups were founded in Germany in the first half of 2026, up 52% from the previous six months. Around one-third are AI-focused, while funding reached €8bn through September—more than in all of 2025. The surge highlights AI’s growing role in offsetting industrial weakness. 🔗 https://www.reuters.com/business/ai-hopes-industrial-malaise-drive-boom-german-startups-2026-10-06/ #Funding #SaaS #AI