This project aims to compose characteristics and structural elements of business creations during the years 2005 to 2016. Our focus lies primarily on innovation activities of young companies. Furthermore, financing situation, motives for foundation, company objectives as well as obstacles in the acquisition of skilled labour are being explored. In the process, we differentiate between industry groups, of which research- and knowledge-intensive segments must be emphasized. Moreover, we contemplate development over time in business start-ups, to the extent the data situation allows it. The underlying data for these analyses stems from the IAB/ZEW Start-up Panel.