Switzerland's startup ecosystem is highly advanced, with Zurich and Geneva being key hubs for innovation. As of 2023, Switzerland is home to around 5,000 startups. The Swiss government supports innovation through initiatives like Innosuisse and the Swiss National Science Foundation, which provide funding, resources, and mentorship for startups. In 2022, Swiss startups raised approximately €2 billion in venture capital. These factors collectively highlight Switzerland's dynamic and evolving startup landscape.
As of 2023, Switzerland's startup ecosystem includes around 5,000 startups. In 2022, these startups attracted approximately €2 billion in venture capital funding. This substantial investment underscores the ecosystem's growth potential and robust nature. The market's size and financial backing reflect its capacity to foster innovation and sustain a competitive edge within Europe and beyond.
Switzerland's startup ecosystem is characterized by several key strengths, including a highly educated workforce, a strong financial sector, and world-class research institutions. The country excels in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and cleantech. These strengths are bolstered by Switzerland's robust industrial base and government support, positioning it as a leader in the European startup scene.
Zurich and Geneva are the primary hubs of Switzerland’s startup ecosystem. Zurich is known for its strengths in fintech, healthtech, and cleantech, attracting significant investments and producing notable startups like Climeworks and Nexthink. Geneva has a vibrant tech scene with strengths in biotech and international trade. These cities are instrumental in driving Switzerland's economic growth and technological advancements.
In addition to Zurich and Geneva, emerging hubs like Lausanne and Basel are gaining prominence in Switzerland’s startup ecosystem. Lausanne, home to EPFL, is strong in deep tech and medtech, while Basel is a hub for pharmaceuticals and life sciences. These emerging hubs are expanding the reach and diversity of Switzerland’s entrepreneurial landscape, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth.
Switzerland’s startup ecosystem benefits from a strong network of incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces that provide essential support and resources for entrepreneurs. Initiatives like Venturelab and the Swiss Innovation Park have significantly boosted the ecosystem by offering mentorship, resources, and international exposure. This supportive infrastructure is crucial for nurturing early-stage companies and fostering a collaborative entrepreneurial environment.
Despite its strengths, the Swiss startup ecosystem faces challenges such as high living costs and regulatory complexities. Navigating these hurdles can be time-consuming and complex for startups. Addressing these issues requires strategic efforts and supportive policies to sustain growth and competitiveness in the global market.
Switzerland has significant opportunities for growth in sectors like fintech, healthtech, and cleantech. The country's strong focus on sustainability and green technology drives innovation in renewable energy and environmental technologies. Switzerland's strategic location in Europe and strong trade relationships provide startups with opportunities for international expansion. With continued investment and innovation, Switzerland's startup ecosystem is poised for further growth, contributing significantly to the European and global markets.
Switzerland's startup ecosystem demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability. The country's commitment to innovation, coupled with strong government and institutional support, enables startups to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. The diverse talent pool and high level of digitalization attract entrepreneurs and investors alike, ensuring sustained growth and success in the face of global economic shifts and market dynamics.
Malta, Malta - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland, Monaco
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • AgroTech • Sales (& Marketing) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Logistics (& Distribution) • Messaging • Mobility
Co-Founder & CMO at Mox
Most Interested In
Digital marketing and mobility/transportation companies based in Spain.
Not Interested In
Companies not based in Spain, Singapore, Portugal or Malta.
Denver - Colorado, U.S.A. - Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Slovakia, Norway, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland, Monaco
PropTech • AgroTech • CleanTech • Impact • Real Estate (& Construction)
President PeakChange
Social Venture Investor, Tech Executive & Leadership Mentor
New York, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Hospitality (& Events) • AgroTech • FinTech (& Financials services) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Advertising
Co-founder / Managing Partner at HOF Capital
Fady Yacoub is a Co-Founder and serves as Managing Partner at HOF Capital. He is also an Angel Investor. Together with Hisham El Haddad, Fady created a Hong Kong-based SPV to invest in the record-setting IPO of Alibaba. The SPV received a stock allocation at a discount with a 3x margin and was successfully exited with a 76% return in two months. Fady worked previously at Digital World Capital, a technology-focused hedge fund, helping the firm to expand its investment portfolio in Asia, including a sizeable investment in Baidu, the world's second largest online search engine. Along with Hisham, Fady also invented the drumm device, an IoT-enhanced wearable that allows for haptic communication, after participating successfully in Switch SuperNap's technology accelerator in Nevada. Earlier in his career, Fady held multiple positions at El Tholathia Corp Egypt (ETC). He led El-Tholathia Corp's (ETC Egypt) industrial development team in deploying a new home appliances factory in Sudan for a $8m initial cost. Through ETC's real estate development arm, he also facilitated the purchase of and subsequently led the development team for ~400,000 m2 on Egypt's North Coast, a project initially valued at ~$60m. Fady holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Business Administration & Psychology from the University of Southern California. He is also an Angel Investor.
New York, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • AgroTech • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Analytics • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Aerospace (& Defense) • Woman Focused
Most Interested In
GPS (precision positioning, computer vision, AR), Geospatial Intelligence (ClimateTech, AgTech, InsurTech), and Satellite Communications (IoT, 5G).
Not Interested In
Aviation, UAV hardware.
Herzliya - San Francisco Bay Area - Chicago - Illinois, U.S.A. - Israel - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
BioTech • AgroTech • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Food & Beverage • Impact • Woman Focused
Most Interested In
Germin8 is one of the most active investors in FoodTech and AgTech, globally. With strong strategic backing and unique approaches, we're investing in exceptional founding teams who are solving the most demanding problems throughout the global food & agriculture system with transformative technology platforms across AI/ML, IOT, SaaS, biology, life sciences, computer vision, robotics, marketplaces and beyond.
Not Interested In
Our mandate is strictly food and agriculture technology throughout the value chain. Germin8 does not invest in CPG food brands, unless there is a significant enabling technology breakthrough and/or impact thesis to dramatically improve human health, nourishment and/or environmental sustainability. Novelties are out of our scope.
New York, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • AgroTech • Retail (& E-Commerce) • IoT (& Wearables) • CleanTech • Impact • Material Science • Online Social • Consumer • Woman Focused
Founder & CEO of Another Tomorrow. Early stage investor in companies that are positive catalysts for system-wide change.
London - Moscow, U.S.A. - U.K. - Germany - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Hospitality (& Events) • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • Sales (& Marketing) • Advertising • Future Of Work • Human Resources • Online Social
Most Interested In
Impulse is a global VC firm with strong expertise in enterprise solutions and AdTech. We provide investments to deep tech companies to scale business and entering new markets. In addition to investments, Impulse gives access to unique expertise; Partners are successful entrepreneurs - founders of leading global SEO marketing marketplace.
San Francisco Bay Area - London, U.K. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
AgroTech • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • IoT (& Wearables) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Analytics • Aerospace (& Defense) • Mobility • Nanotechnology
Most Interested In
Seraphim Capital is the worlds largest Venture Capital fund dedicated to investing in SpaceTech startups and enabling technologies. Also interested in technologies that spin-out from space applications.
Not Interested In
Consumer products, adtech or fintech.
, U.S.A. - Singapore - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • AgroTech • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Future Of Work • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Online Social • Woman Focused • Productivity
Most Interested In
We're industry and geographic agnostic focused on: -founders solving big problems -coachable founders -strong work ethic
Not Interested In
Asset heavy companies
Chicago - Miami - San Francisco Bay Area, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland - Singapore
AgroTech • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Energy • A.I. (& Big Data) • Robotics • Aerospace (& Defense) • DeepTech • Mobility • Woman Focused
Principal - VU Venture Partners
: Australia Canada Germany Israel France Italy Spain Netherlands Belgium Switzerland Denmark Finland Luxembourg Malta Iceland, U.S.A. - Global: U.S.A., Australia, Canada, Germany, U.K., Israel, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • BioTech • AgroTech • Sales (& Marketing)