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.
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
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Venture Capitalist in search of the 𝙣𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙗𝙞𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜... nbt.substack.com
Most Interested In
Consumer businesses that have early signal that they can be category-defining companies. We typically lead the Series A.
Not Interested In
I personally am not interested in pre-launch companies.
San Francisco Bay Area - California, 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..) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Analytics • Developer tools • Future Of Work • Food & Beverage • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Consumer
Co-Founder at New Food CPG Co.
London - Zurich Switzerland, United Kingdom
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Media • Education • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Web Security (& Privacy)
Partner at LGT Lightstone, NED BBC & British Business Bank
Ex Partner at @balderton-capital; Non Exec Dixons Plc (DXNS) and Hargreaves lansdown Plc (HL); Ex Group MD Emap plc; Ex BCG and P&G. Lovefilm, KupiVip, Achica
Pennsylvania ; New York New York ; Zug Switzerland; Philadelphia Pennsylvania ; New York - U.S.A., U.S.A.
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Other • Media • FinTech (& Financials services) • Energy • Retail (& E-Commerce) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Gaming (& eSports) • Advertising • Local commerce • Mobile Apps • DeepTech • Mobile • Online Social
I build technology & businesses. Co-Founder @ @leadnomics & @UseTiller. Entrepreneur, Angel, Advisor (Online Media/Technology).
Salt Lake City - Boston - Seattle - Los Angeles - San Francisco Bay Area - California, U.S.A. - Canada - 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, Icelan
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Hospitality (& Events) • Businesses Solutions • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Sales (& Marketing) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Online Social • Consumer
Principal at Index Ventures
Most Interested In
New consumer services or experiences. Workflow applications that are adopted by the end-user, especially in non-desk environments.
Not Interested In
Healthcare / life sciences, infrastructure, security.
Zurich - Berlin, Germany
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Hospitality (& Events) • FinTech (& Financials services) • Hardware (& Manufacturing) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Advertising • Analytics • Food & Beverage • Insurance (& InsurTech) • Payments • Mobile Apps • Real Estate (& Construction) • SaaS • Investment Management
business angel // entrepreneur // founder lieferando.de
Product Manager, MBA, data scientist & passionate technologist.
London, U.K. - 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
Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • HealthTech (& Fitness) • Web Security (& Privacy) • Future Of Work • Medical Devices (& Hospital Services) • Healthcare (& Wellness) • Mobility
General Partner, Index Ventures
General Partner, Index Ventures
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..) • Education • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • CleanTech • A.I. (& Big Data) • Blockchain (& Cryptos) • Cloud Services (& Infrastructure) • Developer tools • Woman Focused
Fabrice Grinda serves as Co-Founding Partner at FJ Labs. He also serves as a Partner at True Global Ventures. He serves as Industry Advisor at DN Capital. Previously he was a Co-Chief Executive Officer of OLX, Inc. Prior to OLX, he was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zingy Inc. In 1998, he co-founded and was the Chief Executive Officer of Aucland. Prior to that he worked as a Business Consultant for McKinsey & Company. He is an Investor at Knock.
London, U.K. - Switzerland - Brazil
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • Education • Businesses Solutions • Retail (& E-Commerce) • Logistics (& Distribution) • Consumer
Entrepreneur / Investor
Entrepreneur / Investor
Passionate entrepreneur and investor with international background.
Latvia, 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
Software (Web Marketplace Saas..) • PropTech • Education • Businesses Solutions • FinTech (& Financials services) • Retail (& E-Commerce) • A.I. (& Big Data) • Robotics • Real Estate (& Construction) • Woman Focused
Managing Partner @Change Ventures. Kauffman Fellow Class 22. Chairman @TechHub Riga. Co-founder @TechChill.
Backing ambitious Baltic founders from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, building global success stories.
Most Interested In
The best Baltic founders building global businesses.
Not Interested In
Any investments that don't have Baltic founders - sorry, but it is outside our investment scope. Founders who don't have the "grit" (passion and perseverance) to build big, global, scalable businesses.