September 13, 2013
Swiss start-up scene attracts experienced business people
Dear reader
Garbage is not only a problem in the streets of major cities, but also in space where space debris can damage or even destroy satellites. EPFL is working with start-up Swiss Space Systems to find a solution and in five years hopes to launch CleanSpace One, a robotic satellite designed to grab space debris and push it down towards into the atmosphere, where it will burn up. Swiss Space Systems is developing a new cost-efficient method to launch satellites weighing up to 250 kg and will take charge of CleanSpace One’s launch. The objectives of the start-ups are ambitious, but the team knows what it’s doing – the managers have all worked for years in the aviation and aerospace industry.
Swiss Venture Day provided several examples of young companies with experienced founders. And the management of some new carriers of the CTI Start-up label also have old hands, which shows that the CTI coaching process and label brings benefits to experienced business insiders too.
The success of founders familiar with an industry is well illustrated by beqom. The company, founded in 2009, provides a Workforce Behavior Management solution used by companies such as Microsoft and Vodafone.
Besides the success of companies with experienced founders, funding rounds again dominated the headlines this week. It is worth noting that WiseKey, Numbrs, CeQur, BROTSEITEN and Naviswiss were able to secure funding from a variety of sources, including business angels, strategic partners and a foundation.
In the coming week, the editors of startupticker will be represented at the Startup Fair and will participate in the awards ceremony of the Top 100 Start-ups. In addition, we will also be at the Innovation Roundtable on cloud computing from CTI Invest and Swisscom in November. Start-ups for this event are currently being sought.
Have a nice weekend
Stefan Kyora
Managing Editor, startupticker.ch