Impressive pace

Dear reader 

Sherpany’s customer list includes names such as Deutsche Bahn, Hilti, Julius Baer and Migros. In total, more than 350 European companies use the Zurich-based company’s meeting management software. Sherpany has now been sold to Datasite: the US company offers a business SaaS platform that is in use in 180 countries.

Customer acquisition is not considered a traditional strength of Swiss start-ups. However, Sherpany is not the only company to show that this is often no longer true. This week, we reported on a series of start-ups from a wide range of sectors that are already showing great traction shortly after entering the market.

In 2023, e-commerce start-up Secend achieved a turnover of CHF 2 million in only its second year of operation and is continuing to grow rapidly. Retailers normally want to put only products that have just been produced on their shelves. Secend sells slightly older but high quality products, which appeals not only to consumers, but also to manufacturers. The young start-up is supplied by Nestlé, Zweifel and Hug.

Things are also going well for cleantech start-up Neustark. The company, which filters CO₂ from the air and stores it permanently in building materials, has recently gained Microsoft and ZKB as customers. Long-term purchase agreements have been signed with both.

Healthtech start-up RetinAI recently launched a new service for optometrists and ophthalmologists. Customers across Europe and the US are already using the tool.

The rapid success of two Ticino start-ups is also notable: YurekAI is building a proptech platform that is already internationally successful. And Crion’s recently launched platform for connecting mountain sports enthusiasts with mountain sports providers already has a five-figure user base.

With deeptech start-ups, it is clear that they cannot go to market immediately, but need support at the beginning in order to develop a marketable product. This week, we reported on four start-ups that are now being supported by Innobooster with CHF 150,000 each. EPFL spin-off NovoViz, which develops new sensor chips, has also secured CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick.

Several important application deadlines expire next week: Monday is the closing date for the Venture Leaders Biotech programme, Wednesday for MassChallenge Switzerland and >>venture>>, and Thursday for the ESA BIC Switzerland Accelerator programme. Start-ups that want to take part in the Swiss Fintech Awards have until 4 March to apply. I would also like to draw your attention to the SICTIC Investor Day on the topic of medtech next Thursday in Bern. The start-ups have now been selected.

Have a good weekend.
Stefan Kyora

Editor in Chief, Startupticker.ch