July 22, 2016
Markets make innovation
It may be the summer, but in the last few days we have reported on some good news from Swiss start-ups. Lausanne company BestMile has completed a financing round of $2.5 million. BestMile is preparing for the future of self-driving cars, trucks and buses with a pilot project currently underway in Sion. The two western Swiss start-ups Nanolive and Prodibi can look forward to the input of new capital.
This week we also investigated the role that Swiss start-ups play in new, innovative and digital business solutions in various sectors. It is well known that Swiss financial institutions have not taken a pioneering role in the digitalisation of their business. All the more pleasing that in the start-up community the financial sector has a big priority, and dozens of fintech start-ups have been founded. In crowdfunding alone, there are at least 40 platforms operating in this country. And when it comes to loans – ie, crowdlending – six providers are available, including Zug-based Cashare, which now provides more than CHF1 million a month.
Automatic travel detection via app and smartphone for public transport passengers is now ready for large-scale operation. These apps allow customers to board and ride, without the requirement to buy a ticket – and two start-ups from Bern, Fairtiq and approppo, are now helping this along.
Even in summer, application deadlines are running: Swiss Technology Award and Le prix de l’Innovation HES-SO 26 August, Prix Genilem HES 29 August, and UBS Social Innovators 31 August.
Have a relaxing summer weekend.
Claus Niedermann
Editor-in-Chief startupticker.ch