February 7, 2014
A vibrant ecosystem
Dear reader
Last year CHF 415 million in venture capital flowed into technology companies, 30% more than the previous year. This is highlighted in the Swiss Venture Capital Report 2013, jointly published by startupticker.ch and SECA (Swiss Private Equity & Corporate Finance Association) and which was presented at the startupticker brunch last Thursday.
Most capital was invested in biotech and medtech start-ups. But innovative young entrepreneurs were able to attract investors even with consumer products, as the example of start-up DAHU Sports from Fribourg shows. The company completed a first round of financing of more than CHF1 million last year. DAHU has launched a ski boot that can be used not only for skiing, but also walking, driving and other activities. This has made the start-up an international sensation, bringing it this year’s award for Product of the Year at ISPO, the world’s biggest trade show for the sports business.
At the startupticker brunch, SECA director Maurice Pedergnana pointed out that Swiss investors are risk-averse when it comes to major investments of CHF10 million or more. It looks better for early financing, thanks to the numerous funding initiatives for young companies. One of them is venture kick from the Gebert Rüf Foundation. Since its inception in 2007, 298 founder projects have been supported, as is shown in the annual report released this week.
Today the Lift conference in Geneva comes to an end. More than 1,100 people will have visited the most important European event for innovation and digital technology – a record! The highlight was last night’s AllpICT Venture Night and the presentation of the start-up awards by the CTI funding area president Lutz Nolte. Eight young companies took part in the competition and the prize winner was Basel start-up QIPP; its web application makes it easy to organise personal things, share them with others and discover new things. Company founder Stefan Zanetti’s advice for start-ups can be found on startupticker.ch.
The CTI announced good news for its CTI Entrepreneurship training programme this week. The relaunch has been very successful with an increase in participant numbers. Now the new courses are starting again, including the venture challenge semester courses for students.
And in mid-March, the START Summit will take place at the University of St. Gallen. More than 450 young entrepreneurs, students and investors from all over Europe are expected. But those who want to participate will have to hurry: the application period for tickets runs only to 14 February.
A pleasant weekend to all readers.
Claus Niedermann
Editor-in-chief startupticker.ch
PS. For all start-up supporters on the other side of the country and those who missed the brunch in Zurich this week: the startupticker.ch brunch for western Switzerland takes place in Lausanne on 20 February.