From raw material to fuel

Dear reader

Is data really the oil of the 21st century? A look at the Swiss innovation ecosystem supports this theory. In the past week, three start-up companies have been talking about big data and machine learning. SmartCardia announced the launch of a wireless vital signs sensor, 1plusX, a specialist in digital customer behaviour analysis, is experiencing rapid growth, and People Analytix, which uses references and CV proficiency profiles, has raised CHF 1.8 million to market its software.

The logistics platform from Zurich-based notime also deals with data, and Swiss Post has now acquired 51% of the share capital.

The founders and backers of Ava, Beqom, Sophia Genetics and GetYourGuide have not sold yet, and all four now appear in a European list of potential unicorns, published by the renowned investor association Tech Tour. Incidentally, with four entries, Switzerland is in fourth place behind France (seven), Germany (eight) and the UK (16).

The second driver of digital transformation besides data is money, and Credit Suisse has now made CHF 30 million available to its venture capital firm SVC for investment in Swiss fintech start-ups.

Looking ahead, two events with top-class speakers take place next Thursday: in Zurich, Sachio Semmoto, founder of several Japanese telecoms companies, one of which sold for more than $ 2.5 billion, is a speaker. And in Fribourg, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales is a guest. Also on 22 March, the Startup Forum will take place in Aarau.

This week, registration opened for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The first Venture Day of Startup Invest takes place in Zurich on 18 April: investors can sign up now and start-ups can apply for a pitching slot. Applications for venture leaders China close on Monday.

Have a good weekend

Jost Dubacher
Editor, Startupticker.ch