More than 12’000 new companies in Q1

Following an exceptional record year, the number of new companies in the first quarter of 2022 is at its second-highest level. After the last two pandemic years were characterized by a veritable start-up boom, the current start-up figures are settling back into a stable and positive trend, as in the period before COVID-19.

On average, 11'984 new companies were registered per first quarter over the last 5 years. Despite a decrease of -3.6% compared to the same period last year, the first quarter of 2022 with 12'695 new companies is significantly above the 5-year average and continues the stable and positive trend of the pre-pandemic period.

The development in the individual sectors varied widely. Winners among the heavyweights include Finance & Insurance (+1.45), IT & ICT (+1.5%) and Public Health (+8%). Major losers include Retail (-11.6%), Consulting (-7.9%9 and Real Estate (-6.2%).

Legal forms in comparison

In Switzerland, the limited liability company (LLC) is by far the most popular legal form when it comes to founding a new company. While an increase of +2.1% was recorded in the first quarter of 2022 with a total of 5'106 LLCs, the sole proprietorship recorded a decline of -8.4% with 4'185 new formations.

Which regions are recording positive values?

Only the large regions of southwestern Switzerland +1.2% and eastern Switzerland +0.2% enjoyed an increase in the number of company founders in the first quarter of 2022. The regions of Central Switzerland -0.5%, Zurich -2.4%, Northwestern Switzerland -7.0%, Ticino -7.8% and Espace Mittelland -12.2% show a slight to medium decline in the number of startups compared to the previous year.

Detailed information can be found in an IFJ blog post.

(Press release / SK)