September 19, 2014
A disadvantage is an advantage
Dear reader
The 10 largest global pharmaceutical companies have one thing in common: they are all customers of InSphero. No wonder the biotech company from Schlieren managed to get to number 1 in the list of top 100 Swiss start-ups. The impressive awards ceremony last Wednesday demonstrated how many young Swiss companies quickly establish themselves abroad. The small domestic market, which is considered to be a disadvantage, is in reality an advantage as it forces young companies to adopt a global strategy from the beginning.
Partnerships and experienced staff on-site are two promising ways in which a company can draw attention to itself in highly competitive international markets. This week faceshift announced the establishment of a new team in London to be run by Nico Scapel, a visual effects veteran who worked on the Oscar-winning film Gravity.
And travel company Nezasa has announced a partnership with Concur: its tailor-made trips will be offered to the 25 million users of Concur.
But of course some start-ups were founded or are led by experienced entrepreneurs who already have excellent contacts worldwide, such as Ypsomed founder Willy Michel, who is now taking his new start-up Finox Biotech to success. Zug-based biotech company Cardiorentis also has a highly experienced management team: it completed a financing round of €45 million this week, the money coming from US investor Healthcare Royalty Partners.
Business people with experience are also being sought at MatchMeUp!. The programme from Impact Hub Zurich brings selected start-ups into contact with potential staff. You have until 3 October to apply.
The deadline for applications for the WA de Vigier Foundation award expires on 30 September. Our background article gives an idea of what start-ups may expect from a prize. The deadline for registration for the Best of Swiss Apps competition runs to 22 September.
The game The Perils of Man, from IF Games, is already a winner: it was awarded the SGDA Swiss Games Award on Thursday evening at the Ludicious Game Festival in Zurich, which runs until Sunday.
Have a playful weekend.
Stefan Kyora
Managing Editor, startupticker.ch