„Swiss start-ups need big brands as partners“

Around 50 entrepreneurs and innovators attended the third StartupGrind in Zurich yesterday. The event took place at Colab Zurich, a well-known co-working space in the city. Manuel Grenacher provided important insights for everyone starting a business in Switzerland. He particularly gave several important tips for working together with big companies. Grenacher’s own start-ups were able to attract such partners. Coresystems cooperated with SAP from the beginning. Mila announced last week a partnership with Swisscom.

Grenacher’s tips:

1. Swiss start-ups need big partners to start. If a young company find such a partner it is much easier to attract investors, get noticed by the media etc.
2. Don’t be too shy. Your product or service shouldn’t be too cheap. You will not be able to raise prices if you started cheap.  
3. Take risks at the beginning. It might be necessary to promise big customers something that you are not absolutely sure you can deliver.
4. Big companies can provide start-ups great opportunities to grow further. Start-ups can for example pitch at events of those companies or get support in markets like China or South America.
5. Exclusive partnerships are delicate. It is advantageous to have several big partners.
6. It is better not to give shares to a big company.