Traction engines for Swiss start-ups

Dear reader

Despite these challenging times, Swiss start-ups have continued to gain traction. This week has shown how start-ups have remained on top of their game. Dua AG from Zurich is growing faster, thanks to its matchmaking platform designed to connect communities in the Albanian diaspora. Since the launch of its app in January, the company has acquired more than 150,000 users with an 11.5% month-on-month growth. It benefits from the previous experience of its co-founder and serial entrepreneur, Larklind Cerkezi, who after the sale of his first company, established two further companies.

Meloncast is also beginning to gain traction despite having only a minimum viable product. The start-up is developing an AI-based tool geared towards enabling content marketers to reach their target audience efficiently with the right campaigns and generate a higher return on investment. With the launch planned for this summer, the start-up has already attracted early adopters from the financial industry, including Swiss banks and insurers.

Fundraising is also a powerful engine to ensure continuity of traction. Crypto bank Sygnum made headlines this week after attracting an eight-digit US dollar investment from Japanese financial services company SBI Digital Asset Holdings. For industries that need a boost after the crisis, financial aid comes in handy. GetYourGuide, the travel booking platform, has managed to secure EUR 80 million to accelerate the development of its platform in preparation for international post-pandemic travel.

Beaconsmind, the SaaS solution for location-based marketing, has taken a different approach; the company has listed its shares on Euronext Access+ in Paris in order to secure capital and access to international customers. Swisspod, the hyperloop start-up, and photovoltaics specialist Solaxess are also exploring new markets in the US and China.

Several start-ups are counting on the extensive expertise of their new managers to help them drive growth and gain more traction. This week seven start-ups announced a change of leadership, with Gamaya, Valour and Genomsys all appointing new CEOs.

Participation in award programmes and accelerators is another way for start-ups to boost their visibility. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is looking for start-ups and researchers with innovative ideas for humanitarian aid operations; they will benefit from its six-month programme, with mentorship from various experts, including Innosuisse coaches. The deadline closes on 31 March. The registration deadlines for the IFASinnovation Challenge, Swiss Medtech Award and Venture Leaders Mobile expire on 28 February.

I would like to draw your attention to the upcoming Tech4Growth Health programme from 9 to 26 March. The six workshops offer a platform for corporates to collaborate with start-ups and academia. Register now to reserve your seat.

Have a good weekend.

Ritah Ayebare Nyakato
Duty Editor, Startupticker.ch