Swiss-made growth

Dear reader

Neustark removes CO₂ from the atmosphere by capturing carbon dioxide in biogas plants and injecting it into concrete granulates from demolished buildings or other mineral waste. The carbonated, recycled aggregate can then be used to build roads or to produce new building material. Neustark is one of Europe’s fastest-growing carbon removal companies, with 19 plants already in operation. The Bern-based start-up has now secured USD 69 million for further growth.

SkyCell has developed transport containers with a proprietary cold chain technology and a platform for the safe and energy-efficient shipping of pharmaceuticals. The containers move pharmaceutical goods worth more than USD 2.5 billion every month. The company has now raised USD 59 million.

Libattion is developing energy storage and management systems that use discarded batteries from electric vehicles. The company has now received CHF 13.5 million from investors.

One problem with the lack of availability of growth capital is that founders tend to rely on less capital-intensive business models from the outset; for example, licensing models or a very early sale of their start-up. Although this means that they need less capital, it reinforces the impression that Switzerland is not a good place for growth. This makes start-ups such as Neustark, SkyCell and Libattion, which are breaking down this logic and building capital-intensive businesses in Switzerland, all the more important. Another example is DePoly – the company has begun work on a new and larger plant for plastic recycling in Monthey.

However, the road to growth financing and a company having its own factory is a long one. The right support plays an important role, such as that from Venturelab. The organisation celebrated its 20th anniversary this week.

Business angels are often at the forefront of financing. The StartAngels Network has provided an insight into its investment data to mark its 25th anniversary. Data on 160 financing rounds shows that investments are also made in start-ups in the cleantech, materials and instruments sectors. Further interesting results can be found in our article.

Speaking of angel investors, Thomas Dübendorfer, best known as SICTIC president, was named Swiss Business Angel of the Year this week.

Grants and loans went to a striking number of medtech and digital health start-ups this week. Calico secured CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick, HekeTiss CHF 100,000 from the Fongit Innovation Fund and Aspivix CHF 500,000 from FIT.

Our calendar currently contains numerous deadlines for participation in trade fairs and conferences abroad, as well as for the Innosuisse Business Concept courses in the next semester. I would also like to point out the CSEM event next Thursday in Bern on the topic of deeptech.

Have a good weekend.
Stefan Kyora

Editor in Chief, Startupticker.ch