Das Zürcher Startup BRU hat ein turbulentes 2024 hinter sich und startete nebst einigen Learnings auch mit frischen zwei Millionen Franken aus einer überzeichneten Finanzierungsrunde ins neue Jahr. Als strategischer Investor ist ein etabliertes Unternehmen aus der Tee-Branche eingestiegen. Jetzt will BRU weiter skalieren und expandieren.

ProSeed, la foodtech issue de la HES-SO, vient d’inaugurer sa première unité pilote, installée dans ses locaux de Martigny. Cet événement marque une avancée majeure dans le traitement durable des sous-produits agroalimentaires. Cette technologie transforme des sous-produits tels que les drêches de brasserie et l’okara de soja en ingrédients secs utilisables dans l'industrie alimentaire. ProSeed compte déjà des clients en Suisse et France.

LogicStar, building the AI agent for fully autonomous application maintenance, raised a $3m round led by Northzone. The company founded by successful serial entrepreneurs empowers engineering teams to focus on innovation by automating tedious application maintenance tasks.

Today, BioVersys, a leading Swiss biotech company specializing in novel antibacterial products for serious life-threatening infections, listed its shares at SIX Swiss Exchange. At an opening price of CHF 36.50 per share, the resulting market capitalization of BioVersys was around CHF 216 million.

Scanvio aims to enhance endometriosis diagnosis through non-invasive methods, as the current diagnostic gold standard - laparoscopic surgery - is invasive, costly, and typically only used after years of symptoms. The ETH spin-off has obtained CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick to refine its AI-supported ultrasound solution and reduce diagnostic delays.

Supertext ist seit der Fusion mit Textshuttle ein KI-Anbieter mit Fokus auf Übersetzung. Das Team mit Standorten in Zürich und Berlin bedient über 1500 Unternehmen wie Swiss Life, SBB oder Karl Lagerfeld und 500‘000 aktive User in ganz Europa. Jetzt erweitert Supertext sein Angebot um einen Profi-Check der KI-Übersetzungen auf Knopfdruck.

Das Swiss Battery Technology Center in Biel fokussiert sich auf die Forschung rund um die Batterie - von der Herstellung über die Nutzung bis hin zum Recycling. Jetzt soll basierend auf dieser Forschung im Solothurnischen Biberist ein Prozess für das automatisierte Rezyklieren von Batterien und die Rückgewinnung von kritischen Rohstoffen erprobt und ausgebaut werden. Zwei Startups mit Batterie-Knowhow sind bereits vor Ort.

Dreizehn innovative Startups haben es in die Endrunde des ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark 2025 geschafft – eine Initiative der Zürcher Kantonalbank und des Technoparks Zürich. Der Award wird am 20. Mai 2025 im Technopark Zürich verliehen und ist mit einem Preisgeld von 100'000 Franken dotiert.

Das Jungunternehmen ph. kann mit seinem Sport-Regenerationsgetränk KA-EX in den USA erste Erfolge verbuchen. Mit einer Crowdinvesting-Kampagne hat das Startup über eine Million Franken an frischem Kapital für den weiteren Marktaufbau eingesammelt. Nun soll mit Singapur der Markteintritt in Asien folgen. Die Zürcher haben sich dazu in einer zusätzlichen Series A-Runde 1,5 Millionen Franken von einem Singapurer Lead-Investor gesichert.

A panel of investor and industry experts has selected ten innovative Swiss tech startups to join the Swiss National Startup Team. These companies will take part in the Venture Leaders Technology 2025 program, a unique opportunity to expand their networks and business knowledge during a roadshow in Silicon Valley this April.

Banking software company Temenos AG has signed an agreement to sell Multifonds, its fund administration software business, to Montagu Private Equity, a leading European private equity firm, for a total Enterprise Value of about USD 400 million including an earnout. The Multifonds executive management team will invest alongside Montagu.

Ob international oder regional: Zahlreiche Startups haben bei Challenges oder Wettbewerben reüssiert und können nun auf Expertise, Aufmerksamkeit und Hilfe bei der Weiterentwicklung zählen. Das ETH Spin-off irmos technologies etwa hat ein Pilotprojekt anlässlich der Sacyr Challenge gewonnen.

Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation (DTN), an economic initiative focused on growing funding for Swiss scale-ups, and the Startupticker Foundation launched the Deep Tech Nation Information Platform, a dedicated resource for venture capitalists (VCs) and institutional investors to navigate Switzerland’s deep tech ecosystem. The platform aims to enhance access to information and promote investment in Swiss deep tech start-ups, particularly during their growth stages. 

Last week, Kadimastem's shareholders approved the merger with NLS. This key milestone brings NLS and Kadimastem one step closer to creating a combined Nasdaq-traded biotechnology company with a robust portfolio of advanced therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes.

As AI accelerates design capabilities, SAEKI is bridging the widening gap between what engineers can design and what can actually be manufactured, end to end. With its autonomous factories SAEKI aims to supercharge industrial productivity in Europe and heavy industry globally.

The IMD Startup Competition has selected 13 startups to collaborate with IMD’s full-time MBA students and nine to work with Executive MBA participants. The companies are working on diverse solutions for different sectors including robotics, medtech and cleantech.

Five projects have received support from the Foundation for Innovation and Technology (FIT) in the form of Tech Grants: Bio-CapnoMAD from CHUV, Helix Robotics, MyJoint and Neurovia from EPFL, and Grenat from HEIG-VD will be able to continue developing their technologies with the backing of the Foundation.

Leading global provider of advanced AI-driven solutions for the film, TV and advertising industries, Largo.ai, has successfully closed its Series A financing round, securing a CHF 7 million investment. Co-led by Los-Angeles based, TI Capital and Switzerland and Los-Angeles based, QBIT Capital, participation in the funding round includes Atreides Management from Boston, Sylvester Stallone, who is backing the venture as a strategic partner, Thomas Tippl, former Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Activision Blizzard (acquired by Microsoft) – with further investment from DAA Capital.

Investment in knowledge-based start-ups fell again in 2024, by 8.5% compared with the previous year. The number of financing rounds also fell for the first time. These are the findings of Swiss Venture Capital Report, published by the online news portal startupticker.ch and the industry association SECA in cooperation with startup.ch.

Die Investitionen in wissensbasierte Jungunternehmen gingen 2024 erneut zurück – um 8,5 Prozent gegenüber dem Vorjahr. Erstmals sank auch die Zahl der Finanzierungsrunden. Dies zeigt der Swiss Venture Capital Report (SVCR), herausgegeben vom Online-Newsportal Startupticker.ch und der Branchenvereinigung SECA in Kooperation mit startup.ch.

En 2024, les investissements dans les jeunes entreprises basées sur le savoir ont de nouveau diminué de 8,5 % par rapport à l'année précédente. Pour la première fois, le nombre de tours de financement a également baissé. C'est ce que montre le Swiss Venture Capital Report (SVCR), publié par le portail d'actualités en ligne Startupticker.ch et l'association sectorielle SECA en coopération avec startup.ch.

Through its investment in Akina, Freigeist Capital, the Deep Tech VC founded by Frank Thelen, has led its first investment in the healthtech sector. The startup has raised CHF 2.8 million seed capital to enable AI-driven physiotherapy at home with the support of trusted professionals.

Das Startup Localfish hat für die Weiterentwicklung und Skalierung seines innovativen Indooraquakultur-Systems über 510'000 Franken bei 223 Crowdinvestorinnen und -Investoren eingesammelt. Auch Fischerei-Boxen-Anbieter JAEGER Fishing hat knapp 300'000 Franken eingesammelt. Für Tide Ocean, welches angeschwemmten Plastikabfall wieder in den Kreislauf bringt gab es knapp 470'000 Franken von der Crowd.

Founded in 2023, Lightium aims to address the limitations of current Photonic Integrated Circuits such as performance limits using their Thin-Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform. The startup has now received CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick to shape the future of photonic device manufacturing and drive growth.

In den vergangenen vier Monaten hat der Migros-Pionierfonds erneut einige Projekte gefördert. Darunter sind fünf Cleantech-Startups, welche innovative Lösungen im Bereich Kreislaufwirtschaft oder der nachhaltigen Energiegewinnung und -Nutzung entwickeln. Das frische Kapital wird von den Startups überwiegend für die Erreichung des Etappenziels Marktfähigkeit und Launch eingesetzt.

In a milestone achievement, Renens-based Inergio recently announced the delivery of its first power units to customers in Europe and North America. The cleantech startup led by Mahmoud Hadad and Luc Conti is seeing growing demand for its new generation of power packs based on highly efficient fuel cell technology offering the unique advantage of fuel flexibility.

La startup romande Hublead, proposant un outil de prospection digitale destiné aux petites et moyennes entreprises (PME), annonce l'entrée au capital d'Apolo, le startup studio de QoQa, avec un investissement de CHF 100'000. Celui-ci s'inscrit dans une levée de fonds Seed de CHF 600'000 et s'accompagne d'un programme de soutien de 18 mois pour accélérer la croissance de Hublead. La startup compte déjà plus de 60 clients dans 24 industries différentes avec son prototype.

Legacy financial institutions, such as Germany’s oldest bank, Bankhaus Metzler, and global asset manager BlackRock, are integrating solutions from Swiss fintech startups to boost efficiency. Meanwhile, Wyden is facilitating crypto asset trading on flatexDEGIRO, while amnis and bexio are simplifying payments for small and medium-sized businesses with the newly launched bexio pay.

Major companies in the automotive, energy and agriculture sector are relying on Swiss startups to reach their CO2 emissions targets, achieve efficiency in electricity network monitoring and enable sustainable red crops production in France. In China, bNovate has found a distributor for its real-time water monitoring solutions.

Digital health platform Axmed has entered a partnership with three major procurer-providers across East and West Africa to improve access to critical Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health medicines. This collaboration will empower them to source essential treatments more affordably and at scale, ensuring better healthcare outcomes for millions of mothers and newborns.

Das Startup naoo mit seiner schnell wachsenden Social App hat mit GEM Global Yield eine Finanzierungsvereinbarung über 25 Millionen Euro Eigenkapital abgeschlossen. Das zusätzliche Kapital wird naoo für die Expansion, technologische Weiterentwicklung und geplante Akquisitionen verwenden.

Once again, around 40 spin-off companies were launched at ETH Zurich. Start-ups in the fields of artificial intelligence and biotechnology were particularly well represented.

Helix Robotics is developing the first commercial soft robot manipulator, addressing the need for human-friendly and reliable robotics. By combining the safety of soft robotics with industrial precision, the EPFL spin-off aims to enhance automation in food handling and lab automation. The CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick will facilitate further developments.

Swiss startup Oxyle announced a $16m funding round to scale its breakthrough solution to destroy, not just relocate, PFAS from wastewater. This builds on its $3M pre-seed round in 2022, growing support for its mission. With its first commercial installation operational, Oxyle is now securing multiple-year treatment contracts for 2025 and beyond.

Meteomatics, the weather intelligence and technology company that enables the world’s leading companies to accurately forecast the weather’s impact on business, has closed its $22M Series C funding round led by Armira Growth. The funding will enable the company to scale and expand further into the US.  

Marktkonsolidierung in der Camper-Branche: Das Burgdorfer KMU Yellowcamper, ein führendes Unternehmen für den individuellen Ausbau, Umbau und Reparaturen von Camper- und Freizeitfahrzeugen, übernimmt die Camper-Aktivitäten von Sortimo Walter Rüegg AG. Zudem wird Yellowcamper strategischer Partner vom deutschen Aufstelldach-Hersteller SCA.

BioVersys started the offer period of its newly issued shares. Based on the offer price, the implied market capitalization of BioVersys is about CHF 212.9 million. Listing and first day of trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange are expected to take place on February 07, 2025.

According to the recently published Venture Kick Annual Report, the philanthropic initiative has backed 1,121 Swiss startup projects with CHF 80 million from private donors since its launch in 2007. Follow-on investors around the globe have injected a total of CHF 9 billion into its portfolio of 750 high-tech companies that have to date created 14,441 jobs. With support increased by 30% in 2025, the initiative aims to reach its goal of supporting 3,000 companies by 2033.

Recent startup challenges are offering new platforms for startups to showcase and advance their solutions. Elythor and Prometheus are competing for a €100,000 grand prize in the HelloTomorrow Challenge, while Nexoya is participating in a 12-week program at PwC in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, fintech startup Ellexx has been recognized at the World Economic Forum.

Nach knapp zwei Jahren Entwicklung und Pilotierung hat das Startup RY3T nun mit der ersten Serie seiner innovativen Heizsysteme den Markteintritt gestartet. Das System nutzt die anfallende Abwärme der Rechenleistung beim Bitcoin-Mining für den Betrieb von Heizung und Warmwasseraufbereitung. Unter den ersten 35 Kunden ist auch Löwe Tobias Reichmuth.

Since its launch in 2022, Voltiris, with its solar modules that allow for double use of greenhouse surfaces without affecting crop yield, has achieved several milestones including conducting twelve commercial projects with renowned growers in Europe. The fresh proceeds from the seed funding round will further accelerate the electrification of high-tech greenhouses across Europe. EquityPitcher Ventures and 3M Ventures led the round.

Yokoy, the leading spend management platform, has been acquired by TravelPerk, a business travel platform based in Barcelona. In parallel, TravelPerk announced the closing of a financing round in which it was valued at USD 2.7 billion.

Six Swiss startups are among the nine startups selected to join the second edition of the Digital Health Centre Bülach and Tenity. During four-months, participants will receive tailored support and access to industry players.

Didier Cuche, figure emblématique du sport Suisse, devient ambassadeur de kiiz SA. Aspirant à révolutionner le courtage immobilier en Suisse, l’agence immobilière veut permettre aux propriétaires de vendre leur maison en évitant de payer une commission allant jusqu’à plusieurs dizaines de milliers de francs. Proposant toutes les prestations d’un courtier traditionnel pour un forfait de CHF 9500, Kiiz se prépare à faire son entrée en Suisse allemande.

AB2 Bio Ltd., developing therapies for the treatment of severe systemic hyperinflammatory diseases and conditions driven by IL-18, has entered into an option and licensing agreement with Nippon Shinyaku Co. Ltd., granting Nippon Shinyaku an option to acquire exclusive U.S. rights to commercialize AB2 Bio’s Tadekinig alfa to treat an ultra-rare autoimmune disease. AB2 Bio receives an initial payment of USD 6 million upon signature.

Zurich-based ACP Advanced Circuit Pursuit AG, recognized for its robust IP portfolio and expertise in RF CMOS technology starts a new era as part of Paris-based Sequans Communications SA, a leading provider of 4G and 5G semiconductors and modules for the Internet of Things. 

EBAMed, a Geneva-based company developing a guidance system for the non-invasive treatment of heart arrhythmias through Proton Therapy, has just secured a further EUR 1.6M from CDP Venture Capital and the European Union. This brings the total amount raised in the series A financing round to EUR 16M.

Seit dem Launch im Juli 2022 hielt die offene Smart Home-Lösung des Startups smarli. Einzug in rund 160 Privatwohnungen und Büroräumlichkeiten in der ganzen Deutschschweiz. Nun haben die Ostschweizer in einer Finanzierungsrunde bei acht Business Angels 700'000 Franken für die Weiterentwicklung des Geschäftsmodells und die weitere Skalierung eingesammelt.

Energy startup Yuon Control has won first place in the Ypsomed Innovation Award 2025, securing a CHF 50,000 grant. Biotech startups Xemperia and Santella took second and third place, each awarded CHF 25,000. The cash prizes will help these companies fast-track their activities, accelerate growth, and progress into the clinical phase.

Since securing its seed funding in August last year, Optiml has been making significant strides with its AI-powered B2B SaaS platform aimed at decarbonizing the real estate sector. Alongside onboarding ten new customers, the startup has penetrated the US market.