January 10, 2014
And it goes on...
Dear reader
The new year has started with the sound of drumbeats: last Saturday it was announced that Google has taken over the young ETH spin-off Bitspin. Just a few days later came the next spectacular takeover message: Californian IT group Qualcomm has acquired kooaba.
The shopping tour by US corporations in Switzerland is good for the young Swiss entrepreneur scene as a whole, because it provides international attention – the Wall Street Journal even reported on the Bitspin deal.
Swiss start-ups have also made a splash in the US with their products. The world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow takes place in Las Vegas, and it was there that LOSTnFOUND was honoured for its guard2me. Alcatel also presented the first smartphone that can take ultra-wide-angle shots, thanks to technology from Dacuda.
But not only IT firms have grabbed attention; life sciences companies have also been in the spotlight. AC Immune has completed a fourth round of financing worth more than CHF20 million.
Despite such success stories, it’s clear that overall too little venture capital is available in Switzerland. Now, a government initiative is finally addressing this problem: 19 members of parliament have tabled a motion calling on the Federal Council to establish a future fund and a better framework in order to improve the flow of money from Swiss pension funds into Swiss start-ups.
Although the supply of risk capital in Switzerland may be sluggish, the amount of prize money available from start-up competitions is encouraging. Applications for the STARTFELD Diamant and the Prix PERL run to 17 January, and you can also register for the Swiss Economic Award from today. The registration window is currently open for several other prizes, including venture leaders.
Have a relaxing weekend.
Stefan Kyora
Managing Editor, startupticker.ch
News
The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
