January 24, 2014
Don’t worry; be an entrepreneur
Dear reader
This week, the new report from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) was published. Nearly 200,000 people around the globe were questioned, with the special topics focusing on entrepreneurship and well being. The result is clear: entrepreneurs are among the happiest individuals across the globe when it comes to individual well being and satisfaction with their working conditions.
The data suggests that entrepreneurship could be a good career choice, particularly for women, as female entrepreneurs are more satisfied with their situation than men, according to GEM.
The Swiss start-up scene can put such an argument to good use. The first report from Swiss Start-up Monitor says: “The lack of women in entrepreneurial activities is obvious.” The report was also released this week and offers important insights into Swiss start-ups over a variety of topics, from geographical distribution to the benefits of start-up awards.
Alongside the reports, it was mainly financing rounds that made headlines this week and founders are likely to be feeling a bit happier. Next Generation Finance Invest, a young holding company that is involved in innovative companies from the financial sector, has gained Luminor Capital from Singapore as an investor. The private equity group has invested CHF5.5 million in NextGFI.
In addition, Basel biotech company PIQUR has completed a Series A round with private investors, SecureSafe has received CHF1.5 million from Zühlke Ventures, ZKB and Centralway, and Sonetik completed a financing round with BB Biotech Ventures and Aeris Capital.
And an exit was reported this week too: US company Agenus has taken over Basel biotech firm 4-Antibody. If certain milestones are reached, the purchase price will rise to more than $50 million.
Along with the Swiss Private Equity & Corporate Finance Association (SECA), the startupticker team is currently evaluating the messages from last year in terms of financing of Swiss start-ups. We will publish the results in the second Swiss Venture Capital Report, which will be presented for the first time at the startupticker brunch in Zurich on 6 February and again in Lausanne on 20 February.
Have a good 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". 
