March 20, 2015
Röstigraben? What Röstigraben?
Dear reader
Last Tuesday, the Pioneer Prize was presented in Zurich for the 25th time, but for the first time it went to a western Swiss company: Nanolive. On Friday, the organisers of Prix Strategis announced the names of the five finalists: three are from the canton of Zurich, one from the canton of Fribourg and one from the canton of Vaud. These awards are just one indication that the Röstigraben is becoming less and less important in the start-up scene.
That is good, because it adds to the ecosystem’s effectiveness and increases the chances that local start-ups on the global market and Switzerland as a start-up hub will be better perceived. Swiss founders have shown repeatedly this week that they have enough good products and ambition to prevail internationally.
ProtonMail secured an investment of CHF2 million from FONGIT and US venture capitalist CRV, an early investor in Twitter, Zendesk and Yammer. Starmind is already successful in Germany and now has a subsidiary in the US. Also on course for international expansion are Qumram and MySwissChocolate with chocogreets.
In order to prevail, it takes tenacity and perseverance. This is true not only for start-ups, but also for start-up supporters. “EPFL has been supporting start-ups for 20 years and now we are beginning to see interesting results” is the title of our interview with Adrienne Corboud Fumagalli, vice-president Innovation and Valorisation at EPFL.
At the same time, it is encouraging to see that more and more Swiss technology companies are becoming start-up supporters. These now include Bühler: “We are interested in generating fruitful exchanges with young entrepreneurs,” says CTO Ian Roberts. Bühler now supports MassChallenge as a Diamond Sponsor.
A series of interesting events lie in the week ahead. I would like to mention in particular HSG Entrepreneurship Day, the SICTIC Investor Day, the X.Days and the Startup Weekend in Lucerne, which begins on 27 March.
Note should also be made of 17/18 April when START Summit 15 takes place in St. Gallen. Start-ups, investors and students have already registered from 47 countries. In our interview, Vincent von Büren reveals the highlights of the event and provides tips for start-ups.
Our article on venture 2015 competition also includes tips: the deadline for business plans and business ideas expires on 17 April, but before this participants can get support from the competition’s coaches or at events in Zurich and Lausanne.
Have a creative weekend.
Stefan Kyora
Managing Editor, startupticker
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". 
