Managing growth

Dear reader

Startup DAYs broke several records again, and the start-ups, investors, supporters and representatives of large companies present showed how big the Swiss ecosystem has become. But it also clear that one can not stop at this level. In particular, Startup INVEST chairman Christian Wenger identified a backlog in the growth of start-ups with 50 employees to globally successful companies with more than 1,000 employees.

As correct as the diagnosis is, it should not be assumed that most start-ups grow to 50 employees within a short time, as this was not the case in Switzerland for many years. However, the momentum of start-ups in this first phase of growth was shown by a series of examples this week, and the diversity of growth stages is remarkable. The many examples inspire confidence that the task of developing start-ups into companies with more than 1,000 employees will be resolved.

Nexxiot, a successful Swiss IOT start-up, secured financing of CHF 35 million this week for the production and installation of a new sensor generation. Altoida raised $6.3 million to intensify its commercialization activities for its medical device which collects functional and cognitive biomarkers to detect Alzheimer's disease up to ten years prior to onset.

Fintech start-up LEND has bought PostFinance’s SME credit marketplace Lendico, and in return PostFinance has taken a stake in LEND. Luckabox has not acquired a company, but has founded a spin-off: Sweeep provides technology and logistics services to e-scooter fleet operators. From 1 June, the young company will support the e-scooter specialist VOI in operation of a fleet of 100 scooters in Winterthur.

It is also impressive when start-ups do not allow setbacks to stop them. Although investors on the TV show Die Höhle der Löwen had promised to invest in Mastercoldbrewer, the deal fell through. The team is convinced that it can still maintain a growth course, as it explains in our article.

The growth of Swiss start-ups also benefited the finalists of this year’s WA de Vigier Foundation. Alumni honoured in recent years make donations available to the foundation. So not only did the five winners each receive CHF 100,000, but the other five finalists also each received CHF 50,000.

Next week, the event season will continue with Swiss Medtech Day on Thursday in Bern. Applications are open until 9 June for Venture Leaders Fintech, with a business development programme in Hong Kong to be won.

Have a sunny weekend
Stefan Kyora

Editor in Chief, Startupticker.ch