The Venture Kick Annual Report 2023 reflects the philanthropic foundation’s growing contribution to Switzerland’s strong position as a deeptech startup hub. Since its launch in 2007, the startups supported by Venture Kick have attracted more than CHF 8 billion in investment and created 13,305 jobs. Last year alone, the accelerator invested CHF 6.23 million in 118 startups.
Venture Kick looks back on another record year as the philanthropic initiative reviewed 781 applications and supported 118 startup projects from universities across Switzerland with 6.23 million Swiss francs in seed financing, kicking science-based innovations to global markets. The number of projects applying to join Venture Kick increased year-on-year by 9.7 % to 781 (from 712 in 2022). Applications spanned various high-tech sectors, with ICT dominating at 53%, followed by life sciences (19%), cleantech (7%), and electronics and mechanics (7%). The remaining 14% covered micro and nanotechnologies, materials, chemicals, and others.
In a very challenging economic environment where overall startup funding decreased by nearly 50% globally, the Venture Kick alumni managed to attract investments of an additional CHF 1.2 billion in 2023. The startups demonstrated outstanding accomplishments, reaching milestones in fundraising, forming partnerships, and receiving awards for their revolutionary innovations. Moreover, 64 Venture Kick alumni rank among the TOP 100 Swiss Startups of 2023.
The vision: 100,000 jobs for the Swiss economy
Venture Kick celebrated its 1,000-supported startup project in October 2023, making it a leading startup accelerator in Europe and even on a global scale. The special magazine “1,000 Startups Kicked” illustrates the considerable impact of the supported startups on society and the environment. In many cases, the initial “kick” from Venture Kick was instrumental for the founders to launch their companies.
In the next decade, Venture Kick aims to scale its successful model to achieve the creation of 3,000 incorporated high-tech companies, having cumulatively raised CHF 50 billion investments, and created 100,000 jobs by 2033.
Support from a new donor
Fondation ALCEA has joined Venture Kick as a new donor and consortium member to help it expand its impact and strengthen the Swiss entrepreneurial ecosystem. This support marks an important milestone. The foundation aims to help motivated people achieve their professional aspirations and to contribute to the promotion and development of entrepreneurship and innovation in Switzerland and abroad “After several years of supporting startups and entrepreneurs who wish to realise their professional aspirations, Fondation Alcea decided to join Venture Kick, whose partners share the same vision of supporting innovation.” explains Jean Donnet, President of Fondation ALCEA. “We are looking forward to embarking on this exciting adventure and to benefiting from its experience. We are very proud to contribute to the Venture Kick achievements.”
(Press release / SK)
Please login or sign up to comment.
Commenting guidelines