Venture Kick

Venture Kick stands as a prominent philanthropic initiative in Switzerland's startup ecosystem, offering early-stage funding of up to CHF 150,000 to promising Swiss ventures while guiding them through a structured entrepreneurial journey. The program implements a unique three-stage pitching process where founders present their business concepts to expert juries, receiving not only financial support but also valuable feedback and connections to an extensive international network comprising 200 seasoned entrepreneurs and investors. Successful participants gain eligibility for substantial follow-on funding, including potential CHF 850,000 investments from the Kickfund and additional CHF 150,000 through InnoBooster grants, creating a comprehensive financial pathway for emerging companies.

Since its establishment in 2007, this catalyst for Swiss innovation has demonstrated remarkable impact by supporting 1,111 startup projects with total funding exceeding CHF 58.6 million. The initiative's comprehensive approach combining financial backing, professional coaching, and investor networking has facilitated the formal incorporation of 897 startups that collectively generated over 14,441 jobs across Switzerland. Venture Kick's portfolio currently includes 757 active high-technology companies and has celebrated 88 successful exits, showcasing the program's effectiveness in identifying and nurturing viable business concepts from inception to market success.

The financial impact of Venture Kick extends far beyond its initial investments, with alumni companies attracting an impressive CHF 9 billion in follow-on funding from various investment sources. This remarkable capital multiplication demonstrates the initiative's skill in selecting high-potential ventures and preparing them for subsequent funding rounds. The program's selection prowess is further validated by the fact that 66 companies from its portfolio have earned positions in the prestigious TOP 100 Swiss Startups ranking. In 2023 alone, Venture Kick distributed 6.3 million Swiss francs to university-originated startup projects, specifically targeting science-based innovations with global market potential.

The Venture Kick Foundation operates through the generous support of numerous respected philanthropic organizations and individual benefactors committed to fostering innovation in Switzerland. Key supporters include established foundations such as Gebert Rüf Stiftung, Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Hauser-Stiftung, Fondation ALCEA, and Fondation ProTechno. The initiative also benefits from contributions by prominent individual investors including André Hoffmann, Hansjörg Wyss, and Martin Haefner. Additional backing comes from strategic partners like ESA BIC Switzerland, Swisscom, Lichtsteiner Fondation, and Deep Tech Nation Switzerland, creating a robust support network that enables Venture Kick to maintain its pivotal role in transforming Swiss scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable enterprises.