Swiss Entrepreneurs Foundation

Swiss Entrepreneurs Foundation serves as a pivotal catalyst for startup growth and entrepreneurial development across Switzerland. Established to strengthen the nation's position as a global innovation hub, SwissEF provides comprehensive support mechanisms for emerging businesses at critical growth stages. The foundation operates through a unique public-private partnership model, bringing together government entities, corporate partners, and investment professionals to create a robust ecosystem for Swiss innovation. Their initiatives specifically target the challenges faced by Swiss startups seeking to scale nationally and expand internationally.

The foundation manages a dedicated investment fund exceeding CHF 200 million, focusing on promising Swiss scale-ups with demonstrated market traction. This growth capital vehicle typically invests in Series B and C funding rounds, helping bridge the notorious "valley of death" that many Swiss startups encounter when seeking expansion financing. SwissEF's investment portfolio spans multiple sectors including healthtech, fintech, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing technologies, reflecting Switzerland's diverse innovation landscape. Their investment approach emphasizes companies with strong intellectual property positions and international growth potential.

Beyond direct funding, SwissEF operates several high-impact programs designed to accelerate commercialization of cutting-edge Swiss technologies. Their flagship UP! Coaching program connects promising entrepreneurs with seasoned business leaders and industry experts who provide mentorship on strategic growth challenges. The foundation actively works to address structural barriers in the Swiss innovation ecosystem, collaborating with regulatory authorities to create more favorable frameworks for startup development. SwissEF also facilitates valuable connections between startups and established Swiss corporations, creating partnership opportunities that benefit both emerging and established enterprises.

As a thought leader in the European innovation landscape, the foundation regularly publishes research on entrepreneurial trends and policy recommendations to strengthen Switzerland's competitive position. SwissEF maintains strategic partnerships with leading technical universities including ETH Zürich and EPFL, helping transform academic research into commercial applications. Their annual Swiss Innovation Forum has become a premier event for connecting investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate innovators across the Alpine region. Through these multifaceted efforts, the foundation continues to play an instrumental role in positioning Switzerland as one of Europe's most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems, particularly for deep-tech and highly specialized innovation ventures.