Swiss Entrepreneur Fund: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how growth-stage companies in Switzerland can access venture capital to scale operations through this fund.
The Swiss Entrepreneur Fund provides venture capital to help companies expand their operations.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically designed for growth-stage companies operating within the Swiss market. It is intended for businesses that have moved past the initial startup phase and are actively seeking venture capital to fuel their next level of expansion. If your business is currently looking for significant capital to scale its existing model, this fund may be relevant to your needs.
What you get
By accessing this fund, companies gain entry to a multi-million CHF pool of capital. This funding is specifically earmarked for scaling operations, providing the necessary financial resources to grow a business's footprint, workforce, or infrastructure. This type of investment, sometimes referred to as Wachstumskapital, is meant to provide the momentum required for established companies to reach their next milestone.
What it costs you
Securing this capital is not free and involves significant trade-offs. The primary cost is equity dilution, which means that by receiving these funds, the founders and existing owners will hold a smaller percentage of ownership in the company. Additionally, the fund comes with requirements regarding corporate governance, such as the necessity for fund representatives to have participation in your board of directors.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is that this fund is not meant for early-stage ventures or pre-revenue ideas. It does not provide support for the "idea phase" of a business. Instead, the focus is placed almost entirely on established growth companies that have already demonstrated their viability and are ready to scale. If your company has not yet established a revenue stream, this fund is likely not the right fit.
How to apply
- Verify that your company has reached the growth stage and is no longer in the pre-revenue phase.
- Assess whether your business can accommodate equity dilution and board participation requirements.
- Prepare your financial statements to demonstrate your readiness for scaling operations.
- Contact the issuing institutions, UBS or Credit Suisse, to begin the inquiry process.