Swisspreneur Show

In this engaging discussion, Michael Wüst, founder and CEO of amnis, shares his journey in revolutionizing international payments for SMEs. He dives into the hurdles posed by outdated banking systems and the necessity for cloud-native technology. Wüst discusses how AI is reshaping banking and the importance of strategic partnerships for growth, especially in the European market. He also addresses the nuances of market localization and the evolution of his leadership role amid expansion, all while envisioning the future of fintech.

Join Kai Eberhardt, CEO of Oviva; Fredrik Isler, CFO of ANYbotics; and Laurent Decrue, co-CEO of Holycode, as they unravel the mysteries of Series A and B fundraising. They discuss how much founders should realistically aim to raise and the importance of nurturing relationships with existing investors. The trio shares insights on navigating investor expectations, mitigating risks, and the shift from bootstrapping to raising capital. Tune in for their valuable strategies on aligning investor interests for long-term success!

Levent Künzi, Co-Founder and CEO of Properti, sheds light on the transition from startup to scaleup in the tech-driven real estate sector. He discusses the importance of formal processes and a supportive team culture during growth phases. Künzi reveals why Properti chose to work exclusively with Swiss investors and the unique challenges of scaling in Switzerland versus internationally. He also shares essential advice for early founders on prioritizing challenges and fostering adaptability, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and strategic planning.

Stefan Kirchhofer, Founding Partner of ADROIT Attorneys and owner of Hooters in Switzerland, shares valuable insights on the intersection of law and entrepreneurship. He discusses the critical role lawyers play in assessing risks and navigating legal complexities for startups. The conversation highlights the importance of clear contracts, equity distribution, and the emotional challenges founders face when allocating shares. Kirchhofer also emphasizes the need for careful documentation to protect against personal liabilities and stresses the advantages of resolving disputes through settlement rather than litigation.

Victoria Ransom, co-founder of Wildfire and Prisma, shares her insights on building a lasting startup culture. She emphasizes the careful hiring of the first 15-25 employees to set a strong foundation. Ransom discusses the importance of company culture over mere ideas and how incentives should enhance, not replace, culture. She draws comparisons between Swiss and American entrepreneurial approaches, encouraging Swiss founders to embrace ambition and avoid excessive humility. Her experiences underline the strategic significance of values in successful startups.

Laurent Frésard, a finance professor and pension fund board member, discusses the controversial idea of Swiss pension funds investing in venture capital. He explains why current investments are mainly in traditional assets and the barriers to VC engagement. Laurent advocates for a balanced approach to investing in Swiss startups, emphasizing the need for neutral, market-driven decisions. He also highlights the role of initiatives like Deep Tech Nation in bridging the gap between investors and innovative talent, while questioning public involvement in pension fund investments.

David Haber, co-founder and CEO of Lakera AI and a graduate of Imperial College London, dives into the rapid evolution of generative AI and its security implications for Fortune 500 companies. He discusses the alarming ease of hacking software and the innovative Gandalf platform for AI education. The conversation also contrasts the entrepreneurial climates of Silicon Valley and Switzerland, highlighting cultural differences in risk-taking. David shares his transformative journey in tech and the strategic expansion of Lakera from Zurich to San Francisco.

Wiktor Bourée, co-founder and CEO of Technis, and Charlotte Ducrot, Head of Scaleups & Growth at Innovaud, dive into the crucial topic of pivoting in startups. They share Technis's fascinating journey from analyzing sports surfaces to providing innovative smart flooring solutions. The pair discuss the challenges of team alignment during pivots, common mistakes startups make, and the emotional toll of adapting to market demands. Their insights shed light on the importance of communication and community support in successfully navigating these transformative processes.

Carsten Maschmeyer, an experienced investor and entrepreneur known from Die Höhle der Löwen, shares valuable insights on leading startups. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and trust in leadership, likening effective leaders to lions. The conversation dives into the pivotal role of sales, outlining strategies for success while navigating lengthy sales cycles. Carsten also contrasts the startup ecosystems of the USA and Europe, highlighting cultural differences and market opportunities. His practical advice inspires both aspiring founders and seasoned executives.

Roland Siegwart, a professor of Autonomous Systems at ETH Zurich and board member of several tech companies, shares insights on the thriving startup culture at ETH. He discusses the importance of marrying academic rigor with startup agility, especially in robotics. Siegwart highlights how ETH attracts talent and funding while guiding innovators from research to commercialization. The conversation also touches on the significance of collaboration between startups and corporates, and the role of networking in driving entrepreneurial success within Switzerland.