Scandit AG
Smart Data Capture
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Founded in 2006, Venture Leaders has become a leading platform for Switzerland’s most promising startups. What began as a single international program has evolved into six verticals and multiple destinations, giving Swiss founders access to some of the world’s most relevant innovation hubs.
For the past 20 years, the Swiss National Startup Team has traveled to Boston to experience the dynamic U.S. entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over time, the program expanded to additional global centers of innovation: China and New York in 2014, Silicon Valley in 2017, Barcelona in 2019, and London and Munich in 2022.
Each year, Venturelab selects ten outstanding entrepreneurs in every vertical to represent Switzerland abroad as the Swiss National Startup Team. During focused investor and business development programs, the founders pitch to global investors, exchange with leading experts, and gain first-hand insights into international markets.
More than 500 founders have joined Venture Leaders to date. Many have become industry leaders, built international partnerships, and strengthened Switzerland’s position as a country of world-class innovation and entrepreneurship.
Venture Leaders is more than an international program. It is a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and visibility. By connecting top Swiss founders with global investors and markets, the program reinforces Switzerland’s standing as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Key Benefits
Through Venture Leaders, Swiss startups have connected with global innovation hubs. More than 600 alumni have gone on to raise billions in funding, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen Switzerland’s position in the global startup scene.
See how Venture Leaders helps Swiss founders grow globally.
“Venture Leaders was a fantastic program that allowed me to expand my professional network to the venture capital ecosystem!”
“Venture Leaders is a once in a lifetime experience that every Swiss entrepreneur should go through. Looking back, I can say it was just essential to build my awareness to make GetYourGuide a global business and deal with international investors.”
“Thanks to Venture Leaders, I had access to key information about how to speak to U.S. investors.”
“Venture Leaders has been a unique program to put my business development on the front burner. I returned with a ton of great contacts and a much clearer vision on how to run my company and understanding of the US market. A must have if your ambition is to build a winning business.”
“A great outcome of the program is that you will learn from peers and local experts. The even better part of the program is to feel the Fintech vibes. Go feel it! ”
“Venture leaders gave us a chance to gain exposure and visibility while obtaining useful feedback from top-notch VCs and experts. I would definitely recommend this program for startups with a global vision.”
Meet the startups that turned their international experience into global success. Each company is part of the growing Venture Leaders alumni community, made up of founders who once joined the Swiss National Startup Team and went on to make their mark worldwide.
Smart Data Capture
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Saving lives in resistant times.
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Therapeutic bacteria for treating cancer & genetic disorders
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Tumor analysis platform
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Do you have questions about Venture Leaders or want to explore how Venturelab can support your business goals? Contact us.
Stefan Steiner Co-Managing Director stefan.steiner@venturelab.swiss Stefan Steiner on LinkedIn
