Is Switzerland a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Switzerland has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Switzerland gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Switzerland

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Switzerland offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Switzerland's early-stage funding scene is supported by various players, including notable VC firms like Redalpine and Swiss Founders Fund, angel networks such as SICTIC and Business Angels Switzerland, and government bodies like Innosuisse providing grants. Despite a slight decline in overall invested capital and the number of financing rounds in 2024 compared to 2023, the median investment size across all stages has increased, suggesting a focus on larger rounds for fewer companies. While early-stage investments showed stable development with only a small decrease in capital invested in 2023 compared to 2022, the seed stage saw a considerable decrease in both volume and transaction numbers in 2024. Challenges persist, including a historical difficulty in securing seed funding and concerns among investors regarding the exit environment and fundraising for future funds.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Switzerland has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Switzerland has a thriving startup and innovation ecosystem, consistently ranked among the top globally. Entrepreneurial activity is growing, though the rate is still lower compared to some other high-GDP countries. Coworking spaces are prevalent across major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne, providing flexible workspaces and networking opportunities for startups and freelancers. The country also hosts numerous tech and startup events, including pitch nights, networking sessions, and larger conferences, fostering connections within the community. The ecosystem offers substantial support for startups, including various programs, grants, and access to investors and mentors. While there are standardized programs and accelerators, there is also a focus on tailored support and coaching for founders at different stages, including early-stage ventures. The support structure involves government agencies like Innosuisse, universities, incubators, and a strong network of experts.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Switzerland can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Switzerland, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Switzerland is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Switzerland boasts a highly skilled talent pool for startups, significantly supported by its strong educational institutions like ETH Zurich and EPFL. These universities are globally recognized and are major sources of graduates with strong technical expertise, particularly in areas like deep tech, biotech, ICT, and MedTech. The local talent base is further strengthened by a focus on STEM subjects and a culture of innovation and precision. Switzerland also attracts international skilled workers, contributing to a diverse workforce. This talent pool supports entrepreneurial growth by providing startups with the expertise needed for R&D, product development, and navigating specific industry landscapes. Collaboration between academia and industry is also a key factor.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Switzerland can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Switzerland boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Switzerland offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring strong infrastructure like co-working spaces and access to research institutions. Support systems include various funding options such as angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding, and government grants like the BRIDGE program and Innosuisse initiatives. Incubators and accelerators across Switzerland, including Impact Hub and Venture Kick, provide mentoring, networking, and structured programs to help startups grow. Government initiatives, alongside a stable economic and political environment, tax incentives, and a skilled workforce, contribute significantly to making Switzerland a thriving hub for innovation. These resources collectively empower startups to develop ideas, secure funding, and scale their operations.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Switzerland. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Switzerland Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Switzerland provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching a startup in Switzerland face several challenges. Competition can be intense, particularly in established sectors and due to the presence of multinational companies. The high cost of living significantly impacts operational costs, including expensive real estate and high labor costs, which can strain limited startup capital. Navigating the regulatory environment can also be complex and time-consuming, with rigorous requirements in areas like labor law, data protection, and industry-specific regulations. Bureaucratic hurdles are also cited as a significant obstacle.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Switzerland or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Switzerland offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash