CHF 1.25 Billion Invested in Venture Kick Startups in 2025

In 2025, Venture Kick supported 130 new startup projects, with direct investments of CHF 8.3 million. The selection was based on a record-high number of 990 applications. The deeptech startups across sectors like AI, life sciences, cleantech and others raised a total of CHF 1.25 billion from investors despite the challenging market environment. 42% of the supported projects were founded or co-founded by women.

The past year also brought recognition and strong investment activity, with 66 Venture Kick alumni ranked among the Top100 Swiss Startups: Climeworks securing USD 162 million in one of the world’s largest carbon removal investments, nu glass receiving the EY Entrepreneur of the Year, and Neural Concept closing a USD 100 million financing round just before Christmas are just some examples of the impact Venture Kick alumni have accomplished.

Further headlines made CompPair working with SBB to improve the sustainability of InterCity trains, Bloom Biorenewables partnering with Hexion on renewable adhesives, and both Climeworks and Planted being nominated in the Top 5 of TIME World’s Top Greentech companies.  Araris Biotech was acquired by Taiho Pharmaceutical, RetinAI joined EssilorLuxottica, and Beekeeper was acquired by Lumapps, launching the first AI-powered Employee Hub for frontline and desk-based workers, at unicorn status.

“Over the last 19 years, Venture Kick has built a portfolio of Swiss deeptech startups, that is unique in Europe” said Beat Schillig, Co-Managing Director of Venture Kick. “We are growing a next generation of world champions based on cutting edge technologies in Switzerland. And that is recognized by leading investors around the globe.”

By 2035, Venture Kick plans to back 3,000 startups, raising CHF 50 billion in total and creating 100,000 jobs. Thanks to the strong support of foundations and private donors, Venture Kick plans to increase the number of supported startup projects in 2026 by 15% and help Switzerland’s next generation of innovators bring their ideas to life.

“With so many promising startups already achieving tangible results, we’re looking forward to seeing the next generation of Swiss startups grow, attract investors, and scale globally,” highlights Pascale Vonmont, Delegate of the Venture Kick Strategy Board.

Download the Venture Kick Annual Report 2025 for more information: www.venturekick.ch/AnnualReport2025


About Venture Kick
The Venture Kick philanthropic initiative provides up to CHF 150,000 seed funding to Swiss startups and offers a well-structured entrepreneurial path toward building a winning business. Startups pitch to expert juries in three stages to obtain financing, gain direct feedback, and access an international network of 250 successful entrepreneurs and international investors. Winners of Venture Kick are eligible for an InnoBooster grant of CHF 150,000 and an additional CHF 850,000 investment from the Kickfund.

Since its launch in 2007, Venture Kick has supported 1,251 Swiss startup projects with CHF 102 million from private donors. Thanks to financial support, coaching, and networking with investors, this initiative has led to the emergence of 986 thriving startups and the creation of 16,100+ jobs. Venture Kick alumni companies have attracted investments of CHF 10.2 billion and represent 66 companies ranked in the Top100 Swiss Startups in 2025 (https://www.top100startups.swiss).

Venture Kick is an initiative by the Kick Foundation, launched and supported by a private consortium, operated by Venturelab. The supporting foundations and private philanthropic partners include Gebert Rüf Stiftung, Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Fondation ALCEA, Hauser-Stiftung, André Hoffmann, Hansjörg Wyss, Martin Haefner, Fondation ProTechno, ESA BIC Switzerland, Swisscom, Lichtsteiner Foundation, and Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Foundation.

Find more information on venturekick.ch, with all startup projects supported by Venture Kick, and follow the success stories of our startups on LinkedIn.