Demo Brunch 2026: A Strong Start to the Year for Swiss Innovation

As one of five Demo Brunches taking place this year, the format is designed for efficiency: founders present in two minutes, investors immediately identify fit, and conversations continue over coffee. Every startup on stage has already been rigorously screened and backed by the Venture Kick jury, ensuring that investors engage with startups that have passed due diligence and are positioned for their next growth step. 

Quality That’s Been Carefully Built

Every startup presenting at the Demo Brunch has gone through Venture Kick’s multi-stage selection process. For investors, that means access to startups that have already been rigorously screened and supported not just promising ideas, but teams that have proven traction and commitment. 

The Venture Kick model remains a strong foundation: 

• CHF 10,000 grant in Stage 1 

• CHF 40,000 convertible loan in Stage 2 

• CHF 100,000 convertible loan in Stage 3 

• More than CHF 1 million in combined funding opportunities

Startups that successfully advance through the program can unlock substantial follow-on opportunities: via the InnoBooster, they may apply for an additional CHF 150,000 grant, and through Kickfund, they can access investments of up to CHF 850,000.
Altogether, this can amount to more than CHF 1 million in combined funding, offering powerful leverage to accelerate scaling and drive international expansion.

Combined with media visibility and ecosystem access, the program prepares founders not only financially, but strategically, for growth and fundraising. 

The momentum is increasing. In 2025 alone, nearly 1,000 applications were submitted, with a 34% increase in Stage 1 projects (from 97 to 130). The quality and ambition of Swiss startups continue to grow. 
With its Vision 2035, Venture Kick aims to help create 100,000 jobs in Switzerland reinforcing its role as a key driver of innovation and economic impact. 

 

Voices from Participating Investors 

The expectations were clear: high-quality deal flow and meaningful exchange within the ecosystem.

Manuel Deijk, Private Investor, summarized it simply: 

“I expected high-quality investment opportunities. I attended the Venture Kick Demo Brunch last year already. I love to see the continued effort from Swiss startups from energy transition to healing our diseases.” 

For Rie My-Morozumi from Creadd, attending for the first time exceeded expectations: 

“It was my first time at the Demo Brunch and I expected to mainly see startups. But what I really appreciated was meeting strong fellow investors as well. There are so many great life science startups in Switzerland it’s encouraging to see that there is no lack of opportunities here.” 

Among the pitches, she highlighted Jaipur Robotics as particularly impressive. 

Martina Gromo, VI Partners, emphasized both ecosystem strength and technological momentum: 

“It’s always valuable to exchange with co-investors and see what everyone has been working on. What stands out is how AI is making an impact across verticals and that the Swiss ecosystem is absolutely thriving. We have strong talent and strong technology; what we need is the firepower to scale big.” 

Her personal favorite: Yumame and its fermented high-protein meat alternative. 

Bjorn Owe Aronsson, Nano Bridging Molecules and Venture Kick Jury Member, appreciated the clarity of the format: 

“The two-minute pitch forces founders to be clear and focused on what really matters to investors.” 

For him, Amporin Pharmaceuticals stood out, citing the strength of its approach and product potential. 

More than a Pitch Event 

What makes the Demo Brunch special is its simplicity. Short pitches. A curated investor audience. And enough time to have meaningful discussions afterwards. 
It’s not about scale it’s about focus. 

A big thank you to all founders for their sharp presentations and to the investors for their openness and engagement. And of course, thanks to Philip Hassler, Ciro Schillig, Cristina Lozano Madueño, and the entire Venturelab team for making this first edition of 2026 happen. 

Four more Demo Brunches will follow this year and if this first one is any indication, it’s going to be a strong year for Swiss startups.