1 MILLION PLUS Startups from Swiss universities
can get more than 1 Million in cash
plus support and great networks.
It starts with a first kick of
CHF 10,000 for a great idea. Get the kick
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1,111 Startups Kicked

Venture Kick was launched in 2007 with the vision of doubling the number of spin-offs from Swiss universities, accelerating their time-to-market, and increasing their appeal to professional investors and industry partners.

1,111 startup projects supported
58,670,000 Swiss francs start capital from Venture Kick
14,500 active jobs created
9,000,000,000 Swiss francs raised by supported startups
84% survival rate of incorporated companies
30% have women in founding team

Find out more in our Video, Magazine and Annual Report 2024.

Venture Kick is a philanthropic three-stage funding model designed to support Swiss startups with initial funding of up CHF 150,000 to kick-start their entrepreneurial success. Winning startups can secure additional CHF 850,000 in equity funding from Kickfund plus an InnoBooster grant of CHF 150,000. Plus, hands-on business development and fundraising support in Kickers Camps, a global industry and investor network and strong media coverage.

Money for your startup

1 MILLION PLUS

MONEY FOR YOUR STARTUP

Get funding of up to CHF 1,150,000 for your startup through Venture Kick, Kickfund and InnoBooster.  

Get funded in 3 stages
Money for your startup

KICKERS CAMPS

PUSH TO GET TRACTION

Learn from proven entrepreneurs how to structure your pitch and to develop your business. You will be guided to successfully approach customers and to close deals with investors.

Access our resources
Money for your startup

POWER NETWORK

EXPOSURE TO INVESTORS

Get introduced to a very powerful international network of investors and industry leaders and benefit from strong media coverage.

Meet the jury

  • InSphero

    ”Venture Kick laid the foundation for our customer and market focus before we even founded the company.” Jan Lichtenberg

    More about InSphero

  • Amal Therapeutics

    "Venture Kick was there to give me the kick at the right time financially as well as through the kickers camps. This program is amongst the best program for startups in Switzerland.” Madiha Derouazi

    More about Amal Therapeutics
Meet the supported startups

Venture Kick News

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Thoughts on Venture Kick

Shaper

Michael Sidler, Redalpine

Since its inception, Venture Kick has been a cornerstone in the support of high-tech startups in Switzerland. Any entrepreneur aiming at success should go through this program and get kicked!
Shaper

Dr. Pascale Vonmont, Gebert Rüf Stiftung

Venture Kick closes a key gap in the innovation chain by early identification and promotion of high-risk, highpotential business ideas in order to create the markets of the future. The highly respected promotion channels guarantee national and international visibility for the startups.
Shaper

Roger Wüthrich-Hasenböhler, Swisscom

All successful startups in Switzerland have come out of the tough Venture Kick process. Venture Kick is the most important startup initiative and we’re proud to support this unique private program.

  • Bcomp

    "Venture Kick helped Bcomp to firmly establish itself in the sports- and leisure markets as a foundation for further growth.” Christian Fischer

    More about Bcomp

  • L.E.S.S.

    "Venture Kick allowed us to face our project to market and business reality at a very early stage by providing important financial support and advises. They continuously challenged our vision.” Yann Tissot

    More about L.E.S.S.

A PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVE OF A PRIVATE CONSORTIUM

Transforming scientific innovation into commercial activity and jobs is the foundation of social and economic prosperity. Early-stage startups bear high risks that aren’t covered by public money or private investors. Supporting such seed-stage startups therefore fills a crucial gap and performs a philanthropic role in society.