Situation for Swiss start-ups
The situation of Swiss start-ups presents itself as good overall, according to the first report on fast-growing start-ups in Switzerland. Despite the overall positive findings, the Swiss Federal Council sees a need for action in individual areas. The focus is to remain on the continuous improvement of the framework conditions.
The first report on the situation for Swiss start-ups counts 120 pages and statistics. It shows data basics on high-growth companies. This data also paints a positive picture of the Swiss startup ecosystem in international comparison. Switzerland is one of the countries with the best framework conditions for entrepreneurial activities.
However, starting a new business is less perceived as a good career opportunity in Switzerland than in other innovation-based economies. The slightly lower Swiss startup rate in an international comparison results from rather few startups out of necessity - this is partly due to the high labor force participation, comparatively low unemployment and good earnings opportunities in many occupational groups.
Capital challenges
The Federal Council states in its report that financing for start-ups remains a challenge. Overall, the venture capital market is functioning, is active and is strongly networked internationally. In terms of venture capital investment as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), Switzerland ranks second in Europe behind Finland in 2015 at 0.044 percent, but is well behind leading countries such as Israel (0.383 percent) or the USA (0.284 percent).
In addition to the wide range of private and cantonal financing offers, there are also offers for companies at the federal level with the trade-oriented guarantee system, the Swiss Society for Hotel Credit (SGH) and the Technology Fund, which facilitate the taking out of loans or credits.
Optimized training programs
The Commission for Technology and Innovation CTI promotes the entrepreneurs of tomorrow with a training program and accompanies young company founders with professional coaching. The Federal Council therefore sees no need to launch a public funding program to support start-ups at the present time.
Digital "one-stop store
By the end of 2017, StartBiz will be replaced by the "One-Stop-Shop", which in the longer term is to include different official procedures without media discontinuity at federal, cantonal and municipal level. After completion of the project at the end of the legislative period, the "One-Stop-Shop" will be continuously expanded. Such a "one-stop store" should be available to companies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and be equipped with an electronic identity or corresponding access authorizations.
Central to this approach is that it builds on the services offered electronically by individual agencies and connects them via a virtual one-stop store.
The Federal Council will continue to examine further improvements in the future so that Switzerland can maintain its attractiveness for fast-growing companies and start-ups.
Further data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (SFSO) on high-growth companies, i.e. startups, can be found at this Link
