A stable network of experienced start-up investors is to be formed in Central Switzerland. The organization will be known as the Venture Club Central Switzerland (VCI) and it will have the goal of promoting entrepreneurialism, start-ups and scale-ups, facilitating access to investors and strengthening Central Switzerland’s reputation as a location for innovation. According to a self-presentation by the VCI, only a “handful of committed partners” that are specifically focused on supporting start-ups have been invited as potential members.
The cantons of Aargau and Bern represent role models for a well-functioning network of this kind. To this end, the VCI that is now being formed is working together with the Technopark Luzern based in Root in the canton of Lucerne, the Business Angels Switzerland from Worb in the canton of Bern and the smart-up support program from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). Together, all of the parties involved will focus on establishing a central Swiss platform for entrepreneurs to facilitate exchanges with innovative start-ups.
In terms of a “first milestone”, the VCI is planning to hold a dinner event on June 8 at the St. Charles Hall in Meggen in the canton of Lucerne. During the event, three to four start-ups will have the opportunity to present their business models to an audience comprising at least 25 VCI members. After this, the focus will be on pragmatically defining a strategy for the future.
