Crion attracts users, investors and partners

Crion, a Lugano-based startup born from the shared passion for the mountains by Matteo Pellissone and Carlo Gerbino, is rapidly evolving into a leading platform for connecting mountain enthusiasts and professionals alike. Faced with the challenge of finding local activities while traversing the Alps, the founders recognized the need for a platform that not only met this demand but also bridged the gap between local experts and potential clients. In an era marked by digitalization, which often emphasizes the divide between well-known destinations and their lesser-known counterparts, Crion shines a spotlight on hidden gems while empowering local professionals, fostering sustainable growth and authenticity in mountain tourism.

Crion’s international expansion and the first investment round

Within just three months of operation, Crion attracted the attention of two investors, resulting in a successful pre-seed round that raised 165,000 Swiss francs and valued the company at 1.5 million Swiss francs. Following this first milestone, Matteo and Carlo decided to commit 100% of their time to Crion and recently transitioned the company from GmbH to AG. Since its launch in July 2022, Crion has rapidly gained recognition and adoption, expanding its presence to nine countries across the Alps, Norway, Spain, and the United States, boasting a thriving community of hundreds of professionals and local experts. With more than 1,000 professionals contributing to its offerings, the platform presents a wide-ranging selection of over 1,500 activities, attracting over 10,000 users.

Access to the Winter Olympic Games network

Central to Crion's rise are its strategic partnerships, supporting its mission of fostering sustainable mountain tourism. Collaborations with entities such as the 2026 Winter Olympic Games and renowned brands like Helly Hansen, Elan, and Nidecker have been instrumental in expanding Crion’s reach. Matteo Pellissone emphasizes, "Brands recognize the significant value in accessing Crion's expansive user base. In the digital age, the ability to directly engage with professionals and users who have expressed interest in their products is invaluable." The partnership with the 2026 Winter Olympic Games is particularly aligned with Crion’s mission: “Milano-Cortina 2026 mission is to host the most sustainable Olympic Games ever, which aligns well with our mission to promote sustainable activities. The organization of the Olympic Games will introduce us to all tourist offices involved by the Olympics, allowing us to promote activities with them. It will be instrumental in Crion’s further development in Italy over the next two years.”

To strengthen its regional presence across countries, Crion is teaming up with local tourism offices, particularly leveraging the Innotour promotional model by the Swiss Confederation, aimed at fostering innovation in the tourism sector. Crion’s initiatives, originating from Ticino and two additional Cantons, will provide key partners in the regions with advanced solutions tailored to local outdoor businesses and guides. Pellissone highlights, “Crion’s mission resonates with the Swiss Confederation’s long-term tourism vision. Through the Innotour project, we aim to empower local communities in peripheral areas with innovative digital solutions, thereby generating positive economic outcomes for these regions.”

Continuous improvement and a new seed round on the horizon

Crion is currently focused on leveraging its extensive offerings to cultivate demand, prioritizing the expansion of its platform's repertoire over immediate transactions. By curating a diverse array of activities, Crion aims to cater to the varied preferences of its user base, laying the groundwork for sustained growth and engagement. Pellissone unveils, “We aim to gain a significant market share in the European market within the next five to seven years. We are particularly targeting expansion in the Scandinavian market, capitalizing on the region’s growing demand for sustainable tourism experiences.”

To support its expansion goals, Crion has initiated a second seed investment round, with plans to raise over 350,000 Swiss francs. These funds will be allocated towards developing a mobile app and hiring additional team members to enhance the platform's capabilities and reach.

(Luca Calderara)
Picture: Matteo Pellissone (left) and Carlo Gerbino