One step at a time

Dear reader 

With its no-code platform, Viso simplifies implementation of computer vision solutions for companies. The start-up has been bootstrapped until now and since launching its solution has gained customers such as PwC, DPD and other Fortune 500 companies. The company has now secured USD 9.2 million in a seed round led by renowned US VC Accel.

Memox specialises in the development of workshop and meeting spaces. All 31 locations in Germany and Switzerland are profitable and generate an annual turnover of more than EUR 7 million. A financing round of EUR 2.8 million led by Swiss Prime Site and the 41Group from eastern Switzerland is intended to accelerate further expansion.

In times such as these, it pays off that Swiss founders like to proceed step by step, particularly since this also fits in with the philosophy of established Swiss companies. Mikafi is developing a compact device that allows cafés and retailers to roast coffee on site. The Bern company is working with Thermoplan on the development and CEO Adrian Steiner is one of the private backers that have so far provided Mikafi with CHF 2.5 million.

And the step-by-step approach does not have to mean that a start-up remains a smaller SME – the trend of acquiring or investing in other companies continues. This week PriceHubble bought its second UK company, the seventh acquisition by the proptech start-up, and fintech Acredius has invested in an Austrian investment platform to drive its growth.

Renowned foreign media have also discovered the special qualities of the local start-up scene. Our Press Review has articles from Sifted, Forbes and Bloomberg that report on Swiss start-ups and their innovative products. One of these is certainly the two-wheeled guard robot from Ascento; the start-up secured CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick this week.

The winner of the Diamond Prize and thus CHF 120,000 at this year’s MassChallenge Switzerland awards ceremony even has the unattainable in its name: Impossible Materials develops alternatives to environmentally harmful dyes. Perovskia and Revozona were pleased to receive the other prizes at the ceremony.

The four start-ups now being supported by the Fongit Innovation Fund demonstrate the entire breadth of the Swiss start-up scene. Decentriq and Nanoleq participate in large European initiatives.

Next week Startup Nights will take place in Winterthur and we will be there with several team members. I would also like to mention an online event called State of Fintech in Switzerland, where the 10 Venture Leaders Fintech will introduce themselves. The >>venture>> kickoff event will take place in Lausanne and Swiss Robotics Day in Zurich Oerlikon.

Last but not least, the application window for the IMD startup competition is open only until 6 November. Start-ups should definitely not miss this opportunity.

Have a good weekend.
Stefan Kyora 

Editor in Chief, Startupticker.ch