Venture Kick

Venture Kick is a philanthropic initiative that serves as a crucial early-stage funding and development platform for high-tech startups emerging from Swiss universities and research institutions. The firm operates a three-stage funding model, providing initial capital, hands-on business development support through 'Kickers Camps,' and access to a powerful network of investors and industry leaders. Their primary focus is on transforming scientific innovation into commercially viable ventures, addressing the high risks associated with seed-stage startups that are often not covered by traditional public or private funding sources.

Launched in 2007, Venture Kick was founded with the vision of significantly increasing the number of spin-offs from Swiss universities, accelerating their time-to-market, and enhancing their appeal to professional investors. It is an initiative by the charitable Kick Foundation, supported by a private consortium of partners including Gebert Rüf Stiftung, Ernst Göhner Stiftung, and Swisscom, and operated by Venturelab. The program aims to bridge a critical gap in the innovation chain by identifying and promoting high-potential business ideas early on.

Venture Kick has supported over 1,250 startup projects, which have collectively raised more than CHF 10 billion in follow-on funding and created over 16,000 jobs. Notable portfolio companies include InSphero, Amal Therapeutics, Bcomp, and L.E.S.S. The firm's alumni also include unicorns like Climeworks (climate tech) and Cyberhaven (cybersecurity). Recent investments highlight a diverse portfolio, including companies in cryogenic electronics, next-generation endoscopes, low-carbon concrete fabrication, AI automation for insurance advisors, and cellulose materials for industry.

The firm's success is attributed to its tightly structured nine-month program, which emphasizes business development and fundraising support. A jury of over 250 experienced investors and entrepreneurs plays a key role in the selection process, providing direct feedback and guidance. The operational team, managed by Venturelab, works closely with Swiss universities and relevant organizations in high-tech entrepreneurship, ensuring a robust ecosystem for emerging ventures.