Interview with Rico Baldegger

We would like to welcome our board member Rico Baldegger to the Swiss Startup Association by sharing some information about his backgrounds and motivations for supporting our mission and goals. With his expertise in strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship and interest in developing the scene, we are eager to have him as a key collaborator for the SSA.

Personal topics

Mr. Baldegger, please share your background with us.

I am currently a professor PhD and Director of Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the School of Management of Fribourg (HEG-FR). I personally studied at the University of St Gallen and Fribourg. My research activities always concentrated on innovative startups, the entrepreneurial behaviour of individuals of organisations as well as the phenomenon of high-growth companies. I have published several books and articles, and since 1990 I have been acting manager of a business supporting company development. I am also a business angel and serial entrepreneur which the many companies I’ve created speak for.

What do you consider your biggest professional achievement to be? ? 

I would consider my biggest achievements being founder and co-founder of several start-ups (consulting, IT/HR-Management, Sports and Material sciences), as well as enabling spin-offs to grow through my consulting company and fostering young talents. 

Mr. Baldegger and the SSA

Describe the current Swiss startup scene in 3 words.

Good but not great! There is definitely potential regarding women entrepreneurs!

What is your motivation for supporting the SSA?

I am motivated to foster an entrepreneurial mindset in the population, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem; developing the potential of the interrelation of start-ups – big companies, and startups and SMEs.

In which areas can you best support the SSA? What are your main skills that you bring to the table?

The way I see myself best supporting the SSA is by granting access to my national and international network.

Your vision for the SSA in 5 years?

I hope to be able to help coordinate the swiss start-up scene together.

The Swiss startup scene and future of the SSA

What could the SSA bring that would allow Switzerland to be the Nr. 1 European Startup Hub?

I believe that the SSA can extend the approach of start-up promotion. Not by only focusing on tech startups but also by focusing on Impact entrepreneurship.

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