Meet Laurent Dumoulin & Olivier Dubuisson – Co-founders of smartiz.io

Tell us about smartiz.io

smartiz.io is a digital solution that helps property managers of short-term rentals save time, automate tasks, and deliver outstanding guest experiences. It provides intelligent and automated guest communication via WhatsApp, along with a smart experience hub that’s effortless to create and tailored for guests.

Please give some more details of your startup story

As a vacation rental host himself, Olivier founded smartiz.io in 2021 to improve the guest experience. The initial product was a physical tablet, which evolved—after extensive research and iteration—into a fully digital solution in 2024. Our two co-founders, Laurent and Olivier, share a deep passion for hospitality, travel, and, more broadly, meaningful human experiences.

Tell us more about your plans for 2025 and what is your long-term vision

In 2025, our goal is to serve several hundred properties across Switzerland with smartiz.io, while continuing to develop and refine our AI-powered features. Our main focus will be on customer acquisition. Long-term, we envision smartiz.io becoming a globally recognised label for outstanding guest experiences in the hospitality and travel industry.

What has been the biggest success that you have achieved in your startup?

In just a few months, we built a stable MLP (Minimum Lovable Product) that is already being used by multiple properties. It has contributed to high guest review scores and has helped hosts save significant time and money—validating both the product and our mission.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?

Our biggest learning has been transitioning from a corporate mindset to a startup ecosystem. At times, we’ve realised we weren’t as bold or decisive as we could have been. We’ve learned that in startups, courage and speed matter.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?

Creating great experiences is what drives us. With strong backgrounds in leadership and human experience, we truly understand the importance of memorable moments. That’s what motivates us—helping others deliver exceptional hospitality, one guest at a time.

One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup?

Solve a real problem—and make sure your founding team stays 100% aligned on both the “what” and the “how.” Clarity and unity are crucial in the early stages.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association?

Being a member of SSA is a fantastic enabler for us. It makes networking across Switzerland easier, gives us access to valuable resources, and adds credibility to the work we’re doing as a young company.

Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? Why?

Absolutely. There’s enormous value in networking, collaboration, and mutual support within the startup ecosystem—and SSA is a powerful platform to foster that kind of exchange.

Have you ever visited the events of the Swiss Startup Association? If yes, which ones? Would you recommend them?

Yes—we recently attended a Founders’ Dinner in Lausanne and had the chance to connect with amazing people. We’re also looking forward to the upcoming Founders’ Dinner and Founders’ Day in Zurich. We can’t wait!

Is there anything that we haven’t asked you that you would like to share with us/the community?

Nothing specific—but we’re always happy to connect! If anyone would like to learn more about smartiz.io or exchange ideas and perspectives on building startups, we’d love to chat.

Connect with Laurent & Olivier on LinkedIn!

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About the Swiss Startup Association

The Swiss Startup Association (SSA) is the umbrella organisation and the voice of Swiss startups. As a sector-independent non-profit organisation, the SSA gives startups a strong voice vis-à-vis politics, business, and works to improve the conditions for startups in Switzerland.
Beyond its political engagement, the SSA fosters a community for startups, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Through networking opportunities, educational sessions, and practical services, the SSA collaborates with industry partners to offer tailored support and valuable resources to guide founders on their entrepreneurial journey.

Join the Swiss Startup Association! Tap into our member benefits, the comprehensive Investor List and get full access to our events. By becoming an SSA Member you enjoy discounted tickets to our Big Founders Dinners and the SSA Founders Day.