Meet ONESTO KAFFEE’s CEO & Founder, Fox Hardegger

Tell us about ONESTO KAFFEE
ONESTO is a Swiss artisan coffee roastery offering premium, organic, and Fairtrade, hand‑roasted coffee. Profitable and break-even in Switzerland, we’re now expanding into Germany. We’re seeking CHF 225–450k for 5–10% equity post-crowdfunding on a CHF 4.5 M valuation.

Please give some more details of your startup story: when/why you founded it, your business, team size, etc.
Founded by Fox Hardegger after witnessing the injustice of global coffee trade, ONESTO embodies honest sustainability. Today, our Swiss artisanal roastery has a lean team of about five, and we sell through Coop, Migros, Farmy, and e‑commerce. We’ve scaled our bean sales by 600% over four years.

Tell us more about your plans for 2025 and what is your long-term vision.
In 2025, we’ll fully launch in Germany, expand B2B and online channels, and scale production and logistics to tap into the CHF 60 M DACH organic coffee market. Long-term, our goal is to make ONESTO a leading sustainable coffee brand across Europe—profitably, responsibly, and at scale.

What has been the biggest success that you have achieved in your startup?
Achieving 600% sales growth in four years, securing listings at Coop and Migros, winning the Fairtrade Award, and becoming profitable in Switzerland—before even entering Germany.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?
I would have prioritized the retail business earlier to secure recurring revenue. A key lesson: align your sustainable values with scalable operations from day one. Strong partnerships with retailers and distributors have been essential to our success.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?
The taste of my morning coffee—every day! Knowing our coffee empowers farmers, delights customers, and proves that sustainability can be profitable is what drives me. I’m committed to building a transparent, ethical brand that leads the shift toward sustainable coffee consumption.

One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup:
Start with purpose, but pair it with profitable, scalable execution. Know your unit economics early, build strong partnerships, and always test in real markets before scaling.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association? (personally and professionally)
Belonging means access to a vibrant ecosystem of like‑minded founders, events, and mentorship. Professionally, it strengthens our credibility; personally, it affirms our mission-driven journey in Switzerland’s startup community.

Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? Why?
Absolutely. The Swiss Startup Association connects you to valuable networks, insights, and visibility. It amplifies your mission and opens doors to investors, partners, and support tailored to mission-driven brands like ours.

Have you ever visited the events of the Swiss Startup Association? If yes, which ones? Would you recommend them?
Yes, we’ve joined SSA night events. They offer high-quality networking and feedback from experienced founders and investors. I’d highly recommend them for early-stage validation and connection.

Is there anything that we haven’t asked you that you would like to share with us/the community?
We’re inviting investors to join us post-crowdfunding at a CHF 4.5 M valuation. With CHF 225–450k for 5–10% equity, you’re not just investing capital—you’re joining our journey to build Europe’s leading honest coffee brand. For more information, please contact Fox Hardegger (Founder) directly at fox@onesto.ch

Check out their website here!

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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.