Strengthening Switzerland’s Startup Future: A Strategic Partnership Between Startup Nights and the Swiss Startup Association

The Swiss Startup Association (SSA) and Startup Nights are proud to announce a new strategic partnership aimed at elevating the voice of founders and scaling the impact of Switzerland’s largest national startup event. This collaboration brings together two forces in the ecosystem—SSA’s advocacy and reach, and Startup Nights’ ability to convene thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers under one roof.

One Shared Vision

At the heart of the partnership is a shared goal: to make Switzerland one of the most startup-friendly nations in Europe.

“We want to strengthen the Swiss startup ecosystem, support founders, and ultimately develop the Swiss economy,” said Michael Kubli, CEO of Kinastic and President of the Entrepreneur Club Winterthur. “Partnering with SSA brings national reach and political expertise to Startup Nights. It just makes sense.”

Startup Nights has grown from a local initiative in Winterthur into a major platform for innovation—reaching over 8,500 participants and establishing itself as a key annual event. With SSA as co-host, the event will now serve as an even stronger bridge between regional communities, national networks, and international ambitions.

A Platform for Impact

The collaboration goes beyond the event itself. As Regula Bleuler, Managing Director of SSA, explains:

“Our goal isn’t to add another initiative to the ecosystem. It’s to amplify what already exists, foster collaboration, and embed our advocacy and policy work in the spaces where founders actually gather.”

With the SSA organizing regular regional and thematic events across the country, this partnership also allows for greater connectivity throughout the year—ensuring Startup Nights is not just a once-a-year moment, but part of an ongoing movement.

Why Now?

Switzerland’s startup ecosystem is evolving. Talent, funding, and innovation are all on the rise—but challenges remain. Access to capital, especially at the scaling stage, is limited. Regulatory frameworks can be rigid. International expansion is complex. And many high-potential startups still choose to leave Switzerland in search of better conditions.

“If we don’t act now, we risk losing momentum,” said Raphael Tobler, President of the SSA and Founder of Startup Nights. “This partnership is a chance to think bigger, act together, and make Switzerland the startup nation it deserves to be.”

Building Together—Not Apart

Switzerland is full of high-quality startup initiatives—but as Alyssia Kugler, Managing Director of Startup Nights, points out, the ecosystem remains fragmented.

“There are so many offerings—but not enough synergy. Our goal is to connect rather than compete, to align efforts rather than duplicate them.”

The new collaboration between SSA and Startup Nights is an invitation to do just that: work together, align resources, and build an ecosystem where founders from every corner of the country feel seen, supported, and successful.

Looking Ahead

So, what does success look like in five years?

“More startups. More scaling. More exits. More unicorns,” says Michael Kubli.
“And recognition that Startup Nights is one of Europe’s leading platforms for innovation,” adds Regula Bleuler.

SSA and Startup Nights both believe that startups aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re tomorrow’s SMEs, job creators, and drivers of long-term prosperity. That’s why the partnership is not just about events—it’s about shaping culture, driving policy change, and giving entrepreneurship the recognition it deserves.