Michael Stucky to become the new CEO of the Swiss Startup Association

Michael Stucky will take up the role of CEO for the Swiss Startup Association on the 7th of April, 2026. With the new CEO, the association gains an experienced leader who has known and helped shape the Swiss startup and innovation landscape for years from a variety of perspectives.

Michael brings an exceptionally broad track record to the role. Over the past ten years, he has held roles in venture capital, start-ups, and innovation, co-founded two ETH spin-offs, taken on senior positions in the innovation sector, and supported numerous founders as a coach and mentor. He also brings international management experience from the financial sector. This combination of entrepreneurship, investment acumen, leadership, close ties to the ecosystem, and multilingualism makes him a strong choice to lead the Swiss Startup Association operationally.

For Michael, the focus of his new role is clear: making an impact. He says that the Swiss Startup Association is now an important voice for start-ups in Switzerland, and it is precisely this mandate that he wants to further strengthen together with the members, partners, and the board. The aim is to represent the interests of founders even more effectively, to further develop the association, and to play an active role in shaping the framework conditions for innovative companies in Switzerland.

Raphael Tobler, President of the Swiss Startup Association, also sees Michael Stucky’s appointment as an important step for the association’s future. With Michael Stucky, the association is gaining a CEO with extensive experience, high credibility, and a strong network. He knows the start-up world, understands innovation and entrepreneurship from various perspectives, and brings precisely the strategic strength needed for the association’s next phase.

The appointment comes at a time when start-ups in Switzerland are more reliant than ever on a strong policy framework, political attention, and a well-connected advocacy group. The Swiss Startup Association intends to continue playing an active role in strengthening these efforts, whether through political engagement, raising the profile of the ecosystem, or connecting founders with the business community, the political sphere, and society at large. With Michael Stucky at the helm, the association aims to further expand this role in the coming years.

At the same time, a defining phase is coming to an end. Regula Bleuler, who has built up and led the secretariat over the past years with great commitment, reliability, and passion, will step down from her role in mid-April 2026 to take on a new challenge. She has played a decisive role in the development of the Swiss Startup Association during a crucial phase and, through her dedication, has made a significant contribution to the association’s growth. The Swiss Startup Association sincerely thanks Regula Bleuler for her valuable contribution and wishes her all the best for the future.