Founders Academy: From launch to exit – legal challenges for Swiss startups

Do you know which legal structure fits your startup? Are you prepared for financing rounds and investor expectations? And have you considered the legal implications of a future exit?

Legal decisions made in the early days of a startup can shape its success for years to come. This session provides a practical overview of the most important legal topics founders encounter throughout the Swiss startup lifecycle, from founding to exit. You will gain clarity on structuring your company, navigating financing rounds and shareholder arrangements, and avoiding common legal pitfalls during growth.

Details:

Date: 26.03.2026
Time: 18.30-21:00, including Apero and networking
Location: Mühlebachstrasse 6, 8008 Zürich
Speakers:

Mark Meili, Partner at Prager Dreifuss AG
Christian Schönfeld, Counsel at Prager Dreifuss
Livio Chiesa, Associate at Prager Dreifuss

Session Main Takeaways

How to choose between AG and GmbH based on your growth plans, investor expectations, and legal obligations
A clear overview of common startup financing options and the legal considerations at each stage of growth
Key legal aspects of exit preparation, including timing, structure, and risk management

Join this session to gain clarity, avoid legal pitfalls, and make confident decisions for every stage of your startup journey. Secure your spot and build on a solid legal foundation from day one.

Cost: This event is free of charge.
By registering, you agree to our no-show policy: a CHF 30 fee will be charged if you fail to attend without cancelling 2 days in advance.

About Prager Dreifuss
Prager Dreifuss is a renowned Swiss law firm practising in every area of business law. Prager Dreifuss finds the best solutions for its clients’ concerns, effectively, efficiently and creatively. The startup team of Prager Dreifuss will help with all the legal matters associated with forming and building up a company. Whether it’s a case of choosing the appropriate legal form, employee participation, concluding rounds of financing with the right investors or protecting intellectual property: Prager Dreifuss will be pleased to help and will take the strain off you as far as the legal issues are concerned.

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 the public 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.