Founders Academy: How to become investment ready as an early stage startup

Is your startup ready to raise capital? Do you know what investors expect before writing a cheque? And how can you position your company for a successful fundraising process?

Securing investment is about much more than having a great idea. Investors look for founders who understand their market, can communicate a compelling vision, and have built the right foundations for growth. Yet many startups begin fundraising before they are truly investment ready.

This exclusive in-person event is designed for early-stage founders who want to prepare strategically for future funding rounds. Through practical insights and real-world experiences, participants will learn what investors look for, how to strengthen their fundraising story, and which building blocks are essential before approaching investors.

The session also provides an opportunity to connect with experienced entrepreneurs and startup experts, exchange perspectives, and gain actionable guidance to position your startup for sustainable growth and investment success.

Please note: This event is based on applications, where admissions are reviewed and decided by Wenger Vieli.

Apply for the event here

Details:

• Date: 01.09.2026
• Time: 14:00-17:00, following by Apero and networking
• Location: Office Wenger Vieli, Dufourstrasse 56, 8008 Zürich
• Meet our speakers:
  Dominique Mattmann, Senior Associate at Wenger Vieli
  Patric Eggler, Tax Partner at Wenger Vieli
  Stephan Wehrli, Investor, Partner at Zühlke Group
  Marco Brunner, Managing Partner at BV4

Main takeaways from this session:

• Investor Readiness (from a legal, tax and business perspective);
• Investor Relations (from the investor’s and founder’s point of view);
• Valuation (from the investor’s point of view);
• Moderated panel discussion “ask all you want session” on the discussed topics.

This event provides a unique opportunity to gain insights from seasoned professionals and network with fellow entrepreneurs facing similar challenges. Participants will leave with practical advice and strategies to enhance their startup’s appeal to potential investors, support your startup’s growth and progress towards your business goals.

Costs:
Free of charge for SSA premium members.
CHF 30 contribution fee for the Swiss Startup Association for basic and non-members.
The fee covers the administrative costs of the Swiss Startup Association.

Become our premium member today, and join the event for free of charge.

About the Wenger Vieli Startup Desk
The Wenger Vieli Startup Desk is deeply rooted in the Swiss startup and venture capital ecosystem and has launched and supported various projects and initiatives to foster innovative entrepreneurship in Switzerland throughout the last two decades.
We consider young entrepreneurs and startups our core business and are passionate to support these game-changers. With a strong focus on technology-based startups and venture capital, we are committed to investing in the success of your business. We guide you and your company from startup to a successful exit. And in doing so, we dedicate all our legal expertise, industry know-how and ecosystem experience as well as network to achieving your goals.
The Wenger  Vieli Startup Desk team is the perfect mix of young and experienced lawyers who can offer entrepreneurs and pioneers a highly efficient environment at eye level!

About Zühlke Ventures
Zühlke Ventures is the venture capital arm of Zühlke, focusing exclusively on early-stage investments in the HealthTech sector. They invest primarily in Swiss and European startups, occasionally with interests in the US, with initial investment amounts ranging from CHF 150,000 to 250,000 per startup

About BV4
We advise family offices, business angels, venture funds and corporates, as well as startups and growth companies, across the venture lifecycle. We provide end-to-end investor support for direct investments: deal sourcing/scouting, due diligence, valuation, and ongoing investment & portfolio management. We support growth companies through financing rounds and exit processes, from preparation to execution.