Founders Academy: Negotiating Under Pressure: Fundraising in Challenging Times

How do you stay strategic when investors push harder on terms? What should you protect when capital becomes scarce? And how do you avoid short-term compromises that damage long-term value?

This session provides practical guidance on how to negotiate confidently under pressure. You will learn how to prioritise key terms, manage investor expectations, and align negotiation strategy with your startup’s financial runway and long-term vision. The focus is on helping founders protect ownership, maintain control, and secure capital without compromising the company’s future.

Register here

Details:

• Date: 20.08.2026
• Time: 16.00-18.00, followed by BBQ and networking
• Location: Seefeldstrasse 123, 8008 Zürich
• Speakers: Michael Kündig, Managing Associate at Walder Wyss and Marion Bähler, Partner at Walder Wyss
• Cost: CHF 15. The fee covers the administrative costs of the Swiss Startup Association.

Key Takeaways:

• How to structure a clear negotiation strategy in challenging markets
• Which terms deserve the most attention when leverage shifts
• How to manage financial transparency and runway communication
• How to protect long-term value while closing a funding round

Join this session to strengthen your negotiation skills and navigate your next fundraising round with confidence.

About Walder Wyss Startup Desk
Around 350 legal experts make Walder Wyss one of the most successful Swiss commercial law firms. Their clients include national and international companies, publicly held corporations and family businesses as well as public law institutions and individuals. To learn more about our law firm and specialists, please visit our webpages:

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 the public and works to improve the conditions for startups in Switzerland.
Beyond its political engagement, the SSA fosters a community for startups, recognizing their unique challenges. 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.