Founders Academy: The Startup Success Toolkit – Strategy, Structure, and Legal Essentials for Founders

The third Founders Academy Eastern Switzerland, following the editions in 2023 and 2025, focuses on the unique challenges of “real tech” start-ups and the legal safeguards founders often overlook.

The 2026 edition offers practical insights into the strategic and legal building blocks every founder needs to navigate the start-up journey successfully. Participants will hear from experienced practitioners on strategic positioning, patenting know-how, data protection risks, family and inheritance law considerations, and board-level perspectives that enable sustainable growth.

Hosted by schochauer AG and the Swiss Startup Association in St. Gallen, this event brings together leading legal experts and accomplished entrepreneurs to equip founders with a robust toolkit for long-term success.

Date: 17.06.2026
Time: 15:30 – 17:30, followed by Apero and networking
Location: schochauer ag, Marktplatz 4, 9004 St. Gallen.
Speakers:
Elias Rozinek, CFO and Bereichsleitung Vertrieb & Kommunikation bei und Mitgründer von fluidbot AG
Dr. Bruno Meyer, Schweizer & Europäischer Patentanwalt bei PRINS Intellectual Property AG
Nina Oehy, Attorney-at-Law, schochauer ag
Simone Scherrer, Attorney-at-Law, schochauer ag

• What distinguishes a “real tech” start-up and why it requires specific strategic and legal considerations
• What to consider when patenting technical know-how and protecting innovation effectively
• The most common data privacy pitfalls for start-ups and how to avoid them
• How founders can structure and safeguard their start-up to remain resilient in uncertain or challenging times

Join the Founders Academy to strengthen your strategic foundation and ensure your start-up is legally prepared for sustainable growth.

Please note:This event is free of charge; however, a fee of CHF 30 will apply in case of no-show due to high absence rates.

About schochauer AG

schochauer is one of the largest law firms in Eastern Switzerland, located in St. Gallen, amidst the quadrangle of Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. schochauer is a fully-fledged law firm with around 20 professionals who provide expert advice in all areas of business law, represent in court or before authorities, and act as public notaries in certifications and notarizations. All partners also have executive experience and serve as members of boards of directors and/or foundation boards.

About the Swiss Startup Association

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.