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Hands-on HR masterclass for startups with 5+ employees scaling teams, systems, and people processes.

HR Essentials Masterclass for scaleups (5 employees or more)

The Swiss Startup Association Masterclass HR is a comprehensive, hands-on workshop designed to help startups tackle the most critical HR challenges that arise during scaling 🚀. The Masterclass is specifically tailored for startups with 5+ employees that are building teams, structures, and processes for sustainable growth.

During the session, you’ll gain insider insights from experienced scaleup experts and founders who openly share real-world stories, proven hacks, and practical tips from their own growth journeys. The focus is on what actually works in practice — not theory.

In addition, participants will receive ready-to-use templates and practical tools to help translate learnings directly into action, ensuring you leave with concrete takeaways you can apply immediately.

Register here

Event Details:

  • Date: 12.03.2026
  • Time: 12:30 – 18.30, followed by an apĂ©ritif and networking
  • Location: Walder Wyss (Seefeldstrasse 123, 8008 ZĂĽrich)
  • Speakers:
    Fabienne Limacher, Partner at Walder Wyss
    Ramona Wyss, Partner at Walder Wyss
    Gustaf Heintz, Senior Associate at Walder Wyss
    Laurent Decrue, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Holycode
    Ranjit de Sousa, CEO & Co-founder of Finder
  • Costs:
    CHF 69 for SSA non-members
    CHF 49 for SSA members

Key Takeaways:

  • Build clear HR policies and ensure legal compliance from day one
  • Design a scalable recruitment strategy to attract and retain top talent
  • Implement effective performance management and feedback systems
  • Use HR technology and tools to streamline processes and reduce complexity
  • Learn how to structure teams and leadership as your startup grows
  • Avoid common HR pitfalls that slow down scaleups
  • Apply proven frameworks and templates directly to your organization
  • Understand employee participation schemes (including relevant tax implications)
  • Navigate global mobility issues, including freelancers, cross-border situations, permanent establishment risks, social security, and employee taxation
Agenda

12:30

Door opening and check-in

13:00
Regula Bleuler, CEO SSA

Welcome & Introduction

13.05-14:35
Fabienne Limacher, Partner at Walder Wyss
Ramona Wyss, Partner at Walder Wyss
Gustaf Heintz, Senior Associate at Walder Wyss

HR Policies & Legal Compliance 

  • Employee equity participation, including key tax pitfalls and risks
  • Global mobility of employees and freelancers
  • Cross-border employment scenarios and related tax considerations
    Permanent establishment risks for companies
  • Social security implications in international setups
  • Taxation of employees in cross-border contexts

14.35-14.50

Coffee break

14.50-16.20
Laurent Decrue, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Holycode

 Scaling Effectively: Managing Growth & Remote Teams

  • Managing remote teams, setting up entities abroad, and office setup decisions
  • Restructuring your organisational chart as the company grows, and structuring teams for efficiency
  • What to do when employees no longer fit their role
  • When to set up a second office
  • Working with freelancers (remote vs in-office)
  • Hiring workforce via payroll companies (legal risks and alternatives)
  • Finding people for internationalisation & growth in new regions
  • How to hire for regional/country reps vs internal sales teams
  • Managing distributed teams across different time zones
  • Tech tools for managing remote teams

16.20-16.35

Coffee break
16.35-18.05
Ranjit de Sousa, CEO & Co-founder of Finder		 Talent Acquisition, Performance Management & HR Technology

  • Covers core HR topics including policies, performance management, and recruitment.
  • Shares leadership lessons from building and leading companies with up to 5,000 employees.
  • Provides pragmatic guidance on building an effective HR tech stack without overspending.
  • Explains how to use Employer of Record (EOR) models, balancing legal risk and speed.
  • Argues why EORs are a practical shortcut for startups expanding into new countries.
  • Breaks down when to hire, including the use of fractional roles instead of full-time hires.
    Explains how to hire by walking through the full recruitment cycle.
    Addresses tough performance management decisions, including handling underperformance.
  • Emphasises acting quickly on poor performance to avoid long-term damage.
  • Uses sales as an example, where weak performance can often be identified within four weeks.
18.05-18.30 Q&A
18:30 – onwards
 Aperitif & Networking 

 

This Masterclass is designed for startups with 5+ employees. To ensure an optimal experience for the founders, we reserve the right to refuse admission if this criteria is not met.

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