Joining a Startup Board: Responsibilities, Governance, and Strategic Impact

Taking on a board mandate in a startup can be exciting, impactful, and career-defining. But what does the role truly involve? What are the legal responsibilities? How are board members selected? And what should business angels know before stepping into a formal board position?

This session is designed for professionals who are considering a board mandate, business angels who want to better understand governance structures, and executives who are curious about the realities behind startup boards.

In this in-person session, you will explore what it takes to join a board, what founders expect, and how to assess whether a mandate is the right fit for you. The evening combines legal clarity, practical insights, and open discussion.

Details:

Date: 19.08.2026
Time: 17.30-19:30, followed by Apero and networking
Location: Wenger Vieli Office (Dufourstrasse 56, 8008 Zürich)
Speakers:
Michael Baier, Start-up-, VC- & M&A-Lawyer, Partner at Wenger Vieli
Kim Johansson, CEO and Founder SalesAhead AG, leading Search Boutique specialised on Salespeople, Advisory Board at VRMandat.com
Steffen Ehrhardt, Vice President at SICTIC
Cost: CHF 69 for SSA Premium and Investor members
CHF 99 for non-members of the SSA

Agenda:
17:30 – Doors Open
18:00 – Welcome
18:05–19:00 – Expert Inputs & Discussion
Legal responsibilities and risks of board members (Michael Baier)
How board members are selected and what founders really look for (Kim Johansson)
The investor perspective: board role vs advisory role, compensation, and expectations (Steffen Ehrhardt)
19:00–19:30 – Open Q&A
19:30 onwards – Apéro & Networking

Session Main Takeaways

What legal duties and liabilities come with a startup board mandate
How board seats are actually filled and what increases your chances
The difference between board and advisory roles
What realistic compensation and time commitment look like
How to evaluate whether a specific board mandate is the right fit for you

Register now to better understand what it really means to join a startup board and decide whether a mandate is the right next step for you.

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.