For the second time, founders from the Startfeld ecosystem met on the Säntis to exchange ideas and network.
Strengthening the start-up community, promoting exchange among each other and making the existing network more accessible – these are the objectives of the “Startfeld auf dem Säntis” event. In the early evening of August 27, more than 50 participants drove up to the eastern Swiss landmark in glorious weather.
Niklas Rückwald and Andrin Fröhlich, both startup consultants at Switzerland Innovation Park Ost, hosted the evening. Jan-Philipp Schade, co-founder and CEO of Kaspar& AG, gave insights into the development of his company over the last four years and how they benefited from Startfeld’s support. Kaspar& developed a digital platform that offers easy access to sustainable investments through personalized recommendations and financial planning. Insights from Jan-Philipp’s presentation: “A pivot in a start-up’s business model can be positive, and often even necessary.” And: “Switzerland is suitable as a sandbox (testing in the protected area), but in the longer term it is too small for us in terms of market potential. International growth is therefore necessary.”
Pascal Inauen, co-founder and CEO of Urstamm AG, is setting up his start-up at the foot of the Säntis in Urnäsch. With its digital platform, Urstamm enables the transparent traceability of Swiss date wood. Among other things, this enables more precise proof of sustainability for building owners. Keynote from his presentation: “We learned to differentiate between fans of modern technologies and the broad mass of potential target customers. To bring the latter onto our platform, we need to create demand pressure from the building owner, then the entire supply chain will be ready to use the platform.”
Kaspar& and Urstamm were delighted to benefit from the Startfeld funding process and the Startfeld network and emphasized the valuable support they were able to take advantage of.
Another important item on the agenda was the introduction of the new Head of Startups, Diego Probst, who is taking over the position from his predecessor Peter Frischknecht with immediate effect. Niklas and Andrin then presented the planned Startfeld Alumni Club and explained the future goals and plans of this network. After the official part of the event, the participants had the opportunity to round off the evening with a joint dinner with a breathtaking view. The focus was on exchange and networking, which led to numerous stimulating conversations.
A big thank you to all participants and especially to our sponsors Wenger Vieli AG (silver sponsor) and Solve GmbH (bronze sponsor) for their support of this event.
