Credit Suisse investors and TOP 100 Startups connect over a table tennis tournament in Zurich

27.10.2023 12:44, Rita Longobardi

In a showcase of innovation and entrepreneurship, the TOP 100 Presenting Partner Credit Suisse and Venturelab hosted an exclusive event that brought together a selection of startups from the prestigious TOP 100 Swiss Startups community and experienced investors. This gathering represented a significant moment for Swiss innovation, providing an opportunity for inventive concepts and forward-thinking capital to converge and boost the nation's startup ecosystem to new heights.

Venturelab and TOP 100 Presenting Partner Credit Suisse collaborate to host regional fundraising events all year round. These satellite events, a fundamental component of the TOP 100 ecosystem, offer a prestigious platform for selected startups to showcase their pitches to a discerning audience of investors. “The idea was to fully review the concept with a dedicated internal team of Credit Suisse to create an environment fuelling informal thus stronger exchanges with an activity, such as the Ping Pong event”, said Karen Undritz, National Lead of the Start-up Segment at Credit Suisse.

The startup community heralded an evening ripe with innovation and potential, followed by welcoming remarks from Credit Suisse and Venturelab. “It is great to see such intensive discussions between investors and startups” says Oliver Banz, Head of SMEs for German-speaking Switzerlan, Credit Suisse. Soon after, the focus transitioned to the Top 100 Startups Pitching Session, where inventive concepts took center stage, sparking inspiration and creativity. A dynamic networking session emerged, featuring the introduction of the Ping Pong Pro. This segment offered attendees an exclusive chance to engage with investors while partaking in ping-pong matches, seamlessly blending the worlds of business and leisure. The day wrapped up on a delightful note as conversations wound down and participants reflected on their shared experiences.



"I really appreciate the long-standing collaboration with Credit Suisse on the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Awards," said Stefan Steiner, Co-Managing Director of Venturelab. "Witnessing Credit Suisse's constant commitment to supporting startup founders and connecting them with investors to expedite growth is truly inspiring."

Six startups of the TOP 100 – Almer Technologies, Avelo, Biosimo, Cultivated Biosciences, MaxWell Biosystems, and Oxyle were able to connect with investors – ranging from business angels to VCs – and share their innovative visions in Zurich.

“This year, the focus for us was to not only invite Business Angels but also Venture Capitalists and we are more than thrilled to have 40 of them at tonight’s event,” said Curdin Caviezel, Head of the East Start-up Hub at Credit Suisse.



By joining these matchmaking events, startups can grow their investor network. Previous invitation-only TOP 100 pitch events in collaboration with Credit Suisse have been held in Lausanne, Geneva, Zurich, and St. Gallen. If you are an investor who would like to receive an invitation to an upcoming event, please apply online.