Meet LEDCity founder Patrik Deuss—a Venture Leader Deeptech who develops intelligent light sources

12.11.2021 07:15, Isabelle Mitchell

LEDCity develops a plug-and-play lighting system that can save 90% of energy costs. LEDCity’s lamps include sensors that adjust the operating time and intensity to the actual demand, increasing the light sources’ efficiency and effectiveness. In addition to saving costs, the startup’s lamps also create a pleasant atmosphere that boosts productivity. Get to know LEDCity founder Patrik, learn more about his expectations for the Venture Leaders Deeptech experience, and find out which entrepreneur inspires his career.

The Swiss National Startup Team has 10 new deeptech members: An expert jury has chosen 10 companies whose innovative potential transforms engineering, robotics, supply chains, logistics, and sustainability. Before the startups embark on their investor roadshow to Munich and London later this month, we will introduce you to the Venture Leaders Deeptech 2021. We asked each entrepreneur to complete a short profile and choose at least six questions from a questionnaire about their personal and professional life.

Name: Patrik Deuss 
Location: Zurich    
Nationality: Swiss 
Graduated from: ZHAW, BSc in Energy and Environmental Technology, 2016 
Job title: Founder and CEO of LEDCity 
Number of employees: 25
Money raised: CHF 2.5 million
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2021, for the Venture Leaders program
 
“LEDCity developed an easy-to-install lighting system that uses artificial intelligence and sensors to optimize energy usage while delivering comfortable lighting conditions.” 
 
How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
During my bachelor’s degree, I became aware that over 12% of electricity is used for lighting. At the same time, I noticed that larger buildings (including our university) were usually lit the whole day, although the light was often not needed. To find a solution to this problem, I developed a prototype of an energy-efficient lighting system in my bachelor’s thesis. 
 
What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
We are expecting that the Venture Leaders program will help us to take a decisive step toward an energy-efficient future. The program gives us visibility and credibility, we can network with important industry leaders and investors, and mentors can give us advice for our internationalization strategy. This is of enormous importance for the continued success of our startup. Together we can make a big difference. 
 
What is your favorite book? 
What I find inspiring are all the topics around Elon Musk—whether it’s Tesla, SpaceX, Hyperloop, or Neuralink. I find it exciting to observe how he often makes the seemingly impossible possible, turns entire industries upside down, and always has deeply thought-out strategies. Repeatedly, I can take away useful advice for myself, which he embodies: From not doubting your own ideas to finding the common thread, having visions, working hard, and many more. 
 
What is always in your fridge? 
Since I do not know who is reading all this, I’ll say fresh pizza ingredients. Unfortunately, I cannot say more, but those who know me know why.
 
What advice would you give your teenage self? 
Hmm, tough question! Of course, certain things didn’t work out well, but even if it may sound a bit corny now, I was able to learn from that. And I’m satisfied—I still can do pretty much anything I want. That’s why I wouldn’t give my teenage self so much advice, but if I had to choose, it would be something like always staying open to change, taking everything a little less seriously, going out into the world and trying to expand your horizons again and again, and learning to accept criticism and growing from it. 
 
How and where do you clear your mind?  
It always helps me to go outside, do sports and surround myself with ambitious people. Whether it’s downhill mountain biking, jogging, kite surfing, or traveling to the mountains on the weekend. Once I have cleared my mind, I can start again with full energy afterward.  
 
What is the most challenging aspect of being a founder?
One of the challenges is to be able to deal with the fact that startup life is an emotional rollercoaster and life can change 180 degrees—while still maintaining stamina. For me, it just helps to have a strong goal in mind. 
 
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a founder? 
To notice that the team, the turnover, and the positive impact on the environment are getting bigger and bigger. Also important are the many learnings that you make in countless areas. You get insights into areas that you didn’t even know existed before. 
 

For more information and updates on LEDCity and the Venture Leaders Deeptech, follow the Venture Leaders Deeptech 2021 team with #VLeadersDeeptech on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. 
 
Venture Leaders Deeptech 2021 program is organized by Venturelab and supported by swissnex, EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich, Helbling Group, Walder Wyss, the Canton of Vaud, and the Canton of Zurich.