TOP 100 Swiss startup VIU raises additional funds of CHF 3m from Credit Suisse to further strengthen its international presence

20.11.2020 17:49, Guillaume Tinsel

The Zurich-based company VIU Ventures AG, challenging the established rules in the eyewear industry in Switzerland and further, received additional support from Credit Suisse as part of a financing round in which new investors, as well as existing VIU shareholders, participated. The CHF 3 million investment will enable VIU, operating in various European countries, to further strengthen its international presence.

Founded in 2013, VIU's objective is to offer high-quality glasses featuring stylish designs at moderate prices. In fact, it has already established itself as a leading player in the market. Its collections are designed in Switzerland, and each pair of glasses is produced by traditional manufacturers in Italy or Japan in a process comprising up to 80 manual steps. VIU distributes its products exclusively online and via its own branch network. Its control over the entire value chain – from design through to production and sales – ensures that no additional intermediary costs are incurred, hence the company's ability to offer high-quality products at comparatively low prices.

Elios Elsener, CEO of Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital Ltd., stated: "With this investment, we are supporting innovative Swiss entrepreneurship and helping VIU to further develop and expand its successful business. VIU has an impressive track record, and we see great potential for the company's continued success based on digital channels and physical stores alike."

VIU was ranked in the TOP 100 Swiss Startups Awards from 2015 to 2018 and participated in the Venture Leaders China 2017