Venturelab Sailing Trophy in Barcelona

Beat Schillig, an entrepreneur and passionate sailor, had already set the IFJ Institute for Young Entrepreneurs on course when he was offered the opportunity to set up a Swiss-wide training program for high-tech entrepreneurship for the Swiss Confederation in 2004. His team won the Innosuisse tender for this program of national importance. Schillig was fascinated by Alinghi's success in the America's Cup and said to himself: "If we can beat Silicon Valley in sailing, then we can do the same with startups!" Therefore the Venturelab logo is a spinnaker-shaped Swiss flag: World-class Startups. Swiss made. This is the origin of the Venturelab story, which started in Switzerland in 2004.

Venturelab Sailing Trophy

The Venturelab Trophy is a friendly sailing competition that brings entrepreneurs, investors, and corporates together. It provides a unique platform for networking and collaboration among like-minded sailors. Participants have the opportunity to showcase their sailing skills while also building meaningful connections with potential business partners. The event fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, as participants work together to navigate the challenging waters. The Venturelab Trophy is not only a thrilling sailing competition, with its relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, the Venturelab Trophy is more than just a race – it is a platform for growth and to explore new business ventures.

Are you a startup investor with sailing experience or a corporate innovation employee who wants to send your company into the race with a branded boat? Then get in touch with us to be on board at the next Venturelab Trophy on 28. February 2027 in Barcelona.

In Venturelab's annual sailing competition, investors and entrepreneurs form crews, racing each other against the majestic backdrop of Barcelona's coast. Excellent teamwork and enthusiasm made for a smooth but lively experience:

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES IN BARCELONA 2026

4YFN stands for 4 Years From Now and has developed to the fastest growing startup fair series in the world. We have been presenting the Swiss Mobile National Team there since 2019 and take the fair's name literal: after seven successful years, Venturelab continues its extraordinary growth on-site and presents 10 exhibiting startups in 2026. Additionally, the Venturelab corner allows us to support investors, startups, and corporates with their individual needs to identify and engage their key audiences. Learn more here and join us in Barcelona during the Mobile World Congress 2026.

Since 2006, Venturelab has selected the Swiss National Startup Team. The Venture Leaders Mobile have a clear-cut goal. They envision themselves as global players and want to take the first step towards their global expansion. The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona is the world's largest and most important event in the mobile and connectivity industry and therefore the ideal place to connect with industry leaders and investors. Discover the Venture Leaders Mobile Team 2026 and learn more about their presence at 4YFN.