We only need your actual investors pitch deck. But we will request you to prepare questions for the participating partners so we can get into a productive discussion.
The Programme
Get validation, accelerate your success. Be awarded the SEF.Growth High Potential Label. Connect with other startups, experts, and leaders of the Swiss economy.
What can you expect?
Get free offers
The SEF.Growth initiative offers support in many areas with the aim of helping young enterprises and SMEs overcome the challenges of growth. Thanks to our long-standing relationships with our partners, all services are provided to companies free of charge.
Get advice from leading experts
The SEF.Growth initiative is based on the principle that entrepreneurs strengthen companies. More than 50 renowned and highly experienced entrepreneurs from the Swiss Economic Forum’s national network are personally committed to strengthening Swiss young enterprises and make their expertise available to the initiative.
Join a Network
Our platforms bring the spheres of business and politics together and create the basis for new ideas to be developed, while our firmly established position enables you to make the right contacts.
How does it work?
Step 1: Business Model Check
The SEF.Growth Business Model Check is a virtual stage allowing entrepreneurs to discuss their growth strategy and gain valuable feedback from a high-caliber panel of entrepreneurs and strategy experts from the network of the Swiss Economic Forum and its partners.
Since we want you to be resilient and sustainable, it is not a classical pitch. Every participant is under an NDA, and we can focus on the points where you need more knowledge and know-how or are unsure about how to proceed. In this way, you can benefit the most.
Documents needed
Setting
As already mentioned, it is not a classical pitch. All participants will have read your documentation in advance to save time and will be prepared to challenge you and your company.
Take away
- You have connections and further access to our partner and can profit from discounts and free consulting.
- You leave the meeting with many insights and opportunities to become better.
- Together we get a feeling for your stage and can plan the next steps.
Step 2: Strategy & Label Assessments
As part of the strategic assessment, you will receive an in-depth analysis of your growth strategy. We offer detailed, practical-oriented, and personal coaching for selected companies in the middle of a strategic growth and scaling phase.
We assemble a tailor-made expert team of experienced entrepreneurs and specialized consultants for your assessment.
There will be two assessment rounds (Strategy Assessment, Label Assessment). During the 2-hour video calls, you can openly discuss critical success factors with the team of experts.
Documents needed
Since we go really in-depth, there is more to deliver:
- Investor pitch deck
- Financial Model (read more about the topic here)
- Last financial statement (incl. audit report if available)
- Organization chart
- Cap table
- The Company report filled out (DE/EN)
- Vector Logo & image pictures
Setting
The discussions in this 2-hour call will go to the core of your business model. Be open. There is no right or wrong, but we will search for consistency.
All participants will have read your documentation to save time and will be prepared to challenge you and your company.
Take away
The strategy assessment will give you many external insights into your company. To get the SEF.Growth High Potential Label, there will be some tasks to accomplish before you proceed to the final Label Assessment.
Step 3: SEF.Growth High Potential Label
Companies that successfully pass the assessments will receive the "SEF.Growth High Potential" quality label. The label strengthens your position in the market among customers, suppliers, and financing partners.
The SEF.Growth programme has existed for more than ten years. More than 90% of the companies graduating from the programme still drive the market. What got them there is solid work on their business model and their strategy. We are here to support you on that journey.
Become a member of the SEF.Founder Community
The moment you get the SEF.Growth high potential label, you get a Silver Membership to the SEF.Founder Community for one year, worth CHF 1'790.-. This membership includes tickets to:
- SEF.Founder Conference
- incl. Networking evening and access to day two at SEF
- SEF.Underground Party at SEF
- SEF.Founder Events (4-6 per year)
- SEF.Founder Community Party
- One secured ticket for the Swiss Economic Forum (official sales price)
- Selected SEF-Conference tickets at a special price (CHF 250.-)
Spread your story
Every company gaining the label, we cover as follows:
- A story on our website
- A LinkedIn post on the official Swiss Economic Forum channel of the Swiss Economic Forum
- A section in the SEF.Growth Newsletter
Join the Awards of the Swiss Economic Forum
The SEF.Growth High Potential label also improves your chances of applying for the Swiss Economic Award, Switzerland’s most prestigious prize for young entrepreneurs.
In addition to the Swiss Economic Award, the Swiss Economic Forum is also responsible for the Swiss Technology Award and the SEF.Women Award.
How do our partners support you?
Offers
Even though the programme is free for you, it comes at a price. Thanks to our partners, we can do this. And that brings another advantage for you: our partners are outstanding experts in their field and are at your disposal. Consultation and appraisal are usually free of charge. If larger projects are pending, the partner will discuss the conditions with you.
Financial Storytelling
What counts – and how do you count it – to make it count?
Our team of experienced entrepreneurs helps you identify what matters. Hire us as Financial Experts to benchmark your aspirations and gain trust in your hypotheses. We also offer hands-on support as Project Managers taking over tasks such as liquidity planning accelerating your team by providing operational relief. As Company Co-Builders, we amplify your venture in fundraising while managing relationships with different stakeholders.
Ask the financial expert
If you have a specific question or would like to follow up on a conclusion raised as part of a previous SEF.Growth module, reach out to consult one of our experts.
Get instant feedback byleveraging our experience as entrepreneurs and make us of our expertise for a professional outside view on all relevant financial scale-up topics.
1 hour video call, free for SEF.Growth programme participants
If you prefer further assistance, you can book us for a deeper dive as part of a workshop session, in line with our 2 offerings below. Please reach out for an individual workshop agenda.
Benchmark your financial story
The financial story is a derivation of the strategy and long-term orientation of the company. It is primarily used to control the company, take informed decisions and guide external and internal stakeholders.
Learn how investors interpret your track record and validate your financial story. You will be more confident in delivering your message and be able to map the right investor profile to your case.
If you are applying for the SEF.Growth High-Potential Label, this module will help you prepare for the questions by the reviewers. Iron out any inconsistencies or content-related gaps and verify your assumptions.
1 Workshop à 2-3hours, including review of your financial model and pitch in preparation
CHF 850 (excl. VAT)
Optimize your runway
This situation analysis of your runway serves as a basis for the future financial direction of the company and the fundraising strategy.
As part of our consulting module, we will test your liquidity and run rate forecast and reflect on measures that could be taken to enable solid growth while optimizing the length of the runway.
Trust your runway and control it comfortably avoiding any negative surprises.
1 Workshops à 2-3 hours, including document review in preparation
CHF 850 (excl. VAT)
Knowledge Partner
IP-Strategy
All innovations, designs and creative logos involve time, money, effort and imagination. So it makes sense to protect such intellectual property from being imitated. You can do this by filing a patent or registering a trade mark or a design. That way, you can ensure that you benefit from your work but your competitors don’t. The IPI provides entrepreneurs with information on how to use this valuable intellectual capital wisely.
Introduction IP
Learn from the experts the basics of intellectual property protection and how this is relevant to your business.
This crash course is free for SEF.Growth participants (Normal price: CHF 750)
You find the dates in the IPI training calender.
Ad hoc information
Speak with an IP expert and ask them your initial questions about protecting your innovations and creations.
Hotline 031 377 77 77
IP Info
Information about your options for using IP rights effectively
IP Info PLUS
Learn how to search through freely available patent databases yourself.
Workshops
Acquire valuable knowledge about patents, trade marks and designs in compact workshops in small groups. More information.
Main Partner
Internationalisation
Do you want to expand outside of Switzerland?
Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) is the official Swiss organization for export and investment promotion. With a unique global network, S-GE supports more than 5,500 Swiss companies every year in their international business and helps innovative foreign companies on their way to settling in Switzerland. As a private consulting and platform organization working on behalf of the Confederation and the cantons, S-GE supports its customers in around 130 markets.
S-GE Export Sparring Programm
Together with the SEF.Growth start-ups, we develop the strategic cornerstones of their internationalization strategy. For this purpose, Switzerland Global Enterprise offers four different workshop modules which address the following questions:
- Is our business model suitable for internationalization?
- How do we find out which markets are most attractive for us?
- What is the right go-to-market strategy?
- How can we test new markets?
One workhop per Start-Up is free for SEF.Growth participants (Normal price: CHF 500.-).
Individual Export Consulting
Thanks to many years of expertise, S-GE is a reliable partner for international expansion. S-GE offers export consultations in over 130 markets and gives you the opportunity to obtain some initial information and discuss your export plans without obligation.
This offer is free for SEF.Growth participants.
Knowledge Partner
Storytelling
Simplify complexity!
Cleverclip transforms complex ideas into engaging visual experiences. Specializing in creative storytelling through animated videos, infographics, interactive designs and E-Learning modules, we are a dynamic partner in amplifying your brand's message. With Cleverclip, your ideas are not only seen but also felt and remembered. Our customized solutions are designed to captivate your audience and bring your vision to life.
Benchmark your storytelling
We assess your company's storytelling and advise leveraging the power of visual storytelling to enhance engagement and convey complex ideas in a simple manner.
Challenge your video marketing
Use our expertise in creating compelling explainer videos and infographics to simplify and effectively communicate complex ideas.
Elevate your brand's narrative
Our customized, interactive content supports your brand's unique story, builds a long-term connection with your audience, and increases your success.
Knowledge Partner
Webdesign
Your jumpstart to digital excellence!
Comvation AG is a leading digital solutions provider specializing in innovative web development, efficient CMS systems, and individual online platforms. As a committed partner, Comvation enables your company to shine digitally and offers tailored solutions to elevate your online presence.
Unlock growth with our custom digital solutions
We specialize in tailor-made digital solutions that promote the growth and innovation of scale-ups.
Enhance your online presence
Leverage our expertise in web development and design to successfully navigate the digital landscape.
Achieve sustained growth with scalable solutions
Our scalable and flexible solutions are designed to support the development and long-term success of your scale-up.
Knowledge Partner
Legal Advice
The lawyers of our start-up desk are the ideal partners for founders and their enterprises. We are able to understand the needs of your start-up and at the same time find tailor-made, agile and creative solutions in all areas of law that a young business has to deal with. As knowledge partners of SEF.Growth, we assist the program participants to navigate the legal hurdles on their road to success.
Legal Service
Prager Dreifuss offers comprehensive legal services for start-ups, in particular in the areas of financing, shareholder agreements, corporate law, employment law (including employee participation), intellectual property, taxation, regulations (data protection, medical law, financial services, etc.).
In addition to participating in business model checks, Prager Dreifuss is pleased to offer start-ups the first consultation by (video-)call for free (1 hour).
Board Secretary and Corporate Housekeeping
Prager Dreifuss offers a broad range of services (including legal advice as required from time to time) related to board meetings, general meetings and corporate registers. With the help of their experts, the board and management team members may focus more on their operational tasks. Their lawyers will handle the meeting minutes, the related legally required formalities and will ensure that the corporate documentation (incl. the share register and the register of beneficial owners) is maintained accurately.
Furthermore, by attending meetings, their lawyers also serve as the first and straightforward point of contact for any legal questions that may arise during, for example, a meeting of the board of directors. The whole package "Board Secretary and Corporate Housekeeping" is available for a yearly flat rate, so that cost control is guaranteed.
Knowledge Partner
Culture Development & Coaching
What do all successful companies have in common? The short answer: clarity of purpose and their goals, a strong culture, and a clear structure.
Transformation always has a factual/strategic as well as a psychological/cultural side. We as Jester address both sides competently. Jester Advisory offers specialised strategies for culture transformation, leadership and executive coaching.
Psychology meets Business
Growing, innovative, high-performing companies need to be optimally positioned: clear goals, an effective support structure for substantial growth, and a healthy corporate culture.
Jester helps you to evaluate and protect yourself from hidden, human-centered risks.
Alignment & good leadership
Boost your organizations synergy trough a strategic alignment process, crafted for founders, boards, and management teams. These essential sessions tackle strategic direction, organizational growth, leadership, and culture, offering a collaborative environment to address and solve crucial questions, aligning all leadership levels for success.
Coaching & Personal Growth
Good for people, good for business: A compelling investment in sustainable profits Mental health and well-being do not exist in isolation, but are inextricably linked to leadership, management structures, corporate culture and the stress resilience of employees.
Knowledge Partner
Risk-Management
Zurich has 150 years of experience in insurance protection, risk management and mitigation services and can rely on a large global network of insurance experts and risk engineers.
As a company of the SEF.Growth program, you can exclusively benefit from an individual risk assessment, professional advice on managing the diverse risks your business faces and have a holistic support in all facets of insurance and sustainability needs (incl. ESG certification).
Zurich Risk Advisor
Your free self-risk-assessment tool for identifying and managing risks to your business (Link to Tool).
For more information visit our factsheet.
ESG rating and certification for your company (esg2go)
An officially approved ESG report is complex, time-consuming and expensive but of increasing importance for future-proof business models.
Zurich supports and offers you a 20% discount for the certification when acquired via the official tool (www.esg2go.org / Rabattcode: 834-TZU-844).
For more information visit our factsheet.
Comprehensive Insurance Solutions
Zurich offers customized insurance solutions across all stages of a company’s lifecycle and is able to provide expert advice on how to optimize your individual insurance situation.
Write to our specialists team with your concrete needs!
Knowledge Partner
Banking
UBS is the founding partner of the SEF.Growth initiative. Companies awarded the “SEF.Growth High Potential” label qualify for entry into our growth credit process.
Based on the SEF expert’s assessment, the companies can apply for an attractive growth loan with UBS. In the growth credit assessment we focus on future opportunities and future operational and financial prospects.
UBS can also support growth-stage companies in their fundraising efforts to find suitable equity investors.
Debt funding
UBS offers tailor-made credit financing for SEF.Growth high-potential companies. Aimed at firms with annual revenues of at least CHF 1 million and a proven strong growth trajectory, the SEF.Growth High Potential Label facilitates access to growth credit lines from UBS at attractive terms based on the SEF expert report.
Equity funding
The UBS Growth Advisory team also offers professional equity fundraising services granting access to private and institutional equity investors. Aimed at fast-growing Swiss scale-up companies with annual revenues over CHF 1 million and attractive equity stories, the offering is subject to agreement of an exclusive fundraising mandate with UBS.
Digital banking for founders
Everything you need for a good start. With our digital banking offering UBS key4 business, newly founded Swiss companies save on fees and enjoy special conditions for foreign currency payments in the first year and a free account and card. Open digitally today.
UBS key4 business marketplace
Are you looking for the best insurance offering or the smartest payment solution for your start-up? On the UBS key4 business marketplace you will find a wide range of products and services from selected UBS partners that will help you to build and run your business better.
Banking for SMEs
Your business is already up and running and you want to get smarter about administering your banking transactions or ensure that payments are received? Or are you ready to expand abroad? Get advice from our experienced advisors and product specialists.
Founding Partner
Access to the Swiss Economic Forum conference portfolio
As the organiser of various national conferences, the Swiss Economic Forum encompasses a wide range of topics and an extensive network of industry representatives. All conferences offer a limited number of presentation opportunities for selected young enterprises and SME in the form of an exclusive SEF.Growth initiative stand and as part of specific zones at the conferences.Startup Tickets for conferences
For the Startups, the Swiss Economic Forum offers the Startups a lower ticket price. While signig up, you need to upload a excerpt of the Commercial register of your canton to verify the startup conditions.
Here you find an overview of the conference portfolio.
CHF 250 for each conference (exept SEF in Interlaken)
