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For Start-ups & Companies

Take advantage of the first "for impact" network in Switzerland. The Social Impact Catalyst serves as an innovation hub for financing impact-driven startups and companies. New financing instruments integrate financial returns with social impact, offering you multiple touchpoints with investors who provide access to funding solutions as well as valuable networking opportunities.

What to Expect:

  • Tailor-made Investment Readiness Program

  • Support in setting up your (next) financing round

  • Investor matchmaking

  • Assistance throughout the deal-making process

  • Investors’ Day and final pitch to investor circle

  • Opportunity to win CHF 20'000 prize money from the ZKB Award

  • Coaching credits with industry experts

Process 2025

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Ready for scale-up / take-off?

The program consists of five modules designed to refine your growth strategies, including your business and impact models, as well as your financial planning for the upcoming financing round. The participation in the modules and the expert coaching will be tailored to the individual needs of the start-ups and companies with the aim of optimally preparing the investment proposal and the investor pitch.

The dates for the modules are:
 

  • Day 1 on Tuesday, June 3, 2025

  • Day 2 on Wednesday, June 4, 2025

  • Day 3 on Thursday, June 12, 2025  

  • Day 4 on Thursday, June 19, 2025

  • Day 5 on Thursday, June 26, 2025

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Touchpoints with Investors

Networking with potential investors is key. Your first touchpoint is the matchmaking event at the conclusion of the Investment Readiness program. The highlight are the Investors’ Day, where you will present your startup or company to investors and compete for the ZKB Award, complete with prize money.

Application requirements

FOCUS ON SOCIAL IMPACT Your company’s purpose lies in addressing a societal challenge. Through your product and / or service, you should be creating tangible value for both society and the planet. This impact can be located in the social, environmental, and/or cultural spheres, meaning your business model is closely linked to an impact model. A useful guiding question is: How does your company contribute to achieving the SDGs?

IMPACT GOALS Your intended societal impact should be clearly defined and outlined through specific impact goals, ideally supported by sound impact measurement.

The application window is closed

MVP Your product and/or service should have already been developed and (market / customer) tested. Your focus now is on scaling and professionalization.

SCALING & SUSTAINABILITY You must have a clear growth plan and be on the path to professionalization. Necessary financing models for the right developmental steps to take will be initiated within the Social Impact Catalyst.

BASED IN SWITZERLAND Your company must be headquartered in Switzerland. Although your societal impact can extend beyond national borders, companies operating in Switzerland will be given priority.

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