Fundraising Fox

Kickfund

Venture capital

Zurich · Pre-Seed–Seed · 8 people tracked

Find your way into Kickfund

7,352 people in our graph share verified history with the Kickfund team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.

Paul Kwanunlockedknows Wanja Humanes · together at Stanford University (overlapped)
×7knows the team · via Stanford University
×2knows the team · via INSEAD
knows the team · via UBS
knows the team · via Credit Suisse
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Investment thesis

Kickfund co-invests up to CHF 850,000 in Switzerland's most promising deep tech startups that have been awarded by the Venture Kick accelerator program. Backed by the Ernst Göhner and Gebert Rüf Foundations, it applies a systematic, pragmatic investment strategy to build a broadly diversified portfolio of high-growth companies. For founders, Kickfund provides an accelerated growth path immediately after Venture Kick, supporting two subsequent financing rounds and connecting them to a community of peers, mentors, and international investors. For investors, it offers exposure to a diversified portfolio of leading Swiss deep tech ventures backed by an experienced, hands-on team.

Source: firm website, verified Aug 7, 2026.

Stage
Pre-Seed–Seed
Check
$950K
HQ
Zurich, CH
Leads rounds
Follows
Instruments
Equity
Tracked investments
130

Team · 8 people

from the firm's website & curated & public directories
Elgar Fleisch· Board of Directors

Professor serving on Kickfund's Board of Directors.

Roger Schmid· Board of Directors

Serves on Kickfund's Board of Directors.

Thomas Sieber· Chair of the Board of Directorsin

Serves as chair of Kickfund's Board of Directors.

What they invest in

from 111 of 130 portfolio companies

Deep Tech ×42Biotech ×36Healthtech ×32AI & Machine Learning ×31Hardware ×27Cleantech ×26Medical Devices ×24Digital Health ×16

HQs:Switzerland×80Germany×2United States×1

Who they back

founder profiles across 40 portfolio companies
33%
solo founders
13 of 40 mapped founding teams
27%
repeat founders
of 51 founders with career history

Founding team size:solo founder×132 founders×133 founders×94+ founders×5

Where their founders studiedfrom 45 founders with education data

ETH Zürich ×12EPFL ×7University of Geneva ×3Berner Fachhochschule BFH ×2Columbia Business School ×2Delft University of Technology ×2Imperial College London ×2University of Sussex ×2

Where their founders worked beforefrom 51 founders with career history

ETH Zürich ×7ETH Zurich ×5EPFL ×4EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) ×4University of Zurich ×3Empa ×2McKinsey & Company ×2Stanford University ×2

23 founders hold a PhD · 2 hold an MBA (of 54 with degree data)

Investments · 130 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path
Caldrecaldre.chin✓ verified

CALDRE is a Switzerland-based biotech spin-out developing liver-directed GalNAc-siRNA therapeutics, including its claudin-3 targeting candidate ClagalsiR, to restore bile flow and prevent fibrosis.

BiotechDeep TechHealthtech

Immitra Bioimmitrabio.comin✓ verified

Immitra Bio develops an in-vivo stem cell therapy platform designed to treat rare genetic diseases, particularly severe inherited red blood cell disorders, by replacing complex transplants with single off-the-shelf treatments.

BiotechDeep TechMedical DevicesZürich, CH

Jan Nelis(CEO)in

Co-investorsOCCIDENTanother.vcBackbone VenturesVenture Kick

Procaveaprocavea.com✓ verified

Procavea Biotech develops a protein-based molecular delivery platform (nonviral protein cages) to address delivery limitations in RNA therapeutics, with applications also in medical imaging.

BiotechDeep TechHealthtechZürich, CH

Tom Edwardsonin

8inks8inks.comin

8inks develops a multilayer curtain coating process for battery electrode manufacturing, enabling layered cell architectures in a single coating line to improve energy density, cycle life, and cost.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechEnergy

Leon Baade(Founder)in

Co-investorsTeampact.venturesÜbermorgen Ventures

A Metala-metal.comin

A-metal develops and manufactures compact, affordable 3D metal printers designed to make additive manufacturing accessible to industrial companies without requiring large capital investments, specialized facilities, or expert personnel.

Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardwareNew MaterialsZurich, CH

Co-investorsSICTIC

Abologixabologix.com

Abologix is a biopharmaceutical company developing two monoclonal antibodies that target JAM-C and Olfactomedin-like protein 3 (Olfml3) for oncology indications.

BiotechHealthtechGeneva, CH

Ignacio Faus(Founder)Beat Imhof(Founder)Thomas Matthes(Founder)

Abrincaabrinca.com

Arx is a self-hosted microbial genomics platform that enables researchers to store, organize, and analyze genomic data through interactive visualization and comparative analysis tools.

AgTechAI & Machine LearningBiotechData & InfrastructureDeep TechSaaSBern, CH

Thomas Roder(Co-founder, CEO)inTom Howze(Co-founder, CCO)inLinda Studer(Co-founder, CAO)

Co-investorsVenture Kick

Activ Alactiv-al.com

A dental implant restoration provider offering single-tooth and full-arch prosthetic solutions for patients seeking functional and aesthetic implant replacements.

Deep TechHardwareHealthtechMedical DevicesNeuchâtel, CH

Adipossadiposs.comin

Adiposs develops ImageBAT, a contrast agent for medical imaging of brown fat that can identify patients at increased cancer risk and with higher treatment failure risk.

BiotechDigital HealthMedical Devices

Duc Tran(Chief Development Officer)

Co-investorsPrivilège Ventures

Aerospecaerospec.chin

Aerospec develops AIRMon, an automated instrument for real-time chemical analysis of aerosol particulate matter using FTIR technology.

CleantechClimate TechDeep TechHardwareGeneva, CH

Nikunj Dudani(CEO, Co-founder)inSatoshi Takahama(Scientific Advisor, Co-Founder)in

Akinaakina.healthin

Akina offers physiotherapy programs delivered through an AI-powered movement analysis system and personalized guidance from licensed Swiss physiotherapists.

AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtechZürich, CH

Co-investorsFreigeist Capital

Alithea Genomicsalitheagenomics.comin𝕏

Alithea Genomics develops RNA sequencing technologies and platforms that enable pharmaceutical, agritech, cosmetics, and academic teams to generate large-scale transcriptomic datasets for compound screening, crop engineering, and ingredient development.

AgTechBiotechDeep TechHealthtechLausanne, CH

Riccardo Dainese(CCO and Co-founder)inDaniel Alpern(CSO and Co-founder)in

Co-investorsNovalis Biotech

Almeralmer.comin𝕏

Almer offers the RealWear Arc 3, an assisted-reality head-mounted device with a dual-camera system, precision display, and AI-powered guided workflows for hands-free field work.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareHardware

Co-investorsVI Partners

Almer Technologies AG

Bern-based developer of augmented reality glasses for long-term wear and hands-free technical work.

Alpinasanaalpinasana.ch

Alpinasana develops foods for special medical purposes (medical nutrition products such as drink meals, ice cream, soups and baked goods) alongside an automated nutrition-tracking scanner that logs patients' food intake into hospital information systems.

Digital HealthFoodTechMedical DevicesZurich, CH

Daniel ZhangDr. Jotam BergfreundJoëlle WickartDr. Raban Iten

Altiscreenaltiscreen.com
Amporinamporin.comin

Amporin Pharmaceuticals develops small-molecule drugs targeting toxic membrane pores formed by misfolded protein oligomers to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechDeep TechBasel, CH

Kelvin Stott(CEO and Cofounder)inHervé Schaffhauser(CSO and Cofounder)inDaniel Umbricht(CMO and Cofounder)in

Amporin Pharmaceuticals AG

Basel biotech developing small-molecule drugs to protect and repair cell membranes in degenerative diseases.

Antefilantefil.comin𝕏

Antefil develops hybrid fibres — glass reinforcement fibres individually coated with a meltable, recyclable plastic — used to produce lightweight composites for energy-efficient structures.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechNew Materials

Co-investorsSerpentine Ventures

askEarthask.earthin𝕏

askEarth builds an AI-native geospatial intelligence agent that translates complex satellite and location data into actionable insights for energy, insurance, and government organizations.

AI & Machine LearningClimate TechData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareSpace TechZurich, CH

Co-investors42CAP

Astra Therapeuticsastratherapeutics.com

Drug development company creating species-specific tubulin inhibitors (Parabulins) for parasitic diseases.

Co-investorsCompanion Fund

Atlasvratlasvr.chin

AtlasVR builds virtual reality training modules for industrial programs such as automotive, high-voltage, construction and work-safety, modeling a company's real equipment and workflows onto pre-configured VR headsets.

EdTechFuture of WorkHardware

Valentin Holzwarthin

Atlypheatlyphe.com

Zürich biotech developing targeted immunotherapy (ALY117) for stem cell transplantation and cancer.

Augury Medical GmbH

Biel medtech developing Pace Locator, a noninvasive 3D cardiac electrical signal visualization device.

Aukera Therapeutics GmbHaukera-tx.comin

Aukera Therapeutics is a preclinical-stage biotech company, spun out of the University of Basel's Biozentrum, developing the first RAPTOR inhibitors to treat mTORC1-related diseases.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechDeep TechBasel, CH

Stefan Thomas Imseng(Managing Director)

Azurecellazurecell.coin

Azurecell is an early-stage company focused on restoring neural function, with no further product or service details disclosed on the page.

BiotechHealthtech

Baxivabaxiva.com

Baxiva is a biotechnology startup developing glycoconjugate vaccines to prevent bacterial infections with high clinical burden and antimicrobial resistance.

BiotechHealthtech

Bewebewe.comin

Bewe develops neurocognitive interventions delivered through video games to help users modify unhealthy habits and build better lifestyle choices.

AI & Machine LearningConsumerDigital HealthHealthtechWellness & FitnessFribourg, CH

Frédérik Plourde(CEO, Co-founder)inLucas Spierer(CSO, Co-founder)in

Bioscibexbioscibex.comin

Bioscibex develops SW1NGO, a single-use system that automates the seed train in biologics manufacturing by scaling directly from 30 mL up to 30 L in one step, eliminating manual cell passaging and reducing contamination risks.

BiotechHardwareHealthtechMonthey, CH

Chloé Albietz(Founder)in

Biosimo Chemicalsbiosimo-chemicals.comin

Biosimo produces bio-based platform chemicals — with bio-acetic acid as its flagship, plus acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, and bio-VAM — by converting bioethanol using a proprietary heterogeneous catalyst in a single continuous fixed-bed reactor step.

Circular EconomyCleantechNew MaterialsZurich, CH

Dr. Sotiria Mostrou(Founder)in

Co-investorsÜbermorgen Ventures

Bipedbiped.ai

Co-investorsSICTIC

Biped Robotics SA

Developed an AI-powered navigation harness with 3D cameras for blind and visually impaired individuals.

BLEEDnFIRE Therapeuticsbleednfire-tx.com

A biotech company focused on hemostasis and RNA therapeutics, with expertise across translational science, manufacturing, and commercialization.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechMedical Devices

Dr. Raja Prince-Eladnani(Chief Science Officer, Founder & Board Member)Dr. Remo Gamboni(Head of CMC and Founder)Prof. Anne Angelillo-Scherrer(Founder)Zaki Sellam(Executive Chairman and Founder)

Boroboticsborobotics.chinJan 2025

Borobotics develops an autonomous bore-robot called "Grabowski" for drilling, aimed at accelerating the energy transition.

CleantechEnergyRobotics

Hans-Jörg Dennig(Co-founder)Philipp GanzinMoritz Pillin

Co-investorsUnderground VenturesEmissions Reduction AlbertaVenture Kick

Bottneurobottneuro.ch

Bottneuro develops MIAMIND, an electrical neurostimulation device for treating early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

BiotechHealthtechMedical Devices

Co-investorsZühlke Ventures

BTRYbtry.chin

BTRY develops solid-state battery technology designed to charge in one minute, extending electrification to applications previously limited by energy storage constraints.

Advanced ManufacturingCleantechDeep TechEnergyHardwareNew MaterialsZurich, CH

Co-investorsBerliner Volksbank VenturesRedstoneTane Fund

Carewellcarewell.ch

Carewell provides digital staffing solutions for healthcare facilities and professionals, addressing labor shortages and enabling flexible work arrangements in the healthcare sector.

Future of WorkHealthtechHR TechMarketplacesSaaSSwitzerland, CH

Co-investorsStartAngels Network

Cellxcellx.ch

CellX Biosolutions develops a biological method that uses bacteria to break down PFAS ("forever chemicals"), positioned as an alternative to conventional disposal methods.

BiotechCleantechClimate Tech

Co-investorsPositron Ventures

CellX Biosolutions AG

Zürich startup developing bacteria-based solutions to degrade industrial chemical pollutants.

Clee Medicalcleemedical.comin

Clee Medical develops a real-time intraoperative brain imaging platform called Neuro to support neurosurgical procedures.

Deep TechHealthtechMedical Devices

Co-investorsCreative Destruction Lab (CDL)

Compagoscompagos.chin

CompagOs develops Bon3OID, a biohardware platform that combines 3D bioprinted bone-like tissue constructs with hardware for controlled mechanical loading to produce functional readouts of bone remodeling.

BiotechHardwareMedical DevicesZurich, CH

Condenzerocondenzero.comin

CondenZero develops cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) equipment and sample holders for researchers, specializing in liquid helium-cooled systems that achieve ultra-low temperatures with thermal stability and rapid temperature cycling.

Deep TechHardwareNew MaterialsQuantum ComputingZurich, CH

Dr. Denys Sutter(CEO, co-founder)Dominik Biscette(CTO, co-founder)in

Correnticscorrentics.comin𝕏

Correntics provides data-driven climate risk analytics software that predicts extreme weather and climate hazards across value chains, helping global enterprises identify supply chain weak points, mitigate business interruption risks, and automate climate and sustainability reporting such as TCFD.

AI & Machine LearningClimate TechSaaSZürich, CH

Michael Gloor(Cofounder & CEO)inGaudenz Halter(Cofounder & CTO)in

Co-investorsSerpentine VenturesSICTIC

Cosaiccosaic.bioin

Cosaic develops ingredient solutions to create resilient food systems that align with consumer preferences.

AgTechBiotechFoodTechNew Materials

Dimitri Zogg(Co-Founder & CTO)inTomas Turner(Co-Founder & CEO)in

Co-investorsNavus Ventures

Cowa Thermal Solutions AG

Develops phase-change-material thermal energy storage (COMPACT Cells) for heating and cooling systems.

Co-investorsStartAngels Network

Cowa Tscowa-ts.comin

Cowa develops compact thermal energy storage systems using phase change materials (PCM) based on salt hydrates, designed to connect with heat pumps and photovoltaic systems for home heating.

CleantechClimate TechEnergy

Jan Allemann(Chief Executive Officer (CEO))inSimon Maranda(Chief Technology Officer (CTO))inRemo Waser(Chief Commercial Officer (CCO))in

Co-investorsStartAngels Network

Cultivatedcultivated.bioin

Cultivated develops Cosaic Neo, a multipurpose food ingredient that combines texture, nutrition, and clean-label properties for beverage and food manufacturers.

BiotechFoodTech

Co-investorsBlue Horizon CorporationSustainable Food VenturesAgronomicsBig Idea VenturesInvest-NL

Customsurgcustomsurg.comin

CustomSurg develops digital solutions for orthopaedic trauma surgery, combining clinical expertise with data science and advanced technology.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechDigital HealthMedical Devices

Valentin Splett(Co-Founder & CEO)inArvind von Keudell(Co-Founder & CMO)inThomas Zumbrunn(Co-Founder & Chairman)in

CustomSurg AG

Zurich company developing AI-powered personalized surgical planning and patient-specific implants for orthopedics.

Cyclowattcyclowatt.ch
Daavdaav.chin

DAAV builds an AI-enabled autonomous robotic wheelchair (DAAV-air) that navigates crowded airport environments to transport passengers with reduced mobility.

AI & Machine LearningMobility & TransportationRobotics

Co-investorsSpicehaus Partners

Deeppsydeeppsy.io

DeepPsy analyzes patients' EEG and ECG recordings to produce clinical reports that help psychiatrists plan and compare depression treatments, such as choosing between SSRI/SNRI medications or stimulation protocols.

AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthMental Health

DeepPsy AG

Zurich precision psychiatry startup using EEG/ECG analysis to predict psychiatric treatment responses.

Dphispacedphispace.comin𝕏

DphiSpace operates OmniSat, shared satellite platforms with onboard compute servers that host third-party hardware sensor payloads and run software workloads in orbit.

Deep TechHardwareSpace Tech

eightinks

Patented multi-layer curtain coating platform for battery manufacturers and OEMs.

EM Pathempath.chin

EM Path provides radio frequency testing solutions for antenna and wireless system developers across consumer electronics, automotive, satellite, and radio telescope applications.

Deep TechHardware

Embodied AIembodiedai.chin

Embodied AI develops automation technology intended to handle repetitive physical work and augment the human workforce.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechRobotics

Francesco Stella(Founder)in

Co-investorsYAR VenturesHuawei

Eviiveeviive.chin

A company that developed a proprietary platform for single-cell immune profiling from small plasma volumes to enable non-invasive diagnostics.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechDeep TechDigital HealthMedical DevicesZurich, CH

Fainitefainite.comin

Fainite offers a physics-based AI platform that accelerates and automates engineering simulation workflows, allowing engineering teams to run predictions in seconds and set up new simulations from limited Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) datasets.

AI & Machine LearningDeep TechSaaS

Fimmcytefimmcyte.comin

FimmCyte develops targeted immunotherapies for fibro-inflammatory diseases, with a focus on conditions like endometriosis affecting women.

BiotechDigital HealthFemTechHealthtechBasel, CH

Mohaned Shilaih(PhD, CEO)inValentina Vongrad(PhD, CSO)inMaureen Cronin(MD-PhD, CMO)in

BoardMarkus Kalousek(PhD, Chair)

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has Kickfund made?
Kickfund has 110 tracked investments, including 2 dated in the last 24 months.
What stage does Kickfund invest at?
Kickfund invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
What is Kickfund's typical check size?
Kickfund typically writes checks of $950K.
What sectors does Kickfund focus on?
Kickfund focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Biotech, Cleantech, Deep Tech, Energy, Hardware, Healthtech, Medical Devices, Robotics.
Where is Kickfund located?
Kickfund is headquartered in Zurich, CH.
Does Kickfund lead rounds?
Kickfund typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
Who does Kickfund co-invest with?
Kickfund most often shares deals with SICTIC, StartAngels Network, Serpentine Ventures, among 33 tracked co-investors.

Images

Kickfund photo

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