🦊/Investors

Kickstart Innovation

Accelerator

Zurich · Pre-Seed–Seed · 3 people tracked

Find your way into Kickstart Innovation

484 people in our graph share verified history with the Kickstart Innovation team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.

Luke Bugbeeunlockedknows Fritz Seidel · together at Udacity (overlapped)
×4knows the team · via Udacity
×2knows the team · via University of Zurich
knows the team · via Design Terminal
×3knows the team · via Jagiellonian University
knows the team · via Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
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Investment thesis

Kickstart operates as a launchpad for Swiss startups and a landing pad for international scale-ups seeking business opportunities in Switzerland and beyond. It matches carefully selected startups with corporate and public-sector partners to test scalability and impact through proofs of concept and commercial partnerships, building startup credibility via a track record of collaboration. A spin-off of Impact Hub Zurich, it increasingly emphasizes sustainability and circular-economy solutions, using the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a guiding framework when devising pilots, projects, and investments alongside partners.

Source: firm website, verified Aug 27, 2026.

Stage
Pre-Seed–Seed
HQ
Zurich, CH
Founded
2016
Portfolio companies
319
Unicorns
1
Acquisitions
2

Team · 3 people

from the firm's website

Founder mafia

4 people who came through Kickstart Innovation went on to found or lead other companies.

What they invest in

from 261 of 319 portfolio companies

AI & Machine Learning ×118SaaS ×91Enterprise Software ×79Healthtech ×39Data & Infrastructure ×38Fintech ×34Digital Health ×33Climate Tech ×31

HQs:Switzerland×70Germany×24United States×15France×9Sweden×8United Kingdom×7

Who they back

founder profiles across 142 portfolio companies
58%
solo founders
82 of 142 mapped founding teams
40%
repeat founders
of 182 founders with career history

Founding team size:solo founder×822 founders×383 founders×194+ founders×3

Where their founders studiedfrom 172 founders with education data

University of St.Gallen ×11ETH Zürich ×10EPFL ×8University of Zurich ×8Technical University of Munich ×5University of Cambridge ×5CEMS - The Global Alliance in Management Education ×3Grenoble Ecole de Management ×3

What their founders studiedfrom 169 founders with field-of-study data

Business & Management ×47Computer Science ×39Engineering ×37Economics ×18Life Sciences ×12Finance & Accounting ×9Physics ×9Humanities ×7

Where their founders worked beforefrom 182 founders with career history

McKinsey & Company ×7Credit Suisse ×4ETH Zurich ×4ETH Zürich ×4Bragi ×3Ey ×3Goldman Sachs ×3Jpmorganchase ×3

Accelerator rootsportfolio companies that came through a program

Techstars ×5Y Combinator ×5Entrepreneur First ×3

38 founders hold a PhD · 17 hold an MBA (of 176 with degree data)

Portfolio companies · 319 tracked

alumni founders can tell you what the program is really like

By year:2023 · 12022 · 12020 · 12019 · 25 dated

AAAccellaaaccell.chin𝕏

HedgePilot provides AI-powered currency risk management and hedging solutions for companies, asset managers, banks, and overlay managers using machine learning to optimize foreign exchange position management and forward contracts.

AI & Machine LearningFintech

Co-investorsSICTIC

acodisacodis.ioin

Acodis provides AI-powered document automation and data extraction for quality and compliance teams, primarily in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and life sciences.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareLegalTechSaaS

Co-investorsSerpentine VenturesSICTICVI Partners

Ai Paletteaipalette.comin𝕏

Ai Palette is an AI-powered consumer insights platform for CPG brands, using billions of data points from search, social, and e-retail sources to identify trends and generate product and marketing concepts.

AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureLogistics & Supply ChainMarketing TechMedia & EntertainmentRetail TechSaaSSingapore, SG

Som GanChoudhuri(CEO)inHimanshu Upreti(Cofounder)inSOMSUBHRA CHOUDHURI

Co-investors500 GlobalAgFunderEntrepreneur FirstExfinity VenturesSGInnovateTin Men Capital+2 more

Aidonicaidonic.io

AIDONIC provides digital tools for NGOs, UN agencies, and government bodies to manage fundraising, aid delivery, and donor transparency using blockchain, AI, and digital payments.

AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthFintechGovTechImpact & Social GoodZug, CH

Severiyos Gabriel(Founder and CEO)

Co-investorsSICTIC

AirBieairbie.io𝕏

AirBie produces smart bike locks with GPS and connectivity features, along with a mobile app and analytics software for bike sharing operators and city planners.

HardwareIoTMobility & Transportation

Christian Raemy(CEO and co-founder)

Aixaiamaixa.comin
Akenzaakenza.ioin𝕏

Akenza is an IoT data platform that centralizes and standardizes building data from diverse sources, enabling facility managers and building operators to derive actionable insights and power smart building applications.

Cloud ComputingEnterprise SoftwareIoTPropTechSaaS

Jonas Schmid(Co-CEO, VP Sales)inSimon Rieser(Co-CEO, VP Product)inSascha Smolokovski(Co-Founder)in

AllianceBlockallianceblock.ioin𝕏

Nexera Chain provides modular blockchain infrastructure for compliance, tokenization, and standardization across multiple networks.

Crypto & Web3

I.N. Amber Ghaddar , PhD(Founder)in

AllyWellallywell.de

AllyTime provides digital mental health support services combining psychological counseling with technology, targeting families and individuals seeking accessible mental health guidance.

AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtechMental HealthBerlin, DE

Almanaxalmanax.ai

San Francisco, US

Maxwell Watson(Founder)

Altooaltoo.ioin𝕏

Altoo provides a wealth management platform that allows affluent individuals and families to consolidate, track, and manage their financial assets and investments in one place.

FintechSaaSBaar, CH

AMP ITamp-it.ch

Florian Mounayer(Founder)

Ampliphiampliphi.ioin

ClimeCo helps organizations reduce, avoid, or remove CO2 emissions through decarbonization solutions and environmental projects.

Climate Tech

APIAXapiax.comin𝕏

Apiax provides AI-powered compliance software that helps financial institutions automate regulatory requirements across marketing, sales, client relationship management, and trading operations.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFintech

Ralf Huber(Founder)in

Co-investorsFutury CapitalSICTICXAngeDIventures

AquaCultured Foodsaquaculturedfoods.comin

Creates whole-muscle cut seafood alternatives including calamari, shrimp, scallops, and tuna.

Chicago, US

Anne Palermo(Executive Officer, Director)Brittany Chibe(Executive Officer, Director)

BoardJohnny Ream(Director)in

Co-investorsService Provider CapitalStray Dog CapitalSustainable Food VenturesAera VCBig Idea VenturesHyde Park Angels+1 more

Area 9area9lyceum.comin𝕏

Area9 develops adaptive learning technology and platforms that personalize educational content for individual learners across healthcare, corporate training, and academic sectors.

AI & Machine LearningEdTechEnterprise SoftwareHealthtechSaaS

Ulrik Juul ChristenseninKhurram Jamil(President - Global Markets)in

Co-investorsLEGO Ventures

AssetFloowassetfloow.com

AssetFloow develops operational AI agents that combine predictive models with large language models to optimize delivery, inventory management, and demand forecasting across logistics, retail, and finance sectors.

AI & Machine LearningLogistics & Supply ChainSaaS

Asteriaasteria.aiin

Asteria develops AI-driven cash flow management solutions for businesses and financial institutions, using real-time data and advanced forecasting to help companies predict liquidity challenges and optimize financial operations.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFintechSaaSStockholm, SE

Anders Nordkvist(CEO)inSixten Grevesmühl(CTO)in

Atlas Metricsatlasmetrics.ioinAcquired

Atlas Metrics provides an AI-powered platform that combines non-financial data from multiple sources to help financial institutions manage ESG, climate, and financial risks while automating regulatory reporting and compliance.

AI & Machine LearningClimate TechDeveloper ToolsFintechLondon, GB

Robert Stojnic(CEO)inRoss Taylor(CTO)in

Co-investorsb2ventureBerliner Volksbank VenturesCherry VenturesCreative Destruction Lab (CDL)Entrepreneur FirstRedstone+1 more

Atparatpar.ioin𝕏

Atpar provides mechanism design, simulation, and implementation services for decentralized finance protocols on Ethereum, helping teams build and validate complex DeFi mechanisms.

Crypto & Web3Fintech

Co-investorsBlockrocket

atworkatwork.aiin

atwork is a B2B SaaS platform that turns employee feedback into measurable business outcomes, using proprietary people analytics and AI to help HR teams quantify the ROI of HR initiatives on business KPIs.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareHealthtechHR TechSaaSZurich, CH

Auriginaurigin.aiin𝕏

Aurigin provides real-time deepfake detection for voice biometric systems and communication platforms, identifying synthetic, cloned, and AI-generated audio with 98%+ accuracy.

AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityDeep Tech

Luzi Sennhauser(Founder)inSimon Thomé(Founder)in

Avuxiavuxi.comin𝕏

AVUXI provides location context and mapping products for accommodation booking websites to enhance user experience and increase conversions.

B2B MarketplacesData & InfrastructureMarketing TechPropTechSaaSTravel & Hospitality

Co-investorsOpen Data Incubator for Europe (ODINE)

B'ZEOSbzeos.comin

B'ZEOS produces seaweed-based polymer pellets designed as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics for packaging applications.

Advanced ManufacturingCircular EconomyCleantechNew MaterialsNorway, NO

Co-investorsFaber

Bergfalke GmbHalpengummi.at

Alpen Gummi manufactures chewing gums made from natural, renewable materials as an alternative to conventional plastic-based gum products.

Circular EconomyConsumerVienna, AT

Billogrambillogram.comin

Billogram orchestrates payment flows and invoice management for businesses, helping reduce collection issues and support digital payment processes.

Fintech

Co-investorsCNIPartech VenturesInbox CapitalSwisscom Ventures

Biosenssens.bioin

Sens.bio manufactures a portable device for on-site detection of mycotoxins in grains and animal feed using a test cartridge and mobile app data analysis.

AgTechBiotechHardwareKyiv, UA

Katerina Zvierieva(CEO)inAndrii Karpiuk(COO)inDenis Galamaga(CTO)inOlexandr Hudz(CIO)in

BlockDoxblockdox.comin𝕏

Blockdox provides an AI-powered insight engine for building operations that monitors indoor air quality, energy consumption, occupancy, and facility performance.

AI & Machine LearningClimate TechPropTech

Co-investorsSeedrs

Blockoblocko.io𝕏

Blocko is a blockchain managed service provider offering consulting, solution development, and infrastructure services to enterprises pursuing Web3 digital transformation.

Crypto & Web3Data & InfrastructureDeveloper ToolsEnterprise SoftwareSeoul, KR

BOOKR Kidsbookrkids.comin𝕏

BOOKR Kids develops an interactive digital reading app for children that combines stories with animation, narration, and educational games to encourage literacy.

ConsumerEdTechMedia & Entertainment

Dorka Horváth(CEO, Co-Founder)inDani Karányi(Co-Founder)in

Co-investors3TS Capital Partners

Boomerang Ideasboomerangideas.comin

Boomerang Ideas provides market research and consumer intelligence through a platform combining AI and social media sampling.

AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureMarketing TechZürich, CH

Raphael Ueberwasser(Founder)in

Co-investorsSICTIC

BOTAbotasys.comin𝕏

Bota Systems develops force and torque sensing solutions for robotic systems, enabling robots to safely interact with the physical world through tactile feedback.

Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningHardwareRoboticsZurich, CH

Klajd LikainIlias PatsiaourasinMarco Hutterin

Co-investorsMarathon Venture Capital

Braindatebraindate.comin

Braindate is event technology that lets conference participants post discussion topics and book 1:1 or group conversations, with dashboards and analytics for organizers to track engagement and connections.

Enterprise SoftwareSaaSSocial

Alexandre Spaeth(Founder)in

BrainE4braine4.comin

BrainE4 develops technology that surfaces hidden insights and decision-making intelligence within organizations by collecting and analyzing information that traditional surveys and hierarchical structures miss.

AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareMarketing TechSaaSZürich, CH

Andreas Seonbuchner(CEO & Partner)inDavid Graf(Partner)inJoël Arnold(Partner)inProf. Dr. Lin M. Himmelmann(Partner)Prof. Dr. Christoph Strauss(Partner)

Braivebraive.com

Braive is a digital mental health platform that combines AI-driven screening and clinical oversight to enable psychologists to treat more patients with outcomes comparable to specialist care.

AI & Machine LearningDigital HealthHealthtechMental HealthOslo, NO

Henrik Haaland Jahren(Co-Founder, Chief Psychologist)inHermine Bonde Jahren(Co-Founder, CEO)in

BoardJonathan Forster(Chairman of the Board)

Co-investorsNorthzone

Bsurancebsurance.comin𝕏

bsurance provides a no-code platform enabling insurers, MGAs, banks, and brands to launch and manage insurance products quickly and efficiently.

Enterprise SoftwareInsurTechSaaS

Build38 GmbHbuild38.comin𝕏acquired by OneSpan

Build38, acquired by OneSpan, provides AI-powered runtime and at-rest protection for mobile banking applications, defending against tampering, hooking, repackaging, and API abuse.

AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityFintechSaaS

Co-investorsCriteria Venture TecheCAPITAL ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSG+D Ventures

Builtrixbuiltrix.techin𝕏

Builtrix provides a platform for real estate and sustainability teams to automatically collect and analyze energy, water, and emissions data from buildings, enabling ESG reporting compliance and identification of operational inefficiencies.

AI & Machine LearningCleantechClimate TechEnterprise SoftwareIoTPropTechSaaS

Calvin Riskcalvin-risk.comin

Calvin Risk develops AI solutions that enable trustworthy, aligned artificial intelligence for enterprises.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFintechSaaSZurich, CH

Co-investorsb2ventureFounders FactorySeed+SpeedJoin Capital

Cambridge Sparkcambridgespark.comin𝕏

EDUKATE.AI is an AI-powered learning platform that accelerates data science and AI skills development through real-world projects, instant AI feedback, and tracking of workplace applications.

AI & Machine LearningDeveloper ToolsEdTechEnterprise SoftwareCambridge, GB

Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma(Founder & Group CEO)in

Canveogetcanveo.comin𝕏

Canveo provides software solutions for B2B contracting, focusing on addressing specific pain points in contract management and operations.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareLegalTechSaaS

Circly GmbHcircly.atin

Circly provides automated ordering recommendations for procurement teams in food and beverage retail and wholesale companies using machine learning to forecast demand and optimize inventory planning.

AI & Machine LearningSaaS

Maximilian Reiter(Founder)in

City Falconcityfalcon.comFeb 2019

CityFALCON aggregates global financial news, filings, investor relations documents, price data, and insider transactions into one platform, applying NLP for sentiment scoring, relevance ranking, and summarisation.

AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureFintech

Ruzbeh Bacha(Founder and CEO)

Claraclarafinds.com

Clara builds machine learning tools for enterprise users to automatically categorize companies, extract relationship information from news articles, and score companies based on collected data.

AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareSaaS

Co-investorsBBVA SPARKCiti VenturesCovaltoGeneral CatalystIFCInternational Finance Corporation+1 more

Cleverclever.carein𝕏

Clever.Care builds the Clever.Care Coordinator, a messenger-style communication and coordination platform for home care providers, their clients, relatives, and third-party providers such as pharmacies and physicians.

Digital HealthHealthtechSaaSBasel, CH

Andres Rapp(Co-Founder)in

Co-investorsBessemer Venture PartnersBoson VenturesCrossFundCultivation CapitalFloodgateGV (Google Ventures)+4 more

CodeAllcodeall.funin𝕏

CodeAll is an AI-powered platform for learning programming through an interactive chatbot and physical sensors that allow users to build smart home projects and automate real-world objects.

AI & Machine LearningEdTechIoT

Cogniciancognician.comin𝕏

Cognician is a learning and behavior change platform that uses personalized, learner-centered approaches and mental models to make learning more effective.

AI & Machine LearningEdTechEnterprise SoftwareFuture of WorkHR TechSaaS

Barry Kayton(CEO (USA))inPatrick Kayton(CEO (UK))inRobert Stuttafordin

Cognitiwecognitiwe.aiin𝕏

Cognitiwe is an industrial computer vision company that builds a predictive Vision AI platform converting video and images into data to improve operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningRetail TechTallinn, EE

Attila Algan(Founder)inMete Bayrakin

Co-investorsDOMiNO VenturesMetis VenturesTechOne Venture Capital

ContractVaultdociq.io

DocIQ (Contract Vault GmbH) builds document intelligence software for legal and enterprise use, including contract analysis, Word-native tracked changes, legal research, AI playbooks, and court document anonymization.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareLegalTechSaaSZurich, CH

Coorpacademycoorpacademy.comin𝕏

Go1 is an e-learning aggregation platform that provides digital learning content and integrates with existing learning management systems and HR tools for corporate training needs.

EdTechEnterprise SoftwareSaaS

Jean-Marc Tassetto(Founder)in

Co-investorsSerenaAirTree VenturesBlue Cloud VenturesFive SigmaMadrona Venture GroupSalesforce Ventures+1 more

Cordcord.comin𝕏

Cord builds embedded collaboration features that software companies can add to their own products.

Ben Henley(Founder)in

Co-investorsIndex VenturesLerer HippeauNFXStride VC

Cthingscthings.coin

CTHINGS.CO provides an IoT enablement platform designed for remote maintenance and edge computing solutions, serving manufacturing, energy, smart infrastructure, and retail industries.

Advanced ManufacturingAI & Machine LearningCloud ComputingData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareHardwareIoT

Cyber Evolutionlecs.ioin

LECS provides network detection and response (NDR) technology that adds internal network visibility to security operations centers, using AI-driven real-time anomaly detection and automated response capabilities.

AI & Machine LearningCybersecurityEnterprise SoftwareIoTItaly, IT

CyLockcylock.techin

CyLock is an Italian cybersecurity company specializing in vulnerability assessment, with a patented software called EVA that uses in-house AI to detect vulnerabilities in corporate systems while reducing assessment time.

AI & Machine LearningCybersecuritySaaS

Co-investorsLazio InnovaStartup Wise GuysLVenture GroupScientifica Venture Capital

Datacticsdatactics.comin𝕏

Datactics provides data quality and matching capabilities through a cloud-enabled platform designed for master data management and digital transformation programmes.

AI & Machine LearningData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareFintechGovTechSaaSBelfast, GB

Co-investorsClarendon Fund Managers Ltd.Thule InvestmentsKernel Capital

DCbraindcbrain.comin𝕏

DCbrain provides AI-powered dynamic transport planning software for logistics and supply chain optimization.

AI & Machine LearningClimate TechLogistics & Supply ChainParis, FR

Arnaud de Moissac(Founder)in

Co-investorsAster CapitalEIT InnoEnergyStatkraft Ventures

decentriqdecentriq.comin𝕏

Decentriq provides a data clean room platform that enables advertisers and brands to activate first-party data, conduct audience targeting, and measure campaign performance in a privacy-compliant environment without relying on third-party cookies.

AdTechData & InfrastructureEnterprise SoftwareZurich, CH

Maximilian GrothinStefan Demlin

Deep Longevitydeeplongevity.comin𝕏

Deep Longevity develops AI-powered aging clocks and health analytics tools that estimate biological age and predict long-term health risks using multi-omics data.

AI & Machine LearningBiotechHealthtechLongevitySaaS

Alex Zhavoronkov(Chief Longevity Advisor)inJamie Alexander Gibson(Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer)Deepankar Nayak(CEO)in

Co-investorsBold Capital PartnersLongeVC

Differdiffer.chatin

Differ is an online platform with web, mobile, and desktop applications operated by EdTech Foundry AS that lets users create, post, and share content and messages with other users.

EdTechSaaSSocialOslo, NO

Other

Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.

Ada GrowthAdvaisor (ETH Zürich)Advection EngineeringAlverAnnanowBeON EnergyBessoBreeze TechnologiesBRüSLiCyberangelsCybero (la Mobilière)CyNationCysecDalouDrofieEdorbleEnigmediaEntocubeFiveDegreesHexagroInvaioMaracells (CSEM)miaMiiCaremyAllergymyEGONice FillerNivauraNordic UmamiOLIQ (Migros)

Browse all 319 investments with full details →

119 more tracked companies

Pelt8Perfect MemoryPerxPIPRA AGPlant JammerPlanted FoodsPlasticFriPlaynVoicePlexigridPlumeryPosidoniaPostFinancePotentialPrefletPremiumPriceHubblePro AidantsProject RosieProSeedPurcellPURESPACEQuandifyQuantActionsQuSecureRaized.AI (Swisscom)RasaratyngREBEL MEATRegimenRementeReportixriskineRiskwolfroofSecRUNWITHIT SyntheticsSavvi HRScholéScooditSelfapySeppoShare.PSharing AcademyShaypShowzoneSilathaSkyHiveSolar GapsSolskinSoobrSpark HorizonSpearfish CorporationSpixiiState of PlaceStaticeSunDataSUPASOSuperLikersSureifySurflySwissDeCodeSympowerTaskbaseTaste of KenyaTaxDoneTEACHYTealeThe Backyard of Algae SciencesThe Climate ChoiceThermosphrThryveTickeyTide OceanTigerLabtilbago AGTime is Ltd.TIMIFYTOM Medicationstooyoo (la Mobilière)TOTEMITraktiTraverse HealthTrustRelayTypewiseuHooUMushroom AGUniqueUnivrsesUnsupervisedUpgrainUpskillUPTO (AXA)UrbanisticUrbioUzuflyVayVeezoo AGVianova SASvibooVirtuosisViva la FabaVivoSensMedical GmbHVlotWattAnyWhereWeProovWequityWeShop AIweThinkWorkwolfWriteReaderWyrdXM CyberXUND SolutionYarok MicrobioYDataYoordiYUKKA LabZephrZick LearnZOA

Exits · 2

2 acquisitions · showing 1

Build38 GmbHacq. by OneSpan

Portfolio news

latest coverage across their companies

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has Kickstart Innovation made?
Kickstart Innovation has 319 tracked investments, 2 of which have exited.
What stage does Kickstart Innovation invest at?
Kickstart Innovation invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
What sectors does Kickstart Innovation focus on?
Kickstart Innovation focuses on Circular Economy, Cybersecurity, EdTech, Fintech, FoodTech, Future of Work, Healthtech, Impact & Social Good, InsurTech, PropTech, Retail Tech, Sector Agnostic, Wellness & Fitness.
Where is Kickstart Innovation located?
Kickstart Innovation is headquartered in Zurich, CH.
Who does Kickstart Innovation co-invest with?
Kickstart Innovation most often shares deals with SICTIC, Techstars, Y Combinator, among 236 tracked co-investors.

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