In the News

Business Angels

“Business angels”, a term applied to individuals who back companies with their own cash for a limited period, are coming to the rescue of start-up companies across Switzerland, providing crucial funds and expertise.

While the number of these private investors is growing, women are still underrepresented in the ranks. A research paper published by Martin Riffelmacher of the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich in 2006 estimated that just five percent of Swiss angels were women.

At a seminar in Zurich high-flying businesswomen were encouraged to become involved in early-stage investment, sharing their money, knowledge and experience with those still trying to get off the ground. The sums provided are usually quite modest. In Switzerland, most investors contribute no more than 250.000 CHF per year.