Swiss Deep-Tech Startups: Growing Dependence on Foreign Capital
The Swiss startup scene recorded a record year for investments in 2025. A total of 2.6 billion dollars flowed into so-called deep-tech companies working on complex technological solutions. Despite these high sums, there is a clear dependence on foreign countries.
Current data shows that 82 percent of the capital for these Swiss firms comes from abroad. While dozens of new billion-dollar companies have emerged in the USA in recent years, comparable success in Switzerland has so far been absent. Experts are observing this development with concern, as domestic capital for innovative projects is often lacking.
The shortage of Swiss investors means that many young companies are dependent on foreign backers for financing. This could have long-term consequences for Switzerland as a business location, as key technological developments and the associated jobs are increasingly dependent on decisions made outside the country.
The situation highlights the challenges for the Swiss innovation sector. In order to remain internationally competitive and foster the creation of large billion-dollar companies, discussions are now increasingly taking place in professional circles regarding new strategies for mobilizing domestic capital.