The startup landscape remains demanding, with company liquidations reaching record highs in the first half of 2025. New statistics reveal that company closures have reached unprecedented levels this year. The tough environment has forced many ventures to shut down, but the story is far from bleak for those that remain are showing remarkable persistence. Female founders, in particular, are demonstrating strength, attracting investment and scaling ventures in sectors as diverse as healthtech, AI, and digital platforms.
One of the largest financing rounds of the year came from Nuclidium, which raised CHF 79 million to advance its copper-based radiopharmaceutical platform for cancer treatment. Led by Leila Jaafar-Thiel, the startup is developing next-generation copper-based radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Astra Biotech, co-led by Natacha Gaillard, secured CHF 7.7 million in seed funding to push forward its parasite control technologies while Baxiva, which is developing multivalent glycoconjugate vaccine to prevent extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) infections, received a USD 3 million grant from CARB-X to accelerate its development of antibacterial vaccines. Femtech continues to gain traction as well. Scanvio, a startup focused on endometriosis diagnostics, closed a CHF 3.4 million round, strengthening its position in a field that has long been underserved.
In the AI and SaaS space, Logmind, founded by Ketevani Zaridze, secured a new round of funding to expand its team and accelerate product development of its AI-driven log and alert intelligence solution, which enables IT teams to identify and resolve operational issues before they affect business performance.
The Swiss edition of Die Höhle der Löwen also offers a valuable stage for female investors and founders to meet. This season features Bettina Hein, Nicole Büttner and Anja Graf among the investors. In its first broadcast, Andrea Limacher, co-CEO of Tasty Spready, may not have secured investment, but she received mentorship that is already helping her refine her business model. She and her team develop and commercialize fruit spreads called „Gofitüre“, which feature 50% less sugar than traditional jams and include 25% vegetables, providing a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. The second episode featured Martina Hammer, who impressed the jury with her vegan “Feel Good” Condoms. Her pitch led to a CHF 80,000 equity investment and an additional CHF 100,000 loan from Amorana co-founder Lukas Speiser.
Key milestones propel startup growth
Several female-led startups are pushing ahead with ambitious expansion plans. An example is Enerdrape, which is setting the pace in the United States. The compans has secured a flagship project with Chicago’s Millennium Parking Garages, the largest underground public parking facility in North America. With growing demand in cities such as New York, the EPFL spin-off is positioning itself as a leader in urban energy solutions. Fashion gaming innovation is also gaining ground as Fashion League, created by Finfin Play AG, is gearing up for the launch of its 3D fashion gaming platform. Founded by Theresia B, the platform merges the worlds of gaming, self-expression, and real-world fashion partnerships.
In the healthtech space, Momm Diagnostics has been in the global spotlight, gaining attention for their rapid, highly sensitive blood test designed to detect preeclampsia early in pregnancy using a simple fingerstick sample and a compact reader, enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses during routine checkups. Meanwhile, Pilatus Biotech is preparing to move into first-in-human trials, thanks to a key partnership with pharma giant, Roche.
Other promising ventures that have taken off strongly, include Schichtmatch, a job-matching platform and House of Influence, an influence marketing consulting agency founded by Tanja Herrmann. Habiba Alami of HappyPot is reshaping the way people organize group gifts and fundraisers. Since its launch, over 2,000 “pots” have been created, raising more than CHF 1 million. And, vVardis continues its growth trajectory with its drill-free solutions to treat tooth decay at an early stage. Alone in the United States, the company has treated more than one million teeth since 2024.
Awards and honors
The past two months have also been marked by awards and accelerator programs that spotlight female entrepreneurs. DayOne Accelerator announced its latest cohort, including female led companies, Navis Bio, Virtuosis, and Areltys. From ETH Zurich, Friederike Biffar (Aithon) and Camilla Mazzoleni (Xelerit) were awarded CHF 150,000 each from Innobooster program by Gebert Ruf Stiftung, helping them accelerate product development. Swiss startups also continue to be well-represented in the Venture Leaders programs – this year’s selections include qCella and CellX Biosolutions in the Venture Leader Cleantech program, Calingo in Venture Leaders Fintech, and Babylat, NX-Spine, DigeHealth, and femtech startup Scanvio in Venture Leaders Biotech. Cleantech startups Biosimo, Cell Biosolutions, Rivekin, and Kitro were also selected for the Climate Collider US initiative, while several Swiss ventures are competing for the Luxury Innovation Award.
On the international stage, Natalya Lopareva, CEO and founder of Algorized, was named AI Entrepreneur of the Year at the Women in AI Awards, while Loonawell was nominated as one of the three Swiss winners of the World Branding Awards Animalis Edition, an annual event leading pet and animal brands worldwide. Founded by Maria de Bettencourt, the startup provides premium, organic and human-grade dog treats.
Personalities and female leaders
The ecosystem is also benefiting from strong female leadership, Most recently, Ka-ex closed a USD 7 million funding round with significant contributions from ski racer, Olympic champion and double overall World Cup winner Lara Gut-Behrami. She tested the product during the past season, and is now an investor and strategic advisor to KA-EX. In parallel, startups and support organisations have appointed female leaders into key positions – iOnctura has appointed Michelle Tsai as Chief Operating officer, while Melanie Gabriel, former co-founder of Yokoy has assumed the role of COO and Co-Director at ETH AI Center.
Upcoming events
The next edition of Female Innovation Forum takes place on 22 October 2025 at Jed Schlieren. Under the Motto bigger, better, faster, together!, the event brings together women (and men) from various walks of life including female entrepreneurs and managers, investors and aspiring founders seeking to Enright their network and contacts. Registration is still open. Secure your ticket now!
Looking for approaches to raise capital for your business? Startup Campus is organizing an event themed “Fundraising as a Female Founder – Confidence, Strategy & Impact” on 16 September. Signup to secure a spot. Visit our calendar to find events and workshops tailored to your needs.
