About Us
As Switzerland’s largest startup event, Startup Nights brings together the entire ecosystem to connect, learn, and grow. Built by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs and driven by passion.
From idea to impact
What started as a casual bar meetup with just 8 people has grown into the largest startup event in Switzerland, now bringing together over 8’500 innovators, founders, and investors.
From 2026 onwards, Startup Nights will continue this journey as part of the Swiss Startup Association, further strengthening its role within the Swiss startup ecosystem.
Our rockstars
The people behind the scenes
Marketing Team
Influencing you
Lia Della Porta
Director of Marketing
Kyra Jetzer
Head of Social Media
Nik Harb
Video Creator / Cutter
Julian Schöb
Photo & Video Content Creator
Afeez Abimbola Olagunju
Content Creator
Alessia Gresia
Content Creator
Janick Rolli
Performance Marketing
Frank Mickeler
Tracking & Analytics Specialist
Michael Wagner
Partner Communication
Infrastructure Team
They build stuff like “Bob de Boumaa”
Severin Bäuerle
Head of Infrastructure & Technic
Michael Kubli
Head of Leisure & Working Area
Thomas Caspar
Floor Plan Manager
Patrick Untersee
Head of Material & Logistics / Power Supply & Network
Livia Arena
Head of Visual & Signage
Nina Utzinger
Deputy of Visual & Signage
Dario Müller
Coordinator Construction & Dismantling
Mazlum Horuz
Event Area & Safety
Holger Rannow
Waste Management
Ellen Riesterer
Head of Welcome Area
Gabriella Nagy
Deputy of Welcome Area
Program team
Entertainers at heart
Désirée Egli
Co-Head of Program
Micha Neumair
Co-Head of Program
Sarah Egli
Head of Pitching Sessions
Gabriel Riedo
Head of Afterparty
Simon Beyer
Head of Workshops
Jasmine Scherrer
Head of Startup World
Philipp Brügger
Co-Head of Mainstage
Manuel Lusti
Co-Head of Mainstage
Basil Jung
Lead Registration
Pioneers & Pancakes
Elisabeth Pöschl
Coordinator KMU x Startups
Operations Team
Keeping our HQ organised
Jens Thomson
Director of Operations
Michelle Nguyen
Head of HR
Nelson Zürcher
Head of Tools
Roy Nneji
Automation Manager
Joel Sidler
Head of Accommodation / Sustainability Manager
Lucas Fuchs
Sustainability Manager
Zsolt Jakab
Allrounder
Emanuel Boetsch
Head of Volunteer Coordination
Monika Gut
Volunteer Coordinator
Carolin Bontrup
Volunteer Coordinator
Partnerships team
Exchanging value
Fabrizio Turdo
Director of Partner Management
Jana Zürcher
Partner Operations Manager
Christina Bork
Partner Operations Manager
Feris Zebib
Partner Manager
Finance Team
Paying for your food
Josephine Junker-Oels
Head of Finance
Soren Gade
Finance Specialist
Ioannis Georgopoulus
Support Bookkeeping
Eileen Rzepka
Bookkeeping Debitors
F&B Team
Serving you joy
Michelle Nguyen
Head of F&B
Tina Maric
F&B Operations Manager (Beverage)
Elena Ronner
F&B Operations Manager (Snacks)
Fabio Furrer
F&B Operations Manager
(Bar)
Communications team
Your source for texts
Alyssia Kugler
Director of Communications
Manuel Herrmann
PR / Media Relations
Tina Sprung
PR / Media Relations
Laura Gialluca
PR / Media Relations
Startup Nights Journey
Our Milestones through the Years
From a small gathering to Switzerland’s biggest startup event – here’s how Startup Nights evolved over the years.
2017
The beginning
Startup Nights celebrates its first edition with big dreams and bold energy.
2018
The first award
A Startup Prize is introduced and supported by notable guests from politics and academia.
2019
Record year at Technopark
Over 1,400 attendees join, featuring startup legend Adrian Locher from Merantix.
2020
The year of resilience
Despite the pandemic, Startup Nights becomes one of the only major Swiss events to take place.
2021
A farewell to Technopark
Big-name speakers like Pascal Bieri (Planted) and Google’s Patrick Warnking take the stage.
2022
A new Home
The event moves to Eulachhallen with a powerful lineup and a welcome message from Federal Councillor Parmelin.
2023
Stronger than ever
An impressive main stage, happy founders, and thousands of connections shape Startup Nights 2023.
2024
Last year's event
With 8’500 visitors, 150 exhibiting startups, and 100 speakers it was the ultimate gathering for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. We’re ready for 2025 with some exciting changes!
2025
This year's Startup Nights
Startup Nights 2025 was a record-breaking 9th edition with more than 9,500 visitors. For the first time the event was proudly co-hosted by the Swiss Startup Association.
Trusted by innovative startups and industry leaders
Join our mission
Join the crew behind Startup Nights and help create an unforgettable experience at Startup Nights 2026!