Money Talks: Rethinking Startup Investment Strategies

VC isn’t the only way to fund a startup. So what’s the right strategy for you?

Raising a traditional VC round is often seen as the default path for startups. But it’s not the only one.

​Depending on your stage, business model, traction and ambitions, alternatives such as syndicates, crowdfunding, strategic investors or bank financing can offer different advantages, from more flexibility and control to access to a broader investor base.

​But choosing the right financing strategy is only part of the equation. What happens after the money hits your account? How does your financing strategy evolve as your company grows? And when does it make sense to choose a completely different approach for the next round?

​Conda, Swisspreneur Syndicate, Novu Campus and Novu Office are bringing together founders and investors to unpack the different paths to startup capital and the strategic decisions behind them.

​We’ll explore:

​• Beyond the VC round: What alternative financing strategies are available to startups in Switzerland?
• Choosing the right path: When does a syndicate, crowdfunding, strategic investor or bank loan make sense, and when doesn’t it?
• Your first round: What should founders consider before deciding how to finance their next stage of growth?
• After the raise: What actually changes once you have raised capital, and how should your financing strategy evolve?
• Real founder experiences: What worked, what didn’t, and what founders would do differently today.

​Whether you’re preparing for your first raise, have already raised a seed round, or are thinking about what comes next, this evening will give you practical perspectives on how to think about capital as a strategic tool, not just a fundraising milestone.

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​Agenda

​17:30 | Welcome & Introduction
A short introduction to the evening and the question: Is the traditional VC round always the right answer?

​17:40 | Panel: Rethinking Startup Investment Strategies
A founder discussion on alternative ways to finance startup growth.

​18:30 | Explore Your Funding Options
A practical introduction to two alternative financing paths.

​Crowdfunding with Conda
How does crowdfunding work, who is it suitable for, and how can startups get started?

​Swisspreneur Syndicate
How does a syndicate work, what does the process look like, and how can founders get their startup in front of the Swisspreneur investor community?

​18:45 | Drinks & Networking
Continue the conversation over drinks and connect with founders, investors and the Swiss startup community.