Lars Johansen

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝘚𝘺𝘨𝘯𝘶𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘰, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯 26 𝘈𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘹 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘚𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱. 𝘛𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥’𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘬. 𝘛𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺: Thomas Eichenberger, 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘊𝘌𝘖 & 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳. “When Sygnum became the world’s first regulated digital asset bank on 26 August 2019, it created a regulated bridge between traditional finance and digital assets. That foundation has shaped our global expansion ever since. Today, we hold a Swiss banking licence, Capital Markets Services and Major Payment Institution licences in Singapore, and are licensed in Abu Dhabi and Luxembourg as well as registered in Liechtenstein. Our teams now serve clients across more than 70 countries. In January 2025, Sygnum achieved unicorn status with a USD 1 billion valuation following the final closing of our USD 58 million Strategic Growth Round. This capital supports our expansion into the EU/EEA and Hong Kong, and strengthens the institutional infrastructure we have been building since 2019. It also allows us to expand our product portfolio with a focus on addressing the industry’s biggest opportunities as well as most pressing pain points, supporting the further adoption of Bitcoin and Bitcoin-technology and pursuing strategic growth opportunities. Being first meant we were pioneers. Six years on, our pioneering spirit has remained a core element of our Sygnum DNA that defines who we are and what we do. It is this Sygnum DNA that continues to drive us to build Future Finance – every single day.” Mathias Imbach, Gerald Goh, Luka Müller, Gabriela Maria Payer, Dr., Peter Wuffli, Fabian Dori, Martin Burgherr, Dom Castley MBA MCIM, Fritz W Jost, Dominic L. #FutureFinance #blockchain #bitcoin Disclaimer: https://bit.ly/4edJA1v

197

Bär & Karrer advises die Mobiliar on the IPO of SMG Swiss Marketplace Group, Switzerland’s leading online marketplace. The team was led by Dr. Christoph Neeracher and Dr. Luca Jagmetti (both M&A) as well as Urs Kägi (Capital Markets) and further included Dieter Dubs, Florian Schweighofer (both Capital Markets), Sebastian Sutter, Aurèle Bertrand (both M&A), Susanne Schreiber, Fabian Capt (both Tax), Mani Reinert (Antitrust) as well as Peter Hsu (Insurance). Read more: https://lnkd.in/dHkXf-gc #baerkarrer #lawfirm #ipo #capitalmarkets

112

We are happy to announce that Lenz & Staehelin has advised iShares on the successful listing of its iShares Bitcoin ETP on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The product provides investors with an exchange-traded exposure to Bitcoin, further strengthening Switzerland’s position as a leading marketplace for innovative digital asset products. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eBuQV8eg.

88

Why are Swiss lawmakers pushing back on new AML compliance laws? A look at global financial competition can give us the answer. Switzerland, long the world’s top wealth management hub, is now under pressure from faster-growing rivals like Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE. At the same time, new AML and transparency rules demand more disclosure, more due diligence, and more bureaucracy. This reflects the broader dilemma facing European financial hubs, which risk losing their status to rapidly rising Asian hubs. For businesses, compliance is now often seen as a competitive advantage, because, it builds trust, credibility, and long-term resilience. But for certain economies, the same compliance can feel like an additional cost. In a hyper-competitive world, every extra burden risks driving clients and capital into the hands of rivals. The solution is not to abandon AML. Transparency and trust are non-negotiable. The solution is using the right tech infrastructure to ensure that compliance prevents de-risking both at micro at well as macro level. Technology that allows businesses to comply without adding friction that drives users away. Technology that allows countries to uphold global AML standards without losing their edge as financial hubs. Because in today’s world, compliance and competitiveness don’t have to be trade-offs — if technology bridges the gap. #AML #Compliance #FinancialHubs https://lnkd.in/d4iJ4QRy

212

6 Comments

🚀 Building automation software company viboo has successfully closed its second financing round, raising €3.3 million. The round was led by Realyze Ventures, with participation from Zürcher Kantonalbank, existing investors HTGF and Swisscom Ventures, and new investors. 🏘️⚙️ The investment by leading PropTech VC Realyze Ventures underscores confidence in viboo’s potential to make buildings more energy efficient without major interventions, achieve significant energy savings, and accelerate the decarbonization of existing building stock. 💶 The fresh funding will be used to expand into the German market, where strong demand is being driven by the Building Energy Act (GEG). The platform will also be developed from a pure energy management solution into a comprehensive building management tool. 🗨️ Felix Bünning, Co-Founder of viboo, is thrilled about the completion of the seed round: “We have built a strong foundation in Switzerland – with more than 40 satisfied customers, some already rolling out across portfolios, and significant energy savings in existing buildings. Our solution convinces because it is easy to implement, delivers fast results, and generates immediate savings. Now we are taking the next big step with our entry into our first EU market, where a combination of energy prices and regulation creates strong pull. Realyze Ventures was our preferred partner from the start thanks to their deep industry expertise and excellent network. With Zürcher Kantonalbank, we are also adding one of Switzerland’s most renowned early-stage investors.” 💬 Gregor Haidl, Principal at HTGF, adds: “We’re excited to welcome Realyze Ventures and ZKB as ideal partners for viboo’s next growth chapter. Their strategic expertise complements viboo’s entrepreneurial spirit, strong market traction, and pioneering role in driving scalable building decarbonisation through their cloud- and AI-first approach.” 👏 Congratulations to the whole team! Learn more by following the links in the comments.👇

79

5 Comments

In a recent survey of over 800 Swiss companies, the majority said they feel they have sufficient liquid funds to invest in strengthening their competitiveness. In uncertain times, a company’s ability to invest in its own future matters more than ever. That’s where resilience comes in: a strong financial system is a key enabler, ensuring businesses can access the capital they need to adapt, grow, and stay competitive. Read more in our latest study: https://from.ubs/6041siElb #shareUBS

64

🇨🇭 The Swiss Venture Capital landscape at a glance 🚀 🗺️ The NEW Venture Capital Map 2025, highlighting funds based in and investing in Switzerland. This map provides an overview of managers with VC vehicles that have been in fundraising phase over the last five years, and includes fund offerings for institutional investors. 💰 🤝🏼 Prepared by the Swiss Startup Association presented & based on the Swiss Venture Capital Report 2025 by SECA - SECA - Swiss Private Equity & Corporate Finance Association & Startupticker.ch Stefan Kyora, Thomas Heimann, MSc, Regula Bleuler

228

10 Comments

When it comes to the influence of AI in the Swiss Labour market, the question “Will AI take jobs?” is turning into “How do we equip talent to thrive in an AI-driven economy?” 👾 As automation takes over routine tasks, demand for specialised skills is accelerating, while expectations for adaptability are higher than ever. As Samuel Mete, Senior Director at LHH, points out in our latest article, the future of work is not about fewer opportunities but about sharper profiles: specialists who bring depth, and generalists who can prove agility. For HR leaders, this means one thing: Our responsibility is to help people reskill, rethink their careers, and prepare for opportunities that do not exist yet. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eRuM-iAT #futureofwork #reskilling #talentaquisition

114

5 Comments

Corporate innovation doesn’t need more process. It needs more founder spirit. When we launched Kickbox at Swisscom, it didn’t feel like a corporate initiative. It felt like a bet. - Small team - High trust - Zero politics And that made it work. We had something most corporate teams don’t: Autonomy. With accountability. Looking back, that was the unlock. Not the method. Not the slides. Not the budget. Too many innovation teams act like project groups. What they need is startup DNA. ✅ Room to move fast ✅ Freedom to test ✅ Permission to fail Not chaos. Not cowboy culture. Just trust. And space to prove what works. If you want innovation to move, treat your teams like entrepreneurs — not operators. Even if that means skipping some status meetings. Or showing up in hoodies.

42

The Swiss Venture Capital landscape at a glance 👀   🗺️ Here's the NEW Venture Capital Map 2025, highlighting funds based in and investing in Switzerland. This map provides an overview of managers with VC vehicles that have been in fundraising phase over the last five years, and includes fund offerings for institutional investors. 💰   🤝🏼 Prepared by the Swiss Startup Association in collaboration with SECA - Swiss Private Equity & Corporate Finance Association and Startupticker.ch.   👉🏼 Download it here: https://lnkd.in/eVcbUVrZ   #WhySwitzerland #SwissStartupAssociation #VentureCapital #SwissStartups Stefan Kyora Thomas Heimann, MSc Regula Bleuler Switzerland Innovation Swissnex Presence Switzerland swisstech Deep Tech Nation Switzerland Basel Area Business & Innovation Greater Geneva Bern area (GGBa) Greater Zurich Area St.GallenBodenseeArea Lucerne Business Standortförderung Kanton Aargau Economic Promotion Valais Standort Promotion in Obwalden Brigitte Fäh

101

4 Comments

🌍 New markets, new rules: Cultural differences can make or break your success when doing business internationally. 🤝 Business practices, communication styles, and expectations can vary significantly from one region to another. Knowing these cultural nuances helps reduce risk, build trust, and improve your chances of success. 💡 Our experts from the Swiss Business Hubs explain what Swiss and Liechtenstein companies need to keep in mind, with real-world examples from the field. 🎥 Watch now and get the insights 👇 Lauren Zoebelein Swiss Business Hub USA, Chinh Do Swiss Business Hub Southeast Asia + Pacific, Gabriela G. Swiss Business Hub Chile, Jon Arozamena Swiss Business Hub Spain, Michelle Adamo Swiss Business Hub Mexico, Daisy Yuanyuan Cao Swiss Business Hub China, Samiksha Sarna Swiss Business Hub India, Letícia de Sena Caritá Swiss Business Hub Brazil, Olga Teodorek Swiss Business Hub Central Europe, Larbi Elattari Swiss Business Hub Middle East

70

5 Comments

It’s tech. It’s money. And it can help fix the system. Green fintech explained in 60 seconds. 👇 The term “green fintech” sounds fuzzy. The idea isn’t. We wrote up Green Fintech's Theory of Change. Together with ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences and the Green Fintech Network. Here’s the TLDR: ✅ Green fintech = tech-powered finance that helps solve environmental problems. But what does that actually mean? 🏦 Green fintech solutions do two things: 1. Capital allocation: Move money into sustainable activities (like impact investing, green loans, or crowdfunding) 2. Transformation: Help existing businesses shift through better data, risk tools, analytics, etc As science shows, these two levers are the only to create real-world impact [Heeb & Kölbel (2020) “Investor’s Guide to Impact”]. 💻 Technology makes it all faster, cheaper, and smarter. → It turns messy data into better decisions → It expands access so more people can invest with impact This is where things get practical. And the new study “Green Fintech Theory of Change” (co-authored by Inyova Impact Investing) explains it well. Green Fintech's Theory of Change is a roadmap for how tech + money can help fix the broken link between finance and sustainability. Kudos to the authors Beat Affolter, James Crawshaw and editor Gerrit Sindermann. Proud of how Inyova keeps pioneering Green Fintech since many years.

71

14 Comments

📉 Swiss real estate portals are losing traffic — and it’s not because of a weaker market. According to data shared by Heinz M. Schwyter 🙌 , platforms like Homegate, Immoscout24, and Newhome have all seen significant drops in traffic over the past 16 months. 💡 The market fundamentals remain strong: - Interest rates are down year-over-year - Demand is steady - Inventory remains tight in many regions So what’s driving the shift? 👉 Lead generation is diversifying fast. Buyers and renters are increasingly discovering properties through social media, AI-powered search engines, and messaging platforms. The classic portal is no longer the sole entry point — the buyer journey is changing. Real estate players who want to stay ahead need to meet their audience where they are — not just on real estate portals. That's exactly the focus of BACKBONE. #PropTech #RealEstate #AI #RealEstateMarketing

55

5 Comments