SCCC Luncheon Event

From Start-Up to Scale-Up: IP, Partnership and the Entrepreneurial Journey

Launching and scaling a start-up in Switzerland can be an exciting yet challenging journey. Along the way, you may need to address legal considerations alongside commercial and operational demands.

Protecting intellectual property and structuring partnerships are among the vital factors for securing growth resources and establishing a solid foundation for enduring success. Moreover, running and expanding an enterprise requires management of the practical realities.

Our three speakers will share their insights and first-hand legal and business experiences across the journey from start-up to scale-up:

Protecting and Leveraging Your IP at an Early Stage

By Elias MUEHLEMANN

Elias will explore core IP considerations for start-ups, including ownership of foundational business IP, cross-border IP development strategies for founders, and critical pitfalls in early-stage partner licensing agreements.

Bridging the Swiss Scale-Up Gap: China as an Alternative?

By Luzius ZUMSTEIN

Luzius will examine the scaling challenges Swiss start-ups face and evaluate China as a viable growth alternative to the US. He will also share actionable insights on how to initiate and structure transactions with Chinese partners.

My Journey to Build a Company

By ZHANG Xi

Xi will share her personal journey of launching and scaling a Swiss start-up, transitioning from initial concept to commercial reality. Her presentation delivers candid, first-hand reflections and practical entrepreneurial insights gained along the way.

Whether you are developing an initial concept, navigating expansion, or scaling a mature business, we look forward to welcoming you!

Speakers

Elias Mühlemann

Managing Associate/Head of VISCHER’s Start-Up Desk in Zurich

Short Bio: Elias advises clients on technology-driven legal matters, with a particular focus on software development, complex project agreements, telecommuni-cations, as well as platform and AI regulation. He has extensive experience in copyright matters, licensing arrangements and technology-related M&A trans-actions, both in Switzerland and internationally. Leading VISCHER’s Start-Up Desk in Zurich, he also advises start-ups and entrepreneurs on developing and struc-turing innovative business models. Elias is further active in VISCHER’s space law practice.

Luzius Zumstein

Managing Associate/Head of VISCHER’s Start-Up Desk in Basel

Luzius advises innovative entrepreneurs, companies and investors on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, from incorporation to exit. As Head of VISCHER’s Start-Up Desk in Basel, he supports start-ups throughout their development and has extensive experience with licensing, development and contract manufacturing agreements, financing rounds, and mergers and acquisitions. His sector focus encompasses Life Sciences, Cleantech and Deeptech. Luzius holds a degree in Law & Economics from the University of St. Gallen and studied at the London School of Business & Finance, enabling him to deliver commercially driven legal counsel aligned with clients’ business objectives.

Zhang Xi

CEO of Superlab Suisse AG

Born in China in 1979, Zhang Xi holds a Master of Science in Architecture from ETH Zurich and is a registered architect with the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA). In 2019, she founded Superlab Suisse AG, a platform for science companies with locations in Lausanne, Basel, Zurich and Geneva. “Superlab Suisse’s all-in-one solution provides ready-to-move-in labs, operational services, a vendor platform and investor connections, bringing startups, scaleups, corporates and investors together under one roof to lower the barriers to scientific entrepreneurship and accelerate the journey from discovery to market - Speed to Science.”

VISCHER / SCCC Luncheon Event

From Start-Up to Scale-Up: IP, Partnership and the Entrepreneurial Journey

Schedule

Registration

Presentations and Q&A

Apéro and Networking