Far from the conference format, this innovative formula maintains positive tension between entrepreneurs, VCs and aspiring VCs.
UPComingVC, a new event with a unique format (read more) was held on April 27 and 28, 2017 in Geneva, on the premises of the FUSION gas pedal. As a partner of this "Venture Capital Investment Challenge", Alp ICT was on hand to meet the entrepreneurs and aspiring VCs who came to demonstrate their talents during two days of simulation. We were particularly impressed by the diversity of the projects and their cross-disciplinary nature. Here's an overview of the initiatives that are helping to shape a new digital economy.
Thyme, an application designed for events to help recruit and manage volunteers. A very specific tool that helps event organizers reach volunteers more easily and create a real community. A need that the Thyme team was able to identify. Founded two years ago in Geneva, the company is positioned in an emerging market where only a handful of solutions are still in their infancy. Currently in the testing phase, Thyme's application has received very positive feedback, thanks in particular to the time saved for both organizers and volunteers, and its ease of use. The young company is currently seeking to develop its partnerships with as many events as possible, and is preparing to raise CHF 150,000.
Did you know that only 5% of wind energy could meet the energy needs of the entire human race? Among renewable energy systems, wind turbines today represent the most economical, efficient and widely deployable technology. But that's not enough. Their relatively low height means they can't exploit the strong wind flow at high altitude, where wind energy is up to 10 times more abundant and diffuse than on the ground. Skypull has come up with a solution using an autonomous drone that can reach altitudes of up to 400 meters. In today's global scenario, Skypull represents a unique high-altitude wind energy solution, capable of delivering low-cost energy in safe and reliable conditions.
TasteHit, a Lausanne-based company, helps e-tailers boost their sales through artificial intelligence. In real time, TasteHit adapts the site according to the user's behavior, which significantly increases the e-retailer's sales performance. Today, online retail is worth 2,000 billion dollars, a figure that is constantly growing. All e-tailers are in competition with the giant Amazon, whose in-house teams use artificial intelligence to design the site and manage logistics. TasteHit, with its advanced, mature technology, offers all these e-tailers the chance to catch up. To capture a global market, the company wants to move fast, and is raising its first round of funding of CHF 600,000 this year, with the aim of exceeding 500 customers within 18 months.
Well done to UPComingVC for giving these entrepreneurs the opportunity to practise their pitch skills in a way other than through a pitch, and to learn about the expectations of a VC so as to better understand how to communicate their project. The highly dynamic format of the event was fruitful for all parties involved, maximizing exchanges and sharpening skills. It was just as beneficial for the VCs, who were able to connect with key talent and projects for the future of the digital economy. We look forward to the next edition!
Photo credit: Thyme
