Ariane Hegel Reynolds

Revolutionizing healthcare through advanced liquid biopsies: Uncovering novel biomarkers for early diagnosis, personalised treatment selection and continuous monitoring of treatment responses

The Network for the Life Sciences Community in the Basel Region

As a group of experienced, diverse, and inclusive professionals we have been investing in healthcare startups across Europe over the last 8 years. We have built, and continue to grow, a diverse portfolio of investments across the various fields of therapeutics, diagnostics and digital health. Through our broad presence in the European Healthcare field, we are also able to facilitate investment activities for institutional investors with our curated healthcare deals. We value close personal dialogue with diverse startup teams and bring smart money to the table. Startups have access to a large group of experts in all areas and regions, and if we invest, to a longterm engagement and commitment from us.

The Venture Kick philanthropic initiative provides up to CHF 150,000 in seed funding to Swiss startups and offers a well-structured entrepreneurial path toward building a winning business. Startups pitch to expert juries at three stages to obtain funding and gain direct feedback and access to an international network of 200 successful entrepreneurs and investors. Winners of Venture Kick are eligible for a CHF 850,000 investment from the Kickfund and an InnoBooster grant of an additional CHF 150,000. Since its launch in 2007, Venture Kick has supported 1,234+ Swiss startup projects with CHF100+ million. Thanks to financial support, coaching and networking with investors, this initiative has led to the emergence of 980+ incorporated startups and the creation of 16,100+ jobs. Venture Kick counts a portfolio of 730 active high-tech companies and 99 exits. Venture Kick alumni companies have attracted a total of CHF 10+ billion and represent 66 companies ranked in the latest Top100 Swiss Startups. In 2025, Venture Kick paid out 8.3 million Swiss francs to startup projects from Swiss universities to bring science-based innovations to global markets. The Venture Kick Foundation is supported by Gebert Rüf Stiftung, Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Hauser-Stiftung, Fondation ALCEA, André Hoffmann, Hansjörg Wyss, Martin Haefner, Fondation ProTechno, ESA BIC Switzerland, Swisscom, Lichtsteiner Fondation, and Deep Tech Nation Switzerland. Apply now: https://www.venturekick.ch/apply

Revolutionizing healthcare through advanced liquid biopsies: Uncovering novel biomarkers for early diagnosis, personalised treatment selection and continuous monitoring of treatment responses

»venture» is an initiative of the ETH Zurich, McKinsey & Company, Switzerland, Knecht Holding, the innovation promotion agency CTI and EPFL Lausanne. As the leading Swiss-wide competition for the best business idea and the best business plan, »venture» supports young entrepreneurs in founding a company. The competition aims to unleash untapped innovation potential by encouraging young entrepreneurs to develop a business idea. A number of renowned companies from Swiss industry and commerce sponsor the competition. Experienced coaches support competition participants in the development of their business idea, the preparation of their business plans, and in the search for suitable partners and the necessary capital. Participants also receive feedback from a team of highly qualified jurors. The jurors (approximately 90 experts) evaluate the formal and business aspects of an idea, as well as its financial attractiveness. Participants receive additional help in the form of various supporting events and arrangements, e.g., a series of seminars, special workshops and networking platforms. »venture» is for budding entrepreneurs in Switzerland who have innovative business ideas. Participants may enter the competition as individuals or as a team. In addition to the prize money for the most successful teams, »venture» guarantees: • Know-how: »venture» provides access to experienced coaches who support young entrepreneurs in the preparation of their business idea and their business plan. • Network: »venture» offers new and valuable contacts between young entrepreneurs, to »venture» capitalists and to management personalities from business and research. • Publicity: the media follow »venture» closely. Participating teams receive valuable publicity for their future company.

The Network for the Life Sciences Community in the Basel Region

As a group of experienced, diverse, and inclusive professionals we have been investing in healthcare startups across Europe over the last 8 years. We have built, and continue to grow, a diverse portfolio of investments across the various fields of therapeutics, diagnostics and digital health. Through our broad presence in the European Healthcare field, we are also able to facilitate investment activities for institutional investors with our curated healthcare deals. We value close personal dialogue with diverse startup teams and bring smart money to the table. Startups have access to a large group of experts in all areas and regions, and if we invest, to a longterm engagement and commitment from us.