Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Vi Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2001 and based in Altendorf, Switzerland. The firm was established to advise Venture Incubator, an investment vehicle initiated by ETH Zurich and funded by ten Swiss companies. Over the years, Vi Partners has built a strong reputation as the longest-established venture capital firm in Switzerland, focusing on supporting innovative companies in the technology and healthcare sectors.
As of 2023, Vi Partners manages a fund size of $161 million and has made a total investment of CHF 330 million across 66 portfolio companies. The firm has consistently focused on seed and Series A investments, primarily targeting innovative startups in Switzerland and Europe. Vi Partners has achieved notable milestones, including significant exits such as Nexthink, which reached a valuation of $3 billion.
Vi Partners invests primarily in seed and Series A ventures, with a strong emphasis on the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm typically writes checks ranging from $1 million to $5 million, allowing them to support early-stage companies effectively. Their geographic focus is on Switzerland and Europe, where they seek to foster innovation and long-term growth.
The investment thesis of Vi Partners centers on identifying and supporting innovative companies that are developing transformative technologies and healthcare solutions. They look for founders who demonstrate a strong vision and commitment to their projects, as well as a clear understanding of their market. Vi Partners is particularly interested in companies that are working on advancements in healthcare, biotech, and technology, including areas such as wearable insulin patches and AI-driven data analysis platforms.
Vi Partners has a diverse portfolio that includes several notable companies:
Additionally, the portfolio features various technologies and innovations across sectors, such as wearable insulin patches for diabetes management and AI-driven platforms for data extraction and analysis. Vi Partners continues to support companies that are developing novel treatments for cancer and other medical conditions, demonstrating their commitment to advancing healthcare solutions.
Arnd Kaltofen: Managing Partner, Healthcare. Arnd has extensive experience in the healthcare sector and has led numerous successful investments.
Diego Braguglia: Managing Partner, Technology. Diego specializes in technology investments and has a strong track record in the sector.
Olivier Laplace: Managing Partner. Olivier brings a wealth of experience across various industries.
Cyrill Osterwalder: Technology. Cyrill focuses on technology investments and has a background in engineering.
Gaetano Zanon: Managing Partner, Healthcare. Gaetano has a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and has been involved in several key investments.
Gretchen Van Steenwyk: Principal, Technology. Gretchen supports technology-focused investments and has a background in venture capital.
Alain Nicod: Founder & Senior Advisor, Technology. Alain has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy.
Yassine Zaied: Operating Partner, Healthcare. Yassine provides operational support to portfolio companies in the healthcare sector.
Maria Escala-Garcia: Investment Associate. Maria assists in the evaluation of potential investments.
Elmar Schärli: Healthcare. Elmar focuses on healthcare investments and has a strong background in the field.
Prof. Susan M. Gasser: Advisor, Technology. Susan provides academic insights and guidance on technology investments.
Daniel Gutenberg: Venture Partner. Daniel brings extensive experience in venture capital and startup growth.
Irene Seebacher: Finance & Operations. Irene manages the financial and operational aspects of the firm.
Martina Gromo: Investment Associate. Martina supports the investment team in various capacities.
Bruno Trivelli: Investment Analyst. Bruno conducts research and analysis to support investment decisions.
To pitch to Vi Partners, startups should utilize the submission portal available on their website. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and financial projections. While specific response time expectations are not disclosed, founders should anticipate a thorough review process given the firm's commitment to supporting innovative companies.
In March 2026, Vi Partners launched a new CHF 150 million (€161 million) fund targeting Series A and growth-stage investments, coinciding with their 25th anniversary. The first close of this fund has been completed, and active deployment is ongoing.
Vi Partners has been recognized as Switzerland's longest-established venture capital firm, with over 25 years of continuous activity in the venture capital space. They were the first institutional investor in Nexthink, providing a $1.3 million seed investment in 2006, which resulted in a remarkable return when Nexthink reached a valuation of over $3 billion in October 2025.
What are Vi Partners' investment criteria?
Vi Partners primarily invests in seed and Series A stages, focusing on technology and healthcare sectors. They typically write checks ranging from $1 million to $5 million.
How can startups apply or pitch to Vi Partners?
Startups can submit their investment proposals through the submission portal available on the Vi Partners website. Specific email addresses for inquiries are not provided.
What makes Vi Partners different from other venture capital firms?
Vi Partners is Switzerland's longest-established venture capital firm, with over 25 years of continuous activity. Their strong reputation in the Swiss and European tech and healthcare ecosystems sets them apart.
What is Vi Partners' geographic scope?
Vi Partners focuses on investments primarily in Switzerland and Europe, supporting innovative companies within these regions.
What is Vi Partners' post-investment involvement like?
Vi Partners adds value to its portfolio companies through strategic guidance, industry expertise, and a strong network within the Swiss and European tech and healthcare sectors.
What is the size of Vi Partners' current fund?
Vi Partners currently manages a fund size of $161 million, with a total investment of CHF 330 million across their portfolio.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.