The Entrepreneur Club

What The Entrepreneur Club does

The ETH Entrepreneur Club is a student-run nonprofit organization based at ETH Zürich (Rämistrasse 101, Zurich) that operates a portfolio of entrepreneurship programs structured around an Inspire/Educate/Accelerate journey. Its core offerings include the BOOST 6-week acceleration program with a CHF 40,000 prize pool, the InCube 5-day immersive innovation challenge, the Launch annual conference, the RocketHub startup incubator at Weinbergstrasse 11, recurring events such as FuckUp Nights and Startup Speed Dating, and a RocketHub mentorship program with 6–12 months of 1-on-1 guidance. The RocketHub program charges a CHF 50 flat fee plus CHF 150 per member per semester for 24/7 workspace access, meeting rooms, mentor matching via the MyRockethub platform, and partner discounts, with a maximum stay of two years. Revenue is primarily derived from corporate sponsors — Swisscom Ventures, UBS, BCG, Technopark, EMBARK.LAW, and others — supplemented by RocketHub membership fees and in-kind contributions; no operating revenue is publicly disclosed. The organization serves ETH Zurich students, early-stage ETH-affiliated startups (must be <1.5 years old and have an ETH-affiliated founder, max 6 members), and corporate partners seeking access to student talent and the Zurich startup ecosystem; 100+ active members across seven committees organize 40+ events per year drawing 5,000+ visitors.

Name

The Entrepreneur Club

Legal name

ETH Entrepreneur Club

Website

https://entrepreneur-club.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The ETH Entrepreneur Club is a student-run nonprofit at ETH Zürich that runs the Inspire/Educate/Accelerate entrepreneurship journey for ETH students and early-stage ETH-affiliated startups through events (BOOST, InCube, Launch, FuckUp Nights), the RocketHub incubator, and mentorship, funded by corporate sponsors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Incubation & Entrepreneurship Community

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics (EDAMAHAA), Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Venture Creation Centers (EDAHAHAH)

Keywords

• Student entrepreneurship programs
• Startup incubation services
• Mentorship matching
• Pitch competitions
• Co-working facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors including Swisscom Ventures, Technopark, BCG, UBS, and others provide financial and in-kind support. Sponsors receive visibility, access to student talent, and event participation opportunities.
2. RocketHub Membership Fees: Early-stage startups pay membership fees to access workspace, mentoring, and the startup ecosystem. Fees include CHF 50 flat membership fee plus CHF 150 per member per semester.
3. Event Revenue: Revenue generated from event participation, including flagship events like Boost (prize pool funded by sponsors), FuckUp Nights, Startup Speed Dating, and Investors & Startup Tours.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The ETH Entrepreneur Club is a student-run nonprofit entrepreneurship society based at ETH Zurich that inspires, educates, and accelerates entrepreneurs through events, programs, and facilities. It operates flagship events (Boost, InCube, Launch, FuckUp Nights, Startup Speed Dating, Investors & Startup Tours) and runs the RocketHub startup incubator providing co-working space, 1-on-1 mentorship, and a Supporters program connecting early-stage ETH startups with legal, marketing, banking, and industrialization services.

Product overview

The ETH Entrepreneur Club is a student-run entrepreneurship society offering a portfolio of programs, events, and facilities under a multi-brand architecture. The core programs include: BOOST (annual 6-week acceleration program for ETH startups), InCube (5-day immersive innovation challenge), and Launch (annual flagship conference). Event offerings include FuckUp Nights (bi-annual failure storytelling events), Startup Speed Dating (bi-annual talent-recruitment events), The Investors & Startup Tour (bi-annual ecosystem tours), and RocketBuzz/Liftoff/Legal Hour (RocketHub incubator events). The RocketHub incubator provides co-working facilities (Weinbergstrasse 11, Zurich), mentorship matching (6-12 months), and a Supporters program connecting startups with external service providers. The club also offers a monthly newsletter and membership program with recruitment phases. All offerings are designed to support entrepreneurs across the Inspire, Educate, Accelerate journey stages.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RocketHub: A thriving startup incubator managed by the ETH Entrepreneur Club designed to support ETH early-stage startups.
• InCube
• BOOST
• Launch
• Joinup
• Colosseum
• Colab

Products and services

• BOOST ETH's premier annual startup acceleration program selecting 10 early-stage ETH-affiliated teams through a competitive process. The 6-week intensive program includes mentor matching, workshops, personalized counseling, and a final pitching competition with a CHF 40,000 prize pool and EMBARK legal/strategic package for top winners.
• InCube An immersive five-day innovation challenge where participants live in a glass cube, tackling a real-world problem with a team of bright minds from around the world.
• Launch The annual flagship conference bringing together the entire startup ecosystem at the Zurich Innovation Hub. Entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators unite for one day of knowledge sharing and networking, hosting 40+ startups, 200+ investors, and 1000+ students.
• FuckUp Nights Bi-annual inspiring evening event where three high-profile speakers share stories of failure and growth. Each speaker delivers a 10-minute talk followed by a 10-minute Q&A session, with networking and apéro afterwards. Hosted since 2016, attracting 400+ participants.
• Startup Speed Dating Bi-annual fast-paced networking event enabling students and young professionals to connect directly with 15-20 innovative startups in 5-minute conversations. Held at ETH Zurich HG Dozentenfoyer, attracting 150+ participants (120+ students, 30+ startups), offering internship, full-time, working student, and thesis opportunities.
• The Investors & Startup Tour Bi-annual event offering office tours of 2 promising startups and 1 VC firm in Zurich, with Q&A sessions with founders and key team members, networking opportunities, and insights into the Swiss startup ecosystem. Limited to 20 student participants.
• RocketHub Incubator A thriving startup incubator managed by the ETH Entrepreneur Club located at Weinbergstrasse 11, Zurich 8001. Provides co-working workspaces (up to 20 people, 24/7 access), meeting rooms, mentorship program (6-12 months of 1-on-1 guidance), networking events (Liftoff, Rocketbuzz, Legal Hour), and a Supporters program connecting startups with exclusive services. Has supported 100+ startups with 30+ expert mentors, and alumni have raised CHF 4M+ in funding.
• RocketHub Mentorship Program 6-12 months of 1-on-1 guidance connecting emerging startups with experienced mentors. Startups reach out via MyRockethub platform, with mentors required to have 3+ years startup leadership, advisory support, Swiss/international ecosystem expertise, or substantial networks.
• RocketHub Supporters Program Program facilitated by external companies providing startups with exclusive services and special products in areas including legal, marketing, banking, and industrialization. Supporters attend ETH Entrepreneur Club events and receive visibility through social media.
• RocketHub Co-working Facilities Dynamic workspace equipped with flexible floating desks (up to 20 people), 4K monitors, high-speed WiFi (1Gb/s), power outlets, ergonomic chairs, and natural lighting. Provides 24/7 access without booking, plus bookable meeting rooms.
• Membership Program Year-round membership program (except August, September, January, February for recruitment) offering access to exclusive events, workshops, direct access to Zurich startup ecosystem, startup incubation opportunities, and a strong alumni network. Applications accepted via Typeform during designated recruitment phases.
• RocketBuzz An event where startups openly share current problems—from pricing plans to user experience to new features—with diverse teams coming together to find creative approaches.
• Legal Hour A dynamic live Q&A session with legal experts from the industry, providing insights into entrepreneurship and answers to legal questions.
• Liftoff A pitch competition event exclusively for ETH Startups and Spin-offs, allowing ventures to showcase their work in front of Supporters, Mentors, students, and industry representatives.
• Newsletter Monthly newsletter providing exclusive insights, upcoming events, and opportunities in Zurich's startup ecosystem. Collects email address (required), name and preferences (optional) with GDPR-compliant data handling.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5000+ annual event visitors across 40+ events per year
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• TechnoparkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology park partner supporting the startup ecosystem. Provides infrastructure and ecosystem connections for ETH Entrepreneur Club activities.
• EMBARK.LAWmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Startup Law Firm providing legal support to BOOST winners including incorporation, shareholders agreements, reverse vesting, IP assignments, immigration support, and 20 hours of tailored guidance.
• Boston Consulting Group (BCG)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal management consulting firm sponsoring the club and providing strategic expertise and mentorship to student entrepreneurs.
• Walder WysscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegal partner providing startup law expertise. Specializes in supporting early-stage ventures with legal needs.
• ETH Student Project HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial ETH Zurich partner providing project space and connecting student entrepreneurs to university resources.
• venturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss venture organization supporting startup ecosystem development and connecting entrepreneurs with investors.
• VSETHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerETH Zurich student association representing student interests and supporting entrepreneurship initiatives.
• WesthiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkspace provider offering partner discounts to startups in the RocketHub ecosystem.
• BluelionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting innovation and entrepreneurship programs.
• START GLOBALcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal entrepreneurship organization connecting student founders across institutions and borders.
• ETH JUNIORScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerETH Zurich student initiative supporting junior entrepreneurs and startups.
• EPFL-UNIL Entrepreneur ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization from EPFL and University of Lausanne representing French-speaking Swiss tech ecosystem.
• Unicorn LabsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss startup support organization providing ecosystem connections.
• ETH Zürich EntrepreneurshipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial ETH Zurich entrepreneurship office connecting academic research with commercial applications.
• SwisspreneurminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss entrepreneurship organization promoting entrepreneurial culture.
• Startup CampusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartup support organization providing education and resources for emerging ventures.
• Wespi & Partner AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional services firm supporting club activities.
• Superlab SuisseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShared laboratory space provider supporting biotech and deep tech startups.
• HSG START AcceleratorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of St. Gallen startup accelerator extending reach beyond ETH to other Swiss universities.
• ElTony MateminorOthersMate beverage brand providing in-kind sponsorship for events.
• RivellaminorOthersSwiss beverage company providing in-kind sponsorship for events.
• FalkenminorOthersPartner providing in-kind sponsorship services.
• PEAQminorOthersHydration brand providing in-kind sponsorship for drinks at events.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• START GLOBAL: Global student entrepreneurship organization connecting founders across institutions. Listed as a core partner and competes for the same cross-university student-founder pipeline.
• ETH JUNIORS: ETH Zurich student initiative supporting junior entrepreneurs and startups. Listed as a core partner and operates within the same ETH ecosystem, overlapping on early-stage founder support.
• EPFL-UNIL Entrepreneur Club: The French-Swiss counterpart student-run entrepreneurship society at EPFL and the University of Lausanne. Listed as a core partner of ETH EC and serves a structurally identical function for the French-speaking Swiss tech ecosystem.
• HSG START Accelerator: University of St. Gallen's startup accelerator. Listed as a core partner of ETH EC and competes directly for Swiss university-affiliated founders, mentors, and sponsors.
• Startup Campus: Swiss startup support organization providing education and resources for emerging ventures. Directly comparable mission of educating and supporting early-stage founders in Switzerland.
• Swisspreneur: Swiss entrepreneurship organization promoting entrepreneurial culture. Operates in the same Swiss ecosystem, building community and content for early-stage founders.
• venture (Swiss venture organization): Swiss venture organization supporting startup ecosystem development and connecting entrepreneurs with investors. Listed as a core partner and serves a comparable ecosystem-building role in Switzerland.

Regional players

• Bluelion: Zurich-based startup hub and ecosystem builder. Listed as a partner of ETH EC and operates in the same Zurich geography, overlapping on incubator-style support.
• Founderful (formerly Fonderful Campus): Swiss pre-seed fund with a campus/education arm (formerly Fonderful Campus) that sponsors ETH EC. Operates in the same Swiss founder-development space with an investor angle.

Broad incumbents

• Technopark Zurich: Established Swiss technology park and innovation hub. Listed as a major sponsor/strategic partner of ETH EC and serves an overlapping founder/incubator community at significantly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ec_zurich
• Facebookfacebook.com/entrepreneur.club.zurich
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/entrepreneur-club

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Entrepreneur Club