Impact Hub Switzerland

What Impact Hub Switzerland does

Impact Hub Switzerland is a private association founded in May 2019 by six Swiss Impact Hubs operating eight physical locations across Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano (Ticino), and Zurich (Colab, Viadukt, Kraftwerk). It serves a Swiss-wide community of approximately 2,000 members — entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech professionals — with coworking memberships, meeting and event spaces, an on-site gastronomy operation (Kraftwerk café/restaurant/bar and Café Auer & Co), cultural programming (Kulturraum, Zurich Music Week), and impact-focused programs (Climathon, Circular Economy Incubator, Klimaforum, Business Help Desk, Focus Memberships). The primary operating entity is Impact Hub Zürich AG, which employs around 100 people and is profitable, with surplus reinvested for long-term sustainability rather than distributed; the Association has no external investors expecting financial returns.

The core technology stack is light and operations-oriented rather than product-centric: a self-serve booking platform (huble.impacthub.ch), the Community App launched Q2/2024, the zurich.impacthub.ch web storefront, and a member-built language exchange tool (Kekombo). No proprietary AI/ML or developer-facing APIs are disclosed. Revenue is generated through five streams: recurring coworking memberships (Community, Flex Desk, Resident Desk, Focus tiers), meeting and event space rental, on-site gastronomy, corporate partnership and sponsorship revenue for impact programs, and event ticketing/catering. Distribution is primarily direct (membership sales on-site and online, self-serve room booking, event ticketing) supplemented by corporate partnership sales for programs in circular economy, climate action, diversity and inclusion, and entrepreneurship.

The organization is part of the global Impact Hub network of 100+ hubs and 24,000+ members, anchored by strategic partnerships with Patagonia (base camp at Viadukt since April 2023), Engagement Migros, ewz, and digitalswitzerland (co-operators of Kraftwerk), and supported by a wide ecosystem of foundation, corporate, academic, and public-sector partners (UBS, Swisscom, Migros Pioneer Fund, Climate-KIC, Swiss Re Foundation, ETH Zurich, ZHAW, Innosuisse, City of Zurich). Leadership comprises four co-CEOs at Impact Hub Zürich AG and an Association leadership team, with multiple co-founders still active in governance.

Name

Impact Hub Switzerland

Legal name

Impact Hub Switzerland Association

Website

https://impacthub.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Impact Hub Switzerland is a private association operating eight coworking and innovation locations across Switzerland, serving approximately 2,000 members of entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech professionals with workspace, event venues, gastronomy, and impact-focused programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Coworking & Innovation Community Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

Renewable Energy & Clean Tech Access (Off-grid, Energy Poverty Solutions) (BPAGALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hotel & Resort Convention Venues (Convention Hotels) (THAHAAAC), Environment, Climate & Sustainability Congresses (THAHAJAH)

Keywords

• Coworking spaces
• Innovation community
• Entrepreneurship programs
• Sustainable development
• Startup support

Headquarters

HQ city

Basel

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Coworking Memberships: Flexible coworking memberships at three Zurich locations (Colab, Viadukt, Kraftwerk) with varying tiers including community membership (3-month minimum), flex desks, and resident desks. Members receive access to all Swiss Impact Hubs and global network benefits.
2. Meeting & Event Space Rental: Meeting rooms, workshop spaces, and event venues available for booking. Members receive up to 50% discount on meeting rooms. Spaces range from intimate meeting rooms to event halls for up to 250 people.
3. Gastronomy: On-site gastronomy operations including Kraftwerk Café, Restaurant & Bar, and Café Auer & Co. serving barista creations, homemade pastries, vegetarian/vegan lunch menus, and evening pinchos and drinks.
4. Impact Programs & Partnerships: Programs developed with partners including circular economy initiatives, climate action programs, diversity & inclusion initiatives. Revenue from corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and program fees.
5. Event Hosting & Catering: Fine-dine catering and event hosting services at unique venues including the historic Kraftwerk with shipping container backdrop.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Impact Hub Switzerland operates a national network of coworking and innovation spaces across eight locations in Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano (Ticino) and Zurich. It offers flexible coworking memberships, meeting and event room rentals, gastronomy, business advisory (Business Help Desk), and impact-driven programs covering climate action, circular economy, diversity and inclusion, and entrepreneurship. The national community of around 2,000 members (24,000+ globally) is part of the worldwide Impact Hub network spanning 100+ locations.

Product overview

Impact Hub Switzerland operates a network of physical innovation spaces across Switzerland (Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Ticino/Lugano, and Zurich), united under an association founded in May 2019 with approximately 2,000 national members. The core offering consists of coworking memberships and flexible workspace access across 8 locations. At its largest hub in Zurich (with ~700–1,000 members), Impact Hub operates three distinct locations — Colab & Café Auer & Co (1,700 m² primary community hub), Viadukt (birthplace of Impact Hub Zurich), and Kraftwerk (former power station with unique shipping container event space) — alongside on-site gastronomy at Kraftwerk and Café Auer & Co. The product portfolio includes: coworking memberships (with tiers including Community Membership, Flex Desks, Resident Desks, and Focus Memberships for Climate, Female Founders, and BOLD Generation); meeting and event room rental; the Kulturraum cultural programming platform spanning all venues; the Made with Impact podcast; the Business Help Desk expert advisory service; the Programs & Partnerships team delivering Climathon, Circular Economy Incubator, Klimaforum, and other impact initiatives; a Community App; Communities of Practice; Company Packages for teams; and a full events calendar spanning business workshops, climate talks, concerts, comedy, and networking. The company also operates gastronomy (Kraftwerk café/restaurant/bar and Café Auer & Co) as integral parts of the community experience. Impact Hub Switzerland is part of the global Impact Hub network spanning 100+ locations and 24,000+ members worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Coworking Memberships Flexible coworking memberships at multiple Swiss locations (Colab, Viadukt, Kraftwerk in Zurich and others) offering Community, Flex Desk, and Resident Desk tiers, plus Focus Memberships for Climate, Female Founders, and BOLD Generation. Includes access to all Swiss Impact Hubs and global Impact Hub network.
• Meeting & Event Rooms Bookable meeting rooms, workshop spaces, and event venues across Impact Hub locations, with capacities ranging from small meetings to events for up to 250 people. Members receive up to 50% discount.
• Programs & Partnerships Impact initiatives including Climathon Zurich, Circular Economy Incubator, Klimaforum, and custom corporate partnerships focused on circular economy, climate action, diversity and inclusion, entrepreneurship, and future skills.
• Business Help Desk Personalized one-on-one startup support sessions (approximately 45 minutes) provided by vetted experts in legal, accounting, marketing, HR, sales, and negotiation. Free for community members; CHF 200–500 for non-members.
• Kulturraum (Cultural Programming) Cultural programming platform connecting three character-rich venues (Kraftwerk, Café Auer & Co, Viadukt) for contemporary art, music, and creative experimentation, hosting exhibitions, concerts, performances, and vernissages.
• Gastronomy (Kraftwerk & Café Auer & Co) On-site food and beverage operations: Kraftwerk serves barista creations, pastries, vegetarian/vegan lunch menus, and evening pinchos and drinks; Café Auer & Co provides the community hub with terrace.
• Services & Facilitation Tailored facilitation and thematic inputs to support effective team collaboration, including custom workshop design and event facilitation services for organizations.
• Events & Workshops Calendar Public programming including business and learning sessions, climate talks, networking apéros, community events, concerts, and comedy shows across all Zurich locations.
• Zurich Music Week (ZMW) Annual music industry program at Kraftwerk featuring A&R Labs, masterclasses, conferences, and live performances focused on the electronic music scene and Zurich's nightlife ecosystem.
• Company Packages Team membership packages for companies of up to 10 people, offering discounted coworking days for the entire team and a 20% team discount on memberships for 2+ people from the same company.
• Communities of Practice Ongoing community groups organized around shared topics including Leading the Change (Resilient Leadership), Democracy Matters, Social Media Skills, and L&D Shakers Zurich, providing mutual support and learning.
• Community App Member application providing access to services, networking opportunities, and community features for Impact Hub Zurich members (available from Q2/2024).

Quantifiable outcome

• Access to global network of 100+ Impact Hubs and 24,000+ members worldwide
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PatagoniacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 April 2023Patagonia Switzerland established its base camp at Impact Hub Zurich (Viadukt, Arch E) in April 2023. Both organizations share long-standing commitment as responsible companies for innovation and social impact. Partnership enables collaboration on impact projects, developing innovative solutions for environmental and social challenges. Focus on purpose over profit, collaboration over competition.
• Engagement MigroscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-operator of Kraftwerk innovation space together with ewz and digitalswitzerland. Kraftwerk is operated in partnership to create unique innovation environment in former power station.
• ewz (Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-operator of Kraftwerk innovation space. Partnership enables unique venue combining sustainability, innovation, and community.
• digitalswitzerlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-operator of Kraftwerk innovation space. Partnership supports digital innovation ecosystem in Switzerland.
• Kickstart Innovation AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpin-off from Impact Hub Zurich. Katka is CEO and co-owner operating Kickstart program and other programs on behalf of digital switzerland.
• Diversify GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpin-off from Impact Hub Zurich. Founded by Johanna to promote gender equality and diversity in companies.
• Reverse AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpin-off from Impact Hub Zurich. Service and experience design agency started by Lorena and Leana using former Factory program.
• SwissnexminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal network connecting Switzerland and world in education, research, and innovation. Partner in Swiss innovation ecosystem.
• SennheiserminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAudio equipment partner supporting events and programs at Impact Hub locations.
• Climate-KICminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU climate innovation initiative partner for climate action programs and sustainability initiatives.
• GoogleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology partner in Swiss innovation ecosystem.
• WWF SwitzerlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental organization partner for sustainability and climate action initiatives.
• ZHAW (Zurich University of Applied Sciences)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for innovation, research, and talent development.
• ETH ZurichminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerETH Sustainability Lab partner for academic collaboration on sustainability.
• Universität ZürichminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for research and innovation collaboration.
• InnosuisseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss Innovation Agency partner for startup support and innovation programs.
• City of Zurich (Stadt Zürich)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic sector partner for urban innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Wework (post-restructuring): Post-restructuring WeWork continues to operate flex-workspace locations globally, including Switzerland. While a much larger and more commercial operator, it competes for the same enterprise flex-space and event-space demand that supports Impact Hub's meeting/event revenue stream.
• IWG (Regus/Spaces): World's largest flexible-workspace operator with brands including Regus, Spaces, HQ, and Signature. Operates a broad portfolio of coworking and serviced offices globally, including Swiss locations, and represents the dominant incumbent competing for the same enterprise and SMB flex-space customers.

Direct peers

• The Bio Company / Impact Hub Network: The global Impact Hub network itself, comprising 100+ affiliated hubs across continents. Most direct peer at the brand and operating-model level given shared governance, network effects, and impact mandate.
• Station F: World's largest startup campus in Paris, combining coworking, programs, and corporate partnerships. Comparable as a mission-driven innovation hub hosting events, programs, and partnerships focused on entrepreneurship.
• Mindspace: Premium flexible-workspace operator with presence in major European cities including Zurich. Targets similar SMB and enterprise segments with design-forward coworking and meeting space offerings.
• Factory Berlin: Berlin-based innovation campus combining coworking, event programming, and corporate partnerships. Comparable in curating a curated tech and impact community with anchor corporate partners.
• Betahaus: Berlin-based coworking and innovation community operator with similar community-led, event-driven model and focus on entrepreneurs and creatives. Closest European peer in terms of mission orientation and cultural positioning.
• Industrious: US-headquartered premium coworking and flexible-office operator with enterprise focus. Comparable in serving mid-market and enterprise clients with hospitality-grade workspaces and event programming.
• Talent Garden: Largest European coworking and innovation hub network focused on digital and tech talent. Directly comparable to Impact Hub Switzerland given its pan-European footprint, programming for entrepreneurs/creatives, and partnership-driven revenue model.

Emerging players

• B. Amsterdam: Dutch innovation hub combining coworking, event spaces, and corporate innovation programming. Comparable in serving startups, corporates, and creatives under one community-driven umbrella.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ImpactHubCH
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@impacthubzurich7612/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/ImpactHubSwitzerland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/19012954
• Instagraminstagram.com/impacthubch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Impact Hub Switzerland