Startnetzwerk Thurgau

What Startnetzwerk Thurgau does

Startnetzwerk Thurgau is a Swiss non-profit association (Verein, UID CHE-176.009.005) founded in 2013 to serve as the central entry point for founders and young entrepreneurs in Canton Thurgau. The organization supports Thurgau-connected entrepreneurs from the pre-founding idea stage through five years post-founding, offering a structured service portfolio: a free initial consultation (Startgespräch), one-on-one coaching with 20+ volunteer professional coaches, legal advisory (Rechtsberatung) at CHF 75 per 45-minute session, fiduciary/accounting advisory (Treuhandsberatung) free of charge, exclusive partner offers, and network access. Supporting these services are educational programs (Business Check Days, entrepreneur courses, Fachimpulse workshops), networking events (Grill & Chill, Fuck-Up Nights), the annual "Höhle der Thurgauer Löwen" pitch competition, and the "Get Roasted" entrepreneur podcast distributed on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

The core technology footprint is a WordPress-based website (startnetzwerk.ch) used for event registration, content publication, and newsletter sign-ups, with webinar delivery handled via Microsoft Teams. The organization does not develop or sell software products; it operates as a service intermediary that curates and delivers advisory, educational, and networking programming. The underlying platform architecture is intentionally lightweight — the value proposition is human expertise and institutional connections rather than proprietary technology.

The business model is institutional grant funding rather than commercial revenue. Startnetzwerk Thurgau was founded and is sustained by four institutional trustees: the Canton of Thurgau (Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit / AWA), Thurgauer Kantonalbank (TKB), Industrie- und Handelskammer Thurgau (IHK), and Thurgauer Gewerbeverband (TGV). Each founding institution holds a board seat, providing both financial underwriting and strategic governance. Direct fees to founders are nominal and exception-based (Business Check Tag CHF 250, no-show fees CHF 30). The primary go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven: word-of-mouth, institutional partner referrals, event attendance, and digital channels (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube). The organization operates regionally within Canton Thurgau with a single office at I&D Campus Thurgau in Kreuzlingen, and serves a customer segment of pre-founding to early-stage entrepreneurs based in or connected to the canton.

Name

Startnetzwerk Thurgau

Legal name

Verein Startnetzwerk Thurgau

Website

https://startnetzwerk.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Startnetzwerk Thurgau is a non-profit association (Verein) founded in 2013 in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, providing free startup support services — consultation, coaching, legal and fiduciary advice, partner discounts, and networking — to pre-founding and early-stage entrepreneurs in Canton Thurgau, funded by four institutional trustees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Support and Entrepreneur Advisory Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Business Associations (813910), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics (EDAMAHAA), Small Business & Entrepreneurship Community Education (EDAAAFAK), Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)

Keywords

• Startup advisory services
• Entrepreneurship coaching
• Business incubation support
• Founder education programs
• Regional startup network

Headquarters

HQ city

Kreuzlingen

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Institutional Funding / Nonprofit Model: Startnetzwerk Thurgau is a nonprofit association (Verein) funded by four institutional trustees: Canton Thurgau, Thurgauer Kantonalbank, Industrie- und Handelskammer Thurgau, and Thurgauer Gewerbeverband. The organization provides free services to qualifying entrepreneurs, with costs covered by institutional support.
2. Event Fees (Minor): Some events charge nominal fees: Business Check Tag costs CHF 250, Fachimpuls events are free with a CHF 30 no-show fee. Most programming is free for Thurgau residents or businesses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Startnetzwerk Thurgau is a non-profit association that provides free advisory, coaching, and educational services to founders and young entrepreneurs in the Canton of Thurgau. Its core offering is the Startgespräch initial consultation, supplemented by one-on-one coaching with volunteer professionals, legal advisory, fiduciary advisory, partner discounts, and access to a regional founder network. The organization is funded by four institutional trustees and operates events, courses, and the «Get Roasted» podcast to support entrepreneurship.

Product overview

Startnetzwerk Thurgau is a non-profit startup support association (Verein) that operates as a single, unified service offering rather than a software platform. The organization provides a comprehensive ecosystem of advisory and support services for founders and young entrepreneurs in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. The core portfolio consists of: (1) Startgespräch — a free initial consultation, (2) Coaching — one-on-one mentoring with experienced entrepreneurs, (3) Rechtsberatung — legal advisory services, (4) Treuhandsberatung — fiduciary/accounting advisory, (5) Partnerangebote — discounted partner services including software tools and professional services, and (6) Netzwerk — community networking access. Supporting these core services are a podcast series («Get Roasted»), a full calendar of courses and events (including the annual «Höhle der Thurgauer Löwen» pitch competition), and published success stories showcasing supported startups. The organization does not develop or sell software products; all services are free or heavily subsidized thanks to funding from four supporting institutions (Thurgauer Kantonalbank, IHK Thurgau, Gewerbeverband, and the Canton).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Get Roasted: Podcast 'Get Roasted' by Startnetzwerk Thurgau - an entrepreneur podcast from Eastern Switzerland where founders pitch their business and face challenging questions.

Products and services

• Startgespräch (Initial Consultation) Free initial consultation where founders discuss their business ideas, validate their situation, and receive guidance on next steps. Intended for Thurgau-based entrepreneurs in the pre-founding or early founding stage who need to articulate their idea, receive feedback, and identify how Startnetzwerk can support their journey.
• Coaching Free one-on-one coaching sessions with experienced volunteer coaches providing peer-level guidance on strategic decisions, personal development, and practical knowledge transfer. Targeted at young entrepreneurs in early-stage business development within the Canton of Thurgau.
• Rechtsberatung (Legal Advisory) Legal consultation service connecting founders with experienced attorneys for 45-minute sessions covering contracts, employment law, and other legal topics. Available at a one-time special rate of CHF 75 per session with partner law firms. Intended for Thurgau-based startups and young entrepreneurs.
• Treuhandsberatung (Fiduciary Advisory) 45-minute free accounting and tax consultation with Damian Studer covering bookkeeping structure, tax planning, and choice of legal entity. Subsequent mandates available at standard rates. Offered as a one-time free service per entrepreneur. Intended for Thurgau-based founders.
• Partnerangebote (Partner Offers) Curated package of exclusive deals and discounts for Thurgau-based young entrepreneurs and startups, including free consultations, reduced rates on software subscriptions (Swiss21.org ERP, Bexio, pebe Live), marketing services, legal and insurance discounts, and other startup-friendly partner packages.
• Netzwerk (Network Access) Access to a community of founders, entrepreneurs, partners, and experts providing valuable contacts for exchange, sparring, cooperation, and financing opportunities. Available to Thurgau-based founders and young entrepreneurs as part of Startnetzwerk Thurgau's ecosystem.
• «Get Roasted» Podcast Bi-weekly entrepreneur podcast from Eastern Switzerland where founders pitch their business in 20 minutes and face direct, challenging questions. Available on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. Aims to support founders through authentic discussions about business models, challenges, and untapped potential.
• Business Check Tag Workshop One-day paid workshop priced at CHF 250 per participant (including lunch and refreshments) for founders to validate their business idea, receive structured feedback, and progress their venture. Targeted at Thurgau-based entrepreneurs in early stages.
• Höhle der Thurgauer Löwen (Pitch Competition) Annual pitch competition at WEGA where Thurgau-based startups pitch to a panel. Winner receives the Thurgauer Jungunternehmerpreis (Thurgau Young Entrepreneur Award) of CHF 5,000. The 2025 inaugural winner was e-SKI by SnowVentum AG.

Named customers3 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Thurgauer Kantonalbank (TKB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013TKB is one of four founding institutional trustees of Startnetzwerk Thurgau. Offers specialized startup packages including Förderkredit (up to CHF 300,000), free business account for 2 years, and seminars on founding. Karin Hugentobler serves as Head of the Young Entrepreneurs unit on the board.
• Industrie- und Handelskammer Thurgau (IHK)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013IHK Thurgau is a founding trustee and cross-industry business association representing 600+ companies. Provides access to a broad network and valuable information on economic frameworks. Jérôme Müggler serves as Director on the board.
• Thurgauer Gewerbeverband (TGV)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013TGV is a founding trustee serving as the anchor point for SMEs in Thurgau. Enables young entrepreneurs to access the local economy and direct connections to experienced entrepreneurs through regional trade associations. Marc Widler serves as Managing Director on the board.
• Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit des Kantons Thurgau (AWA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013AWA is a founding trustee responsible for all economic and labor market stakeholders in Thurgau. Aims to strengthen economic development, optimize competitiveness, and foster innovation in the canton. Marcel Räpple serves as Head of Economic Development on the board.
• IFJ Institut für JungunternehmenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFJ provides company founding services and collaborates on founder courses and startup registration support. Hosts startup events including Startup Nights and the Konstanzer Gründungswoche.
• Swiss21.orgminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss21.org ERP system partner offers 6 months free Basic subscription to Startnetzwerk members, providing digital ecosystem for finance, CRM, and HR.
• BexiominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBexio business software partner offers 50% discount in the first year on any subscription for Startnetzwerk members, covering accounting, projects, and time tracking.
• pebe AG (pebe Live)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccounting software provider offering free freemium start, 10% discount on annual subscriptions for Startnetzwerk members, and 30 minutes free online consultation.
• Rechtsanwälte am BodenseeminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLegal firm in Kreuzlingen offering standard company founding for CHF 800 with 10% startup discount, and 45-minute legal consultation for CHF 75. Nicolas Mohr serves as legal advisor to Startnetzwerk.
• Muri Partner RechtsanwälteminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLaw firm in Weinfelden offering free initial consultation plus company founding for CHF 800 with 10% discount in the first year. Kathrin Moosmann provides legal consultation.
• IPS Irsch GroupminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIntellectual property and legal protection experts offering free initial consultation for Startnetzwerk members.
• Studer & Partner GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTreuhand firm offering 45 minutes free fiduciary consultation covering accounting, taxes, and legal structure questions. Damian Studer provides the consultation.
• Die MobiliarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance partner offering up to 25% discount on SME insurance for up to 5 years, 40% off first year premiums for technical insurance, and various other startup-friendly insurance packages.
• Fairdruck AGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrinting services in Sirnach offering 20% discount on first order for Startnetzwerk members.
• ZK WerbetechnikminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdvertising technology in Kaltenbach offering up to 25% discount on 4 selected advertising packages (Bronze, Silver, Gold tiers) including flyers, window signage, and vehicle branding.
• MEDIAWORK creative GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdvertising agency in Romanshorn offering marketing strategy workshop for CHF 300 instead of CHF 750, with workshop costs credited toward follow-up engagements.
• Digital & Innovation Campus ThurgauminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoworking and innovation hub partner providing workspace and meeting facilities. Startnetzwerk office is located at I&D Campus Thurgau.
• Startup-Netzwerk BodenseeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCross-border startup network partner connecting Thurgau entrepreneurs to the Lake Constance region startup ecosystem.
• 10 Thurgau municipalities (Städtepartner)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity partners including Frauenfeld, Weinfelden, Kreuzlingen, Amriswil, Romanshorn, Diessenhofen, Aadorf, Sirnach, Arbon providing local support and visibility for entrepreneurs.
• 6 Coworking SpacesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoworking partners including I:D Campus, BodanCowox, Worklounge, Co-Bo Bottighofen, Coworking Frauenfeld, and Coworking Steckborn offering workspace options for entrepreneurs.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Startup-Netzwerk Bodensee: Cross-border Lake Constance startup network connecting founders across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Operates a similar non-profit, community-led model of events, networking, and partner offers in a directly adjacent geography.
• Startup Campus: Zurich-based non-profit offering bootcamps, courses, and workshops for Swiss founders. Directly comparable in providing free or low-cost entrepreneurship education, peer mentoring, and ecosystem connections.
• Genilem: Swiss non-profit providing free, long-term coaching and expert support to early-stage entrepreneurs across multiple cantons. Closely comparable in its non-equity mentorship model, volunteer-expert structure, and free-of-charge delivery to founders.
• Venturelab: Swiss startup support organization running the Swiss Startup Tour, startup competitions, and education programs for early-stage founders. Comparable in providing free founder education, pitch competitions, and ecosystem connections.
• IFJ Institut für Jungunternehmen: Swiss-wide nonprofit supporting company founders from ideation to registration; an existing Startnetzwerk partner that delivers overlapping founder courses, startup registration, and Startup Nights. Directly comparable in mission, audience, and non-profit delivery model.

Broad incumbents

• Swiss Startup Association: National industry association advocating for and connecting Swiss startups through events, publications, and policy work. Comparable as a membership-style non-profit serving the founder community, but at a national advocacy and policy level rather than direct service delivery.
• Innosuisse: Swiss federal innovation agency running startup coaching, training, and internationalization programs at national scale. A broader incumbent that overlaps in founder education and mentoring but operates at federal rather than cantonal level.
• MassChallenge Switzerland: Global nonprofit accelerator with a Swiss presence delivering mentorship, corporate connections, and zero-equity programming to early-stage startups. Comparable in mission (non-equity support, mentorship-driven) but at a much larger scale and more corporate-funded.

Regional players

• BaselArea.swiss (DayOne): Cantonal innovation and economic promotion agency for the Basel region, running the DayOne Healthtech hub and founder support programs. A cantonal-level peer operating a similar public-private non-profit model in an adjacent Swiss region.

Emerging players

• Impact Hub Switzerland: Global network of innovation hubs offering coworking, programs, and community for impact-driven entrepreneurs. Comparable in community-led, non-profit support for early-stage founders, particularly via shared workspace.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCTD6CeutNoKLFijDsAvI7Iw
• Facebookfacebook.com/StartnetzwerkThurgau
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/startnetzwerk-thurgau
• Instagraminstagram.com/startnetzwerk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Startnetzwerk Thurgau