Innovation meets experience: TOP 100 Startups connected with Credit Suisse and experienced entrepreneurs

On Wednesday, November 29, TOP 100 Presenting Partner Credit Suisse and Venturelab hosted an exclusive event in Zurich that brought together Foodtech startups from the TOP 100 community and experienced entrepreneurs. Against the backdrop of the highly current theme "Taste the Waste," the gathering aimed not only to connect two influential spheres but also to amplify awareness around the critical issue of food waste. This convergence represented a significant step toward encouraging collaboration, going beyond traditional boundaries, and addressing urgent global challenges.

Venturelab and TOP 100 Presenting Partner Credit Suisse collaborate to host regional events all year round. These satellite events, a fundamental component of the TOP 100 ecosystem, offer a prestigious platform for selected startups to showcase their companies.



Sandra Seoane, Unit Head SME Credit Suisse Region Zurich, and Hannes Weibel, CORE Banking at UBS Group Zurich, were the hosts at this event in Zurich where everything revolved around food and sustainability. The journey started with a tour and a sensory experience as guests enjoyed a café noir and kombucha tasting. Stefan Steiner, co-managing director at Venturelab discussed with the TOP 100 founders of Luya, Kitro, and Agrinorm, the “secret sauce” of entrepreneurship, their current challenges, and their vision toward sustainability in the food industry.



When asked about the future of the Foodtech industry, Flavio Hagenbuch, Co-founder of Luya said: "Generally, I am optimistic about the sector because food is an industry that has been dominated by large players and that is for a reason: In food production, you need to be efficient. There is a growing need for better solutions, and it is complicated for big companies to innovate and drastically change their business model, what they produce, and how they produce. As a startup, we have the liberty to think differently. From that perspective, I am positive about the sector."

“For the fresh sector, it is just a matter of time until there is a revolution in the whole supply chain. That is what we, as Agrinorm, expect as nowadays the chain is so inefficient, costs are high and there is a lot of waste in the process. I am super optimistic that we will bring the change that the industry needs”, explained Sharon Wulff, Co-founder of Agrinorm.

Naomi MacKenzie, Co-CEO of Kitro “As technology comes into the hospitality food environment, there is a lot of room for new investments that can accelerate the development of this industry.  Food will always be relevant and with it there is a lot of room for innovation. As consumers start to demand more sustainably sourced products, unique and local products it allows space for smaller players to compete against the bigger players.”



The pinnacle of the evening took place in a delightful cooking event, guided by culinary professionals. Participants demonstrated the potential for creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen gaining deeper insights into the consequences of food waste. This hands-on experience where no leftovers find their way into waste not only bridged the gap between finance and entrepreneurship but also symbolized a collective commitment to sustainable practices. The event culminated in a shared dinner, creating a convivial atmosphere to further exchange insights and ideas, proving a spirit of collaboration and shared commitment towards a future where innovation, experience, and sustainability combine to address pressing global challenges.

Previous invitation-only TOP 100 pitch events in collaboration with Credit Suisse have been held in Basel, Lausanne, Geneva, Zurich, and St. Gallen. If you are an investor who would like to receive an invitation to an upcoming event, please apply online.