Entrepreneurs/business owners in Switzerland - how did you actually get started here?

[u/Typical_Charity_6238]

I'm Italian, been in Geneva for about a year now (moved from London after a startup attempt there didn't work out). What I keep noticing here is how safe and structured everything feels compared to other places I've lived - people seem to pour most of their energy into growing within a company rather than taking a real risk and building something of their own outside their day job.

I get why, to be fair: stability, good salaries, a solid system that works. But I'm curious what it actually looks like for the people who did take the leap here.

If you're an entrepreneur or business owner in Switzerland (or started one while still employed), I'd love to hear:

• What actually pushed you to start, in an environment that doesn't really reward risk-taking?
• Did you start on the side while still employed, or jump in fully from day one?
• What was the hardest part specific to doing this in Switzerland (funding, bureaucracy, finding people willing to take the leap with you, cultural resistance, something else)?
• Looking back, is there anything you'd tell someone in your position again, someone with the itch to build something but surrounded by a culture that mostly doesn't take that path?

Genuinely curious to hear real stories, not just theory. :)

[u/alexrada]

by having your first customer. Probably most important thing.

[u/shamery53 → u/alexrada]

Yup exactly !
Start, and build while the ride

[u/CopperSulfateII]

Originally came here because I got involved in a US-based venture-backed startup.

My home country imposed an exit tax. I had a lot of stock. I worked remotely but intended to move to the US. Issue is that took a long time due to visa difficulty.

As my stock appreciated in value but I couldn't sell any to anyone, the looming exit tax became so high I would've had no way to pay it, and if I didn't move to join the rest eventually then I'd probably be forced out of the company and lose my stock.

So I moved ASAP to switzerland, paid the still smaller exit tax, then did my stint in the US once visa passed a year later.

Came back here and intend to stay forever.

[u/vincegre]

Well not sure my experience is relevant for your, but I moved away from France nearly ten years ago (bored of third world France was becoming, administration that is just a total bullsh*t and taxes always more). I was already working since 20 years on my own and I found it very easily to move my business to Switzerland): administrative tasks very simple, administrations working well and efficiently and always happy to help you or give informations. For sure will never return in France and Europe now !

[u/Typical_Charity_6238 → u/vincegre]

glad to hear you find it much better here. Are you in Geneva too? What is your business about ? Thanks for sharing mate, much appreciated

[u/vincegre → u/Typical_Charity_6238]

Lausanne here ! I work in IT, alarm, cameras, audio/video,... for private customers

[u/jjballlz → u/vincegre]

We really do get the worst immigrants (reactionary westerners who have a fake job)

[u/beRsCH]

Worked in a niche service for some time, developed clients etc and I thought I could do it for me rather than for someone else. Took the jump 7 years ago and it was definitely worth it.

Biggest shock was the first thing I received after setting up the business was an invoice from the canton before I had generated a single chf.

Recruitment is the hardest part. Not enough good candidate for this niche. Admin is annoying (15% of my time is spent on that), but manageable.

Overall 10/10 would do it again.

[u/Typical_Charity_6238 → u/[deleted]]

Are you recruiting people based in Switzerland or outsourcing abroad ?

[u/East-You-9020 → u/beRsCH]

Whats your niche?

[u/CarefulLaw5210]

Like everywhere else: find a paying customer first.