• Soverli

  Participated · Seed · Dec 2025

  Soverli is a Zurich-based cybersecurity spin-off from ETH Zurich building a sovereign operating system layer that can run in parallel with Android or iOS on unmodified commercial smartphones. Leveraging more than four years of university research, its patent-pending architecture isolates multiple operating systems on a single device, letting sensitive apps such as Signal execute in an auditable, secure environment even if the primary OS is compromised. Early prototypes have drawn interest from public-sector agencies, emergency responders, critical infrastructure operators, and European handset manufacturers, and pilots are underway for mission-critical communications. The company positions its solution as a key element in Europe’s push for digital sovereignty and as an enabler of secure bring-your-own-device programs in enterprises. With fresh capital, Soverli plans to expand its engineering team, support additional smartphone models, deepen integrations with mobile device management platforms, and forge partnerships with OEMs. To date, the firm has secured $2.6 million in pre-seed funding; it has not yet disclosed revenue or user metrics.

• FenX

  Participated · Seed · May 2021

  FenX AG is a cleantech company spun out of ETH that focuses on producing environmentally friendly building insulation. Its technology enables the creation of high-performance, low-carbon materials intended to replace conventional insulation products. The firm positions its solutions as both sustainable and cost-competitive, aiming to reduce the construction sector’s carbon footprint. Proceeds from its recent financing will be used to expand production capacity and accelerate market entry for its insulation portfolio. While detailed operating metrics were not disclosed, the successful raise underscores investor interest in low-carbon building technologies. The company is concentrating on scaling its manufacturing processes and broadening commercial partnerships to support its growth trajectory.

• Microcaps

  Participated · Seed · Jan 2021

  Microcaps AG develops advanced microencapsulation solutions based on scalable microfluidics originating from ETH Zurich’s Complex Material Group. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Alessandrop Ofner and Michael Haganderalessandro, the company produces precise microcapsules and microparticles for controlled release. Its flagship product, ethanol-free Perfume Pearls, offers extended scent longevity and intensity and has seen surging market demand. Microcaps serves cosmetics and fine fragrance markets and positions its technology for applications in pharmaceuticals and food technology. The company plans to expand production facilities, scale manufacturing capacity, and continue R&D to develop applications beyond fragrance. Co-CEO Michael Hagander said the funding reflects strong shareholder support for the company’s patented technology and mission to lead in microencapsulation. Microcaps has developed a proprietary method to manufacture microcapsules in identical sizes for pharmaceuticals, nutrition, cosmetics and other industries, enabling controlled dosage, targeted delivery and shear-free encapsulation. The technology can produce controlled-size microcapsules up to 1,000 times faster than currently available devices. Microcaps has co-developed proprietary formulations with industrial clients and has already registered its first revenues from formulation development. The company plans to launch its first product — a customized microcapsule production unit and associated consumables for sample batch sizes — and to grow its team. Proceeds from the recent financing will fund the product launch, operational scale-up and staffing at new corporate facilities in Zurich. The company was started after co-founders Alessandro Ofner and Michael Hagander received an ETH Zurich Foundation pioneer fellowship in 2018. Microcaps is an ETH spinoff whose patented device enables fast, precise, monodisperse microencapsulation at an industrial scale. Its microfluidic technology wraps microscopic compounds 1,000-times faster than the current state-of-the-art while ensuring particle size control from 10 to 2,000 μm across a range of materials. The team has already won customers in the food, pharma, and cosmetic segments of a $12 billion market that is growing at 14% annually. Founders Alessandro Ofner and Michael Hagander used prior Venture Kick support and training to find customers, triple the number of staff, and file patents. Microcaps secured CHF130,000 from Venture Kick and will concentrate on increasing sales through 2019. The company plans a Series A fundraising round in the second half of next year.

No current team members are available.