The first Ventures Award in Zurich
Bringing founders, venture capital investors and business leaders together.
The first Zurich edition
On 18 March 2026, early-stage companies came together for the first Zurich edition of The Ventures Award. ANTARES AG supported the event as main strategic partner of The Ventures.
Awards for Best Product, Best Traction, Best Team and Best AI Solution recognised different aspects of building a business. Founders also had the opportunity to discuss their work with investors and business leaders.
The judging panel
Borut Zemljic, Chairman of ANTARES, joined the judging panel alongside Steffen Ehrhardt of SICTIC, Tobias Reichmuth of Maximon, Nastaran Asadi of Momenta Ventures and fellow judges.
The criteria covered innovation, market potential, team strength and traction.
The four award winners
Congratulations to Fume for Best Product; Mitipi - KEVIN® for Best Traction; Catomize for Best Team; and Recoveris for Best AI Solution. All four are recognised in the published winners announcement.
We also thank every finalist for presenting their work and engaging with the jury’s questions. The photographs below link to the winning companies’ websites, where readers can explore their businesses.
The people behind the event
We thank Daria Kuk and The Ventures team, together with Julia Sabitova of BeGlobe, the local co-host and General Partner, for bringing the Zurich edition together.
Beyond the awards
We look forward to staying in touch as the participating companies develop.
ANTARES also works with Young AI Leaders Zurich, as its founding strategic partner.
About The Ventures
The Ventures is an international startup awards initiative connecting founders with investors and experienced business leaders. With roots in Silicon Valley, it brings its pitch and awards format to different entrepreneurial communities around the world.
Founders receive feedback on their businesses, with opportunities to meet potential mentors and partners. The wider Ventures Club describes knowledge exchange, collaboration and the advancement of technology and entrepreneurship as central to its mission.
Learn more about The Ventures Award and how to participate here.
