About us
The Swiss EP Story
The Swiss EP story started in June 2015, when the program began in six countries with emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, and Vietnam.
Our team worked jointly with local incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, angel networks, VC funds, governments, and entrepreneurs to build capacities and connections, share knowledge across sectors, and nurture the growth and sustainability of these entrepreneurial communities.
The first phase of our program ended in the summer of 2019, marking an important milestone in our development—we have established our presence in all countries and found partners to join our mission. Also, in 2019, we started Swiss EP in Kosovo and opened the second phase by serving seven countries.
In 2020, the global Covid-19 pandemic disrupted all our plans, so we needed to adjust quickly. This is where our agility and lean approach to our work paid off. We have swiftly adapted to the new reality and support our partners' survival efforts.
Despite all the challenges, we successfully completed phase two of the Swiss EP. Our impact, unique approach and results enabled us to start another phase of our program. So, in January 2024, the third phase of the Swiss EP officially started.
Our teams are now working with local entrepreneurial ecosystem actors in building capacities to support scaling startups across all seven countries where we're present.
Our beliefs
- We believe education and exposure to entrepreneurs, startup professionals, mentors and investors from around the world shifts mindsets.
- We believe that collaboration among entrepreneurs within a country and with international mentors and investors are keys to building strong entrepreneurial ecosystems.
- We believe that when people have the mindset, resources, and inspiration, and work hard to start and scale their business, they generate growth and prosperity for their country and well-being for their citizens.
Our Credo
Our local partners are in charge of their own development.
They lead. We support.