Switzerland saw a record-breaking 53,000 start-ups registered in 2024, marking a 2.6% increase from the 51,500 established in 2023, according to the Institut für Jungunternehmen (IFJ).

The growth highlights Switzerland's enduring appeal as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Simon May, co-director of the IFJ, attributed the rise to a growing desire for professional independence and fulfillment, coupled with the availability of robust support systems from both government and private sectors.

Among Switzerland's regions, southwestern Switzerland led the surge with a notable 6.3% increase in new businesses. Other regions also performed well, including the central plateau (+3.4%) and southern Ticino (+3%). Central Switzerland (+2%), Zurich (+1.2%), and eastern Switzerland (+1.1%) experienced more moderate growth. Northwestern Switzerland was the only region to report a decline, with a 1% drop in start-up registrations.

Strong Performance by Legal Entities
Sole proprietorships emerged as the fastest-growing legal structure in 2024, with a 3.4% rise compared to the previous year. Public limited companies (+2.4%) and limited liability companies (+1.5%) also expanded, with the latter remaining the most popular form, accounting for over 20,000 new registrations.

Key Sectors for Start-Ups
The skilled trades sector led in start-up activity, with over 5,500 new companies launched. This was followed by consulting (approximately 5,200) and real estate (around 4,800) sectors.

With start-up numbers continuing to climb, Switzerland is reinforcing its position as a global leader in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Photo by Phil Whitehouse, Wikimedia commons.