Swiss Parliament adopts Investment Screening Act, Switzerland; expected to take effect no earlier than 2027
Swiss Parliament adopts Investment Screening Act, Switzerland; expected to take effect no earlier than 2027 Venture Capital in Switzerland: Country Comparative Guide 2026 Guide - 27. April 2026 Speaking Engagement - 17. April 2026 Speaking Engagement - 16. April 2026 April 2026 | Guide Venture Capital in Switzerland: Country Comparative Guide 2026 27. April 2026 | Guide Venture Capital in Switzerland: Country Comparative Guide 2026 Are there specific legal requirements or preferences regarding the choice of entity and or equity structure for early-stage businesses that are seeking venture capital funding in the jurisdiction? Swiss startups can select either a stock corporation or a limited liability company as their legal entity. Whilst a limited liability company may be attractive for founders due to lower minimum capital requirements at incorporation (CHF 20,000 for a limited liability company vs. CHF 100,000 for a stock corporation, whereby CHF 50,000 need to be paid-in), stock corporations are typically preferred as shareholders and share transfers do not require registration with the commercial register (as is the case with a limited liability company) which is burdensome (e.g., in case of a broad shareholder base due to an ESOP) and unattractive for investors from a confidentiality standpoint. There are no particular Swiss legal rules that require startups to have a certain equity structure. Like in other jurisdictions, the equity structure of Swiss startups is typically layered with common shares being held by the founders (and employees), and preferred shares being held by investors. Preferred shares typically carry non-participating liquidation ...