- Women-led startups in Switzerland received just over 7 percent of venture capital in the first half of 2026.
- The share of funding allocated to women-led teams has remained at a low level for years, according to a new study by the investors’ association SECA.
- Companies with all-male leadership teams received more than 88 percent of the total capital invested in the first half of the year.
A recent study by the investors' association SECA highlights a persistent gender disparity in Swiss venture capital funding. In the first half of 2026, just over 7% of venture capital was allocated to companies with female CEOs, a figure that has remained stagnant for years.
Despite ongoing discussions about gender equality and the introduction of various funding initiatives, the proportion of funding for women-led teams has not improved. Stefan Kyora, co-author of the study, expressed surprise at the findings, stating, “Given that gender equality has long been a topic of discussion and that there are now several funding initiatives in place, this is surprising.”2
The study further reveals that companies with all-male leadership teams received more than 88% of the total capital invested during the same period. This stark contrast underscores the challenges women entrepreneurs face in securing funding, despite the increasing awareness of gender disparities in the business world.3
The findings call for a reevaluation of funding practices and a push for more inclusive investment strategies to support women-led startups in Switzerland.1
“All-male leadership teams captured more than 88% of total Swiss venture capital in the first half of 2026, according to the study. Co-author Stefan Kyora called the persistent gender gap 'surprising' given ongoing equality discussions and funding initiatives.”
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