BLKB supporting startups in Basel region

The new startup accelerator inQbator founded by Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank aims to offer mentoring for startups, enabling them to focus on growing their business idea. “We want to promote innovation and support young startups in gaining a foothold and developing here in the region,” said Beat Röthlisberger in a press release. He is member of the Executive Board and Head of Corporate Clients at BLKB as well as being a member of the Board of Directors of the newly founded inQbator AG.

The accelerator is based in the co-working space The 5th Floor in Muttenz in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. In addition to office space, laboratories are also available there for participants. The operator of 5th Floor, sitEX Properties Holding, is affiliated within inQbator partner Launchpad and also offers assistance in finding suitable commercial space. Launchpad, meanwhile, gives startups access to its global network in Asia and the USA in the fields of private equity and corporate finance. Hemex is an experienced specialist in life sciences and will share this expertise with startups. Hemex recently concluded a “significantly oversubscribed financing round” and is a partner of Basel Area Business & Innovation. “Coaching and mentoring from experienced experts as well as help in finding suitable office space are in demand, especially in the startup phase,” explained Franziska Stemmler, who is responsible for startups and business development at Hemex and a member of the board of inQbator AG.

What’s more, participants in the program will get a discount on consultancy and other specialized services and have access to customized programs. They will also have the opportunity to outsource certain functions according to their needs. “Young entrepreneurs don’t like to worry about accounting and payroll administration,” said Andreas Derzsi, co-owner of Launchpad and board member of inQbator AG. Startups can then concentrate fully on building up their company and idea. In addition to supporting capital raising activities, participants will consequently benefit from a wide range of services. “What is unique about inQbator is the comprehensive consulting approach. Here, young entrepreneurs get everything from a single source. In addition, they benefit from our network when it comes to talking to the right investors,” said Beat Röthlisberger.