About the Collective
The Collective was initiated in 2022 by SICTIC and Swiss startup days, led by Dr. Cornelia Gut and Dr. Dominik Isler. They recognized that while many initiatives support female entrepreneurship, there was a lack of coordination and visibility across the ecosystem. To close this gap, Swiss startup days took on the role of connector and platform builder, with Isabelle Siegrist (Initiator Sandborn) and Alexandra Leemann stepping in as Co-Head Collective.
Since 2026, Gioia Deucher has joined as Strategic Advisor, strengthening the long-term vision and positioning of the initiative with Sophie Hogrefe supporting Communication & Marketing.
Dr.Dominik Isler
Co-Founder
Dr. Cornelia Gut
Co-Founder
Gioia Deucher
Strategic Advisor
Isabelle Siegrist
Co-Head Collective, Founder & CEO of Sandborn
Alexandra Leemann
Co-Head
Sophie Luise Hogrefe
Communication & Marketing
Vision to impact
Our shared vision is a Swiss startup ecosystem where women have equal opportunities to lead, innovate, and grow. By empowering more female founders, we strengthen diversity, unlock untapped potential, and make Switzerland more competitive on a global scale.
Impact to outcome
More female founders
Empowering more women to choose and succeed in entrepreneurship.
Better structures & culture
Driving systemic and cultural change to improve conditions for women founders
Efficient connections
Creating easy access to a strong, active network around female entrepreneurship.
Mindset shift
Fostering awareness and redefining roles for women and men alike.
