A Space for Exchange and New Perspectives

On May 20, 2026, the Collective Gathering at Casino Bern brought together female founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders from the Swiss startup ecosystem. At the heart of the event were exchange, networking, and the question of how more women can start, find investors, and grow companies.

The Collective Gathering does not see itself as a traditional conference, but rather as a dynamic platform for personal encounters, honest conversations, and peer learnings. Several participants emphasized that entrepreneurship can often feel isolating. This is why spaces where people can openly discuss challenges, uncertainties, and experiences are so important.

One of the defining voices of the day was Christa Bösch, co-founder of the international fashion label Ottolinger. Rather than speaking about glamour, Bösch focused on building a company and the importance of improvisation and pragmatism. Many things, she explained, developed step by step without a grand masterplan, but with the willingness to make decisions and keep moving forward.

Honest conversations and meaningful connections

In her keynote, entrepreneur Friederike von Waldenfels spoke about personal turning points, health setbacks, and dealing with change. What matters most, she said, is not control over situations, but the ability to respond to change. She highlighted the importance of networks, mentoring, and trusted spaces for exchange.

The sessions and discussions also focused on the realities of entrepreneurial life. Participants talked about product-market fit, pivots, financing, and difficult decisions. There were open conversations about false assumptions, time pressure, uncertainty, and the challenge of staying capable of action despite difficult circumstances.

Role models on the stage

Another key topic was the role of women within the Swiss startup and investment landscape. Although the share of venture capital going to female-led startups has increased in recent years, women remain underrepresented in many areas. Visible role models, stronger networks, and greater diversity in decision-making processes were described as essential to unlocking the ecosystem’s full potential.

Advancement of women within the Swiss ecosystem

Many participants described the Collective Gathering as a consciously different kind of networking space: less self-promotion, fewer traditional sales conversations, and more honest dialogue and exchange between peers. Between sessions, new contacts, discussions, and potential collaborations emerged — exactly what the Collective Gathering was created for.

Video made by Luca Schläpfer, LINDEN Live Learning Labs