Vi Partners marks 25 years with new CHF 150M fund
Vi Partners, one of Switzerland’s longest-established venture capital firms, has announced the first close of a new flagship fund targeting CHF 150 million (about $189 million). The first close was supported primarily by existing limited partners, which the firm framed as a vote of confidence in its long-term approach as it enters its next investment cycle.
The announcement coincides with the firm’s 25-year milestone investing in Swiss and European startups. Vi Partners said it has already begun deploying capital from the new vehicle and expects additional closings later this year.
Focus on Series A and early growth across tech and healthcare
The new fund will concentrate on Series A and early growth-stage companies, with capital allocated across technology and healthcare. On the technology side, Vi Partners plans to back founders building core software and data-driven platforms, including enterprise software, AI, fintech, and industrial technology. In healthcare, the firm will target companies spanning biotech, medtech, and digital health, with an emphasis on solutions addressing clearly defined clinical needs or system-level challenges.
“Over the past 25 years, we have consistently focused on identifying and supporting teams with strong scientific and technological foundations with the ambition to build outstanding companies,” said Diego Braguglia, Managing Partner at Vi Partners. He added that the new fund is intended to extend what he described as a disciplined, long-term investment strategy built on deep sector expertise and close collaboration with entrepreneurs.
Backed by major Swiss institutions and corporates
Vi Partners-managed funds have historically drawn support from prominent Swiss companies and institutions. The firm said its investor base includes ETH Zurich and Nestlé, alongside names such as ABB, Bühler, UBS, Hilti, McKinsey, Schindler, Sulzer, Suva, and ZKB, as well as a broader set of institutional and private investors.
While the firm did not disclose the size of the first close, it noted that the round was “mainly” backed by existing limited partners. In venture fundraising, re-ups from established LPs are often interpreted as an endorsement of performance and continuity, particularly in a market where many managers have faced longer fundraising timelines.
Building on a track record in Swiss tech and life sciences
Founded in 2001, Vi Partners has positioned itself as an early supporter of multiple generations of Swiss technology and healthcare founders. The firm highlighted a portfolio that includes healthcare companies such as AMAL Therapeutics, Kuros Biosciences, Araris Biotech, and Oculis, alongside technology businesses including Nexthink, SumUp, and Unique.
“With this fund, we are entering the next phase of our investment activity and look forward to partnering with founders building category-defining companies out of Switzerland and Europe,” said Olivier Laplace, Managing Partner at Vi Partners. He described the firm’s role as a hands-on partner from early stages onward, combining capital with operational experience, networks, and long-term support.
Why Switzerland remains a strategic base for European deeptech
The fund launch comes as Switzerland continues to attract attention for its concentration of scientific research, engineering talent, and export-oriented industrial champions. That mix has helped create a pipeline of spinouts and founder-led startups in life sciences and software-driven innovation, often with early ties to universities and applied research institutions.
“Switzerland has become one of Europe’s strongest ecosystems for life sciences and software-driven innovation,” said Gaetano Zanon, Managing Partner at Vi Partners. He added that the firm’s long-standing presence in the market positions it to continue supporting ambitious founders locally while investing across Europe.
Deployment underway as further closings are expected
With the first close completed, Vi Partners said it has started deploying capital from the new fund. The firm expects further closings later in the year, a common structure for venture funds as managers bring in additional LP commitments over time while beginning to make investments.
For founders, the timing suggests fresh Series A and early growth capital entering the European market from a manager with a long operating history in Switzerland. For LPs, the fund represents a continuation strategy focused on deep scientific and technical differentiation, spanning both software and healthcare innovation.
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