The Swiss Economic Forum (SEF) brings together visionaries, entrepreneurs and experts. In the panel at the SEF.Founder Conference and at the SEF, Levent Künzi, co-founder and CEO of properti, shared candid insights into the challenges entrepreneurs face and his experience of scaling his startup into a successful scaleup.
Running the marathon with speed
Startups are fast-moving. They are more agile, more innovative and faster than large companies. This speed and innovative strength must also be maintained after the start-up phase – in a kind of marathon. “Staying mentally and physically fit as a founder is key,” says Levent. “We underestimated the challenges at the beginning, but thanks to coaching we were able to overcome them. Today, the conscious management of deadlines, including free time, and the ability to say “no” are fundamental.”
Balance: mindfulness and return on investment
In the Mental Health Panel at the SEF.Founder Conference, Levent Künzi spoke openly about the challenges and stresses entrepreneurs face. Sleepless nights and burnout are a reality that can push founders to their limits. Barbara Studer emphasised the importance of striking a balance between mindfulness and the pursuit of high returns.
For founders, maintaining mental health is just as important as an athlete’s regular training. Just as athletes need rest periods to perform at their peak, entrepreneurs need to prioritize their mental health to maintain high performance. The importance of “me-time” and finding balance through activities such as sport are important cornerstones here.
Strong management and open communication
High performers attract high performers. A strong management team is crucial for success. “At the beginning, I found it difficult to delegate. As a founder, you often take care of everything. Learning to let go and trust are fundamental,” says Levent. “Transparent and honest communication within the team promotes trust and responsibility. Problems are tackled immediately and everyone is focused on the company’s goals.”
A strong startup culture requires a balance between giving and taking responsibility. Levent emphasized that founders should not hesitate to ask for help from their board or team. “This approach spreads the workload, empowers team members and encourages them to go the extra mile.” A supportive and accountable team is the basis for long-term direction.
The human aspect of entrepreneurship
‘As a founder, you are on an educational path, but there is a price to pay,’ said Kevin Baxpehler, speaking from the soul of many entrepreneurs.” Responsibility for the team is important, as is self-care. Purpose and mindfulness can bring about change. Knowing your purpose and staying true to your values contributes significantly to mental health and overall well-being.
Financing startups and scaleups
Access to financing plays a fundamental role in the success of start-ups and scale-ups. Various options are available, such as venture capital, loans or funding programs. Swiss investors are still more cautious than foreign investors. Nevertheless, there are ways to find the right financing for a scale-up. It is important to have a solid business model and a convincing business plan.
Sustainable success: health and ambition in balance
Ambition promotes innovation, but for sustainable success it is essential to maintain mental and physical health. A balance between high performance and health, open communication, a strong management team, sufficient funding and loyalty to the purpose are fundamental building blocks for long-term success.
