Foundation Report for January 2023: cautious Start to the new Year

In January 2023, 3,907 companies were founded in Switzerland. This corresponds to a decrease of around 20% compared to the previous month and an increase of around 2.5% compared to the previous year.

Hangover at the beginning of the year

Unfortunately, January could not keep up with the previous month in terms of business incorporations. It remains to be seen whether the roughly 20% drop in numbers is due to the well-known hangover mood. A small brightening of the gloomy mood was provided by the fact that the numbers have increased by about 2.5 % compared to the previous year. This raises hope for a successful year 2023.

To ensure a good mood at the beginning of the year, this foundation report focuses

predominantly on positive results.

Only slight fluctuations throughout German-speaking Switzerland – with a few exceptions

In almost all cantons of German-speaking Switzerland, the figures deviate only slightly from the previous year. However, some regions stand out positively.

The cantons of Basel-Stadt and Graubünden, for example, recorded increases of 22.94 % and 37.34 % respectively. The clear winner, however, is the canton of Glarus with a sensational increase of 75% compared to the previous year.

Good prospects in French-speaking Switzerland

Although some cantons in French-speaking Switzerland probably had to struggle with the January slump, the region can also show positive figures.

The canton of Neuchâtel achieved a brilliant result compared to the previous year. The number of foundations increased by an impressive 62.79 % compared to the previous year. The cantons of Jura and Fribourg also posted very good results, with increases of 16.67 % and 12.10 % respectively.

Sunny Ticino

In terms of weather and numbers, the canton of Ticino brings sunshine into the gloomy month of January.

Although the canton of Ticino is also down on the previous month, the figures are up by a pleasing 24.29% on the previous year.

Central Switzerland struggling

In Central Switzerland, all cantons recorded negative results compared to the previous month. However, the comparison with the previous year gives cause for hope.

While the overall figures are down by 3.30%, the cantons of Lucerne and Nidwalden still show an increase of 1.32% and 4.76% respectively. The clear savior of the region is the canton of Uri with an increase of 36.36 %.

Modest Zurich

Finally, we take a look at the canton of Zurich. Compared to the previous year, Zurich can show an increase of 2.96 %.

There is thus hope for good foundation figures in the coming months.