Tag: money

50 business ideas to launch in the next few years part 10

46. ​​Artificial intelligence to mobilize staff

Retain and motivate its employees: a market estimated at 74 billion francs worldwide. The Indian start-up UnderstandBetter has positioned itself by developing a platform to probe the motivation of employees. Their answers are then evaluated by an artificial intelligence, so as to set up an action plan within the company to improve relations between peers.

Cyril Déléaval: "Any initiative that can improve the links between employers and employees is good to take. The challenge for adaptation in Switzerland is that we are dealing with a rather traditional market. Hence the importance of making prototypes or functional models, even using human wisdom before resorting to artificial intelligence, which would test the idea at lower cost.

47. Recruiting candidates who are not

At the time of the shortage of engineers, the French start-up HireSweet relies on a solution that analyzes publicly available data on specialized platforms like GitHub or Stack Overflow to find talented IT professionals. A way to limit the tedious aspect of recruitment and find faster the rare pearls for the benefit of customers.

Cyril Déléaval: "It's an interesting idea, because bad recruitment is often expensive for the company. Especially since there is a real problem of manpower for SMEs who have to compete with giants like Google to recruit computer scientists. However, we must study the legality of the use of these public data, which are supposed to belong to the users. "

48. Showcase advertising campaign

The company Message in a Window proposes to organize targeted communication campaigns in French shop windows. With a network of 40,000 banners, more than 100,000 storefronts, the start-up boasts a strong commercial effect of its approach. Some products put on sale are subsequently offered for sale by the advertisers. Sensors make it possible to calculate the audience of the campaigns.

Cyril Déléaval: "It's an interesting idea because it's surfing in a changing media and advertising market! Swiss billboard legislation will soon change. This will be a point to check. The challenge will be to get enough attention from passersby, because humans are still developing more filters in the face of advertising. It is therefore necessary to know how to adapt in the long term. The digital component offers the advantage of being able to test the idea quite directly. "

49. Teleconseil for sick children

Many parents visit online forums when their child gets sick. However, the advice contained there is often anxiety-provoking and unsuitable for specific situations. The French entrepreneur Fanny Renoux therefore founded DoudouCare. This website allows parents to ask questions via SMS or e-mail. They receive a personalized written answer. within twenty-four hours. The site collaborates with about thirty specialists: nurse nurses, child psychologists or osteopaths. The service is not free - a consultation costs 5,90 euros. Preferential formulas also exist, like a pack of 10 questions valid for 50 euros, for example.

Markus Binggeli: "The business model seems solid to me, because every exchange on DoudouCare is monetarized. Swiss people easily consult Google when they want more information about an illness. A professional and reliable online service can therefore quite find a clientele in our market. However, it is essential to focus on transparency to create a climate of trust: who are the specialists who give me the advice? What have been the experiences of other customers? "

50. A support for the little travelers   In France, Kudygo relies on a network of 40,000 certified child carers. © istockphoto Parents who can not accompany their children on bus, train or plane trips wish to see them well accompanied. To find a companion, they can use the French service Kidygo (available as a website and mobile application). The service relies on a network of more than 40,000 certified guides. In general, these are people with experiences in babysitting or childcare professionals. Parents enter their child's path (s) into the site's search engine and see the names of potential companions who wish to travel the same route. Then, the parents take charge of the ticket of the accompanying person. Kidygo receives a commission on this transaction. The start-up also pays 49 euros a year for its certificate giving the right to accompany children.

Markus Binggeli: "Kidygo proposes a business model based on two axes, which represents a strength. Faced with the arrival of potential competitors in the market, the start-up could resist more easily. On the other hand, this service lacks a little transparency. As a parent, we want to know more about the criteria for obtaining the certificate of accompaniment. I also have doubts about the feasibility of the service in Switzerland. Compared to France, the journeys here are shorter. It's easier for parents to go back and forth, even if the kids want to visit distant grandparents. "

50 business ideas to launch in the next few years part 9

41. 3D printing for industrialists

Thanks to its state-of-the-art equipment, TheFabLab enables manufacturers to print prototypes of their new products quickly and at a better price. The Italian structure offers designers to accompany customer requests, contrary to the traditional offer where processes are more artisanal. The start-up also offers training in the field of digital manufacturing, the Internet of Things and robotics.

Frank Gerritzen: "3D printing has a bright future. And not all SMEs will be able to afford high performance printers. So in itself, it's a great attempt, but one that is subject to stiff competition because nothing prevents a competitor from doing the same thing, cheaper, faster ... It's up to whoever will occupy the market the fastest . The company needs significant capital to deploy quickly, and aggressive marketing. "

42. Recommendation of providers

How to find the best partner locally or internationally? It is from this question that the French start-up PrestaShare was born. At the base simple file Excel, she became today a platform which counts more than 1200 referenced companies.

Raphaël Conz: "This is a very interesting concept, because we are in the recommendation of service providers, on the model of TripAdvisor but in B2B. On the other hand, is there sufficient critical mass in Switzerland? At home, businesses work primarily through word of mouth. Indeed, with our mentality, the small size of our population and our markets, the companies talk to each other and recommend themselves essentially by this means. I would bet more on a platform like this for a B2C model. "

43. Optimizing the management of workers

The construction sector also benefits from digital innovations. Example with the French start-up Site2Site, which has developed an application to simplify the management of a site: link between office and site, staff schedules, analysis of the progress of work.

Raphaël Conz: "The Swiss construction market is well developed and rich in many companies. This application could quite interest these companies. On the face of it, the Swiss clientele may prefer an application of this type rather than an investment in a customized IT tool. "

44. Limit the isolation of seniors

In France, one in four people are over 60 years old. Justine Arnoux, a former nurse, noticed that many seniors were very lonely on a daily basis. That's why she created MyDonger two years ago. This digital platform connects elderly people with "dongers" who want to spend time with them. These moments of sharing include outings, helpers (shopping or other) or visits to the home of the elderly. The service is paid: the retiree pays the "donger" according to an hourly rate agreed in advance by both parties. MyDonger receives a commission of 1.50 euro on each transaction. For now, the service has more than 500 "dongers".

Patrick Albert: "The silver economy is a promising market. Especially since the aging of our Western societies will continue. MyDonger is for me to an elderly population, but rather connected, which is found more in large cities. To also benefit older people who are less connected, I think it would be necessary to combine such a service with already existing volunteer structures. This type of collaboration would qualify the somewhat monetary side of MyDonger. As far as the business model itself is concerned, I think we need to reach a very large base of participants in order to hope to make a profit. "

45. Biodegradable toothbrushes

The Swiss consume more than 20 million toothbrushes a year. Either as much, or almost, pieces of plastic that land in the trash. Companies are tackling this accumulation of waste by making biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes, a solid and flexible material at a time. The French brand Smiloh is distinguished by its graphic products, colored with a blowtorch, and with the hair infused with the charcoal with the whitening action. It sells for 7.50 euros, mainly in France, especially at Monoprix, and in some organic stores in Switzerland. When are Swiss manufacturers, when the country is among the leaders in the oral market with companies like Trisa and Curaden?

Pascal Bourgier: "In a country that is sensitive to the quality of life and the environment, this kind of product has a good chance of success. Natural materials are in vogue and Swiss consumers are able to absorb the extra costs. Entry barriers, however, seem to me important for a start-up. It should face international competition and take a lot of steps to set up a distribution network. The bet is risky. "

50 business ideas to launch in the next few years part 8

36. One-minute races

The French start-up Jow has developed an application that offers customized weekly menus, with recipes presented in the form of video. Launched in April 2018, this service also makes it possible to automatically convert recipes into a shopping list on a partner's online store, in this case Monoprix. Delivery is included. The application is free, the start-up taking a commission on the shopping cart generated.

Frank Gerritzen: "In the same vein as HelloFresh, delivery less. This is an interesting and well-targeted trend: Consumers want to cook healthy products that have not been processed, but do not want to waste hours in the stores. I think there is a future for this kind of application, but we must keep in mind that there is no intellectual property to defend and that our Migros and Coop will quickly copy the idea ... as soon as it's successful! "

37. Top of the range spices at home   The brand Ankerkraut was born in Germany in 2013. It sells on the internet spices prepared without preservatives or flavor enhancers. The consumer can choose between classic spices or blends presented in a jar with a refined design. The condiments are divided into several categories: those intended for cooking, grilling or baking. Ankerkraut also concocts a whole range of spices intended to be drunk, like a tea.

David Davinroy: "Spices are particularly appreciated by Swiss people who like to cook at home. The bottles are well presented, which would probably encourage consumers to buy. However, it should be taken into account that the consumption of spices is rather slow. The concept could be boosted by offering subscriptions for example. It is also important to consider that e-commerce does not work as well in Switzerland as in other countries. It's an interesting idea, but one that I think will benefit from being combined with an already existing concept. "

38. Creating B2B podcasts

Content productions in the form of podcasts are multiplying. The American company Sweet Fish Media demonstrates that a podcast can also be used as a promotional tool for potential customers. The company promises time and efficiency by creating custom podcasts.

Frank Gerritzen: "Amortizing the production of a podcast on a very small number of customers is a challenge, it should at least attack the European market. That said, an approach by another form of media is interesting. It is important to know the preferred communication channel of your customers and their ability to take the time to listen. The density of information on a channel such as listening is not at all the same as in writing, and time is what everyone misses ... "

39. Digital tools and wellness tips

Improving the well-being of Londoners is the mission of the Good Thinking digital platform. "From managing your anxiety to meeting like-minded people, whatever your needs, we want to help you find them," says his homepage. The initiative, launched by the City of London and the National Health Service, provides support for people with insomnia, depression, anxiety and stress. To do this, the user chooses one of the four themes and then answers an online questionnaire. On the basis of its answers, the platform will give a top 5 of the best possible supports: other mobile application, link to specific national health services, etc. All solutions proposed by Good Thinking are free for Londoners.

Sandy Wetzel: "This initiative is necessary because it not only provides support for those who are suffering, but it also provides a form of public recognition of these problems. In this sense, such a project in Switzerland would be welcome. However, I regret the lack of depth of the questions and solutions. "

40. Wedding planner online

  A wedding is often an organizational marathon. Between the choice of venue, clothing and menu, many providers must be contacted. The Berlin start-up Foreverly wants to make this task easier. She has created an online platform where brides and grooms can get in touch with more than 4,500 providers. The free service also exists as a mobile application that includes for example a "to do list" and a schedule for the budget. In addition, Foreverly publishes an online magazine that discusses topics around the theme of marriage. The start-up is financed by the advertising space on its website that it sells to service providers. It claims more than 70,000 visitors per month.

Pico Lantini: "It's a service that illustrates the potential of integrated service offerings around a particular moment in life. Beyond the presence of advertisers, valuation strategy already well known for two decades, I think this type of platform can bring very relevant data to long-term service providers - such as insurers, for example . They can find a real interest because they reason in "lifetime value" contacts so established, so in a long-term perspective, and could fund all or part of the platform. In addition, there are about 40,000 weddings every year in Switzerland ... which is a good volume of contacts! "

50 business ideas to launch in the next few years part 7

31. Express repair of cyberattacks

Last year, a third of Swiss SMEs suffered a computer attack, according to a study by the gfs Zurich Institute. A phenomenon that is also observed abroad, and often affects the website. In the United Kingdom, SharkGate offers a service that guarantees the free repair in one hour of a website, in exchange for a subscription to a computer protection.

Caroline Coquerel: "SharkGate combines a very interesting approach and diverse facets of our ecosystem: collective intelligence and global collaboration, new technologies and artificial intelligence, analogy with the human immune defense mode and business model innovation. In Switzerland and at Fongit, such a project would certainly find collaborations and technologies that would be useful for this activity. "

32. On-site bicycle maintenance

  An interesting service for electric bikes. © DR Established in France, Cyclofix offers a cycle repair service that travels to users. Favoring soft mobility, the offer includes the change of the inner tube in the event of a puncture, the adjustment of brakes and speeds or a complete overhaul of the equipment. Equally competent on e-bikes, the company sends its repairers on request to Paris, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Grenoble, Lille and Lyon. These support services can also be requested via a mobile application.

Jörg Beckmann: "In my opinion it would be interesting to specialize in assistance for e-bikes. With their engine, these machines require a new type of maintenance. Another track to follow in connection with this idea: the bike sharing, because the purchase of an electric bike remains quite expensive.

33. Embedded and connected advertising

Advertising is available on all media, and even on water bottles. The French start-up Ads On Board aims to connect advertisers and users of taxis, VTC and shuttles. To do this, the company distributes bottles with QR codes or advertising.

Frank Gerritzen: "You can see advertising on the backs of chairlifts, cable car towers and aircraft seats, why not on bottled water? It is important to be seen most often and for as long as possible. By cons, the support is not particularly upscale, so does not lend itself to luxury products or services. And if you have to scan the QR code to see what it's about, there's not going to be a lot of trouble for me, let alone the target audience. "

34. The social network of childcare

  Keeping your child for a few hours is often a headache for parents. © DR Keeping your child for a few hours is often a headache for parents. Three Berlin entrepreneurs have found a solution by launching the SitEinander mobile app this year. Thanks to this one, the parents can build a network between them to organize the child care. To ensure the balance between the parents, each guard performed allows to accumulate "points". The latter then serve as good to be able to benefit from a guard. The start-up has just completed a crowdfunding campaign that will enable it to become known throughout Germany (currently, the application is used in Berlin). The service is free - eventually, the start-up will offer premium paid subscriptions to finance itself.

Markus Binggeli: "In Switzerland, many neighbors and families organize themselves via platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp for different types of activities. The advantage of SitEinander is that all interactions concerning childcare are centralized. On the other hand, the Swiss market may be too small for such an application. For this to work, many parents have to choose this system at the expense of other free ones like WhatsApp. "

35. Simplified machine learning

The growing use of artificial intelligence in the business world is causing a shortage of talent. To meet this challenge, the South Korean company XBrain is relying on a turnkey solution that allows neophytes to access the benefits of automated data analysis. Called Daria, the cloud platform is adaptable to different industrial sectors.

Caroline Coquerel: "Given the difficulty of finding expert profiles in these areas and given the strong growing demand, this type of tool could find its audience in a high-tech oriented country such as ours. It is perfectly in line with the emergence of these new tools and applications, allowing non-expert audiences to take ownership of topics that are sometimes perceived as complex. "

50 business ideas to launch in the next few years part 6

26. An intelligent irrigation system

Agriculture uses nearly 70% of the water drawn from groundwater and rivers. To reduce its impact, the Italian start-up Bluetentacles is developing a system that allows crops to be irrigated only when necessary. The solution developed by the company aims to connect existing equipment to artificial intelligence online, which continuously analyzes climate data and soil moisture.

Caroline Coquerel: "This project brings together strong trends in Switzerland too: our concern for an increasingly critical resource in our country and our research to use less and better thanks to new technologies. More and more start-ups are appearing in Switzerland around agritech and foodtech. Such a project will find on our territory at the same time competition, partners and market in strong evolution. "

27. Creating localized videos

In the age of social networks, video communication is still gaining importance, including for SMEs. The American platform SmartShoot surfs this trend via its site which allows to find worldwide a video artist or a professional photographer in a few clicks, and thus order unpublished content at an attractive price.

Caroline Coquerel: "In other areas, projects are developing with similar models, combining global platform and enhancement of local actors, such as Batmaid (household professionals), Buildigo (artisans), MagicTomato (local products delivered on same day). These examples show the usefulness of these global platforms to, on the contrary, promote local businesses and activities. In terms of video or photo offerings, two parallel trends are developing: projects such as this one, to find qualified professionals or ergonomic tools to make high quality videos and content yourself. "

28. Custom dog food

London start-up Tails specializes in creating custom menus for our four-legged friends. The owner of a dog communicates to the company, on his website, the gastronomic preferences and food allergies of his animal. Tails makes him perfectly adapted dishes, delivered home once a month. Food preparations can be changed, on request, at any time. It takes between 12 and 40 francs per month, depending on the complexity of the recipe. Tails also provides advice and features for the health of dogs (care of hair, teeth, etc.).

Hilary Murphy: "Some people view their pet as a family member and spoil it as they would with any other loved one. Americans spend $ 70 billion a year on their pets. In the United States, clothing offers, spa treatments, weddings and pet vacations appear. "

29. Free meal (served with a little pub)

Based in New York, Lunchspread has launched an unprecedented restaurant promotion service: groups of employees can place a free tasting order, pledging to complete a survey. The delivery is accompanied by a presentation of the restaurant.

Raphaël Conz: "This business model - being able to define your profile and receive personalized offers - is interesting, whereas at TripAdvisor, for example, the customer has to search the site for defined evaluation criteria. Yes, why not push an offer for local restaurants to reach a local target audience. Both are winners: for the consumer, it is a system based on his own interest, from his profile, and for the small restaurant, it is direct marketing at lower cost. But this solution should expand and not concern only the geographical area where one has his office, where one takes his lunch break. Because employees are more and more nomadic, they move from city to city. In my opinion, this platform should therefore take into account the nomadism of urban employees. "

30. Poshtel, the upscale youth hostel

  Contraction posh ("chic") and hostel ("hostel"), the concept Poshtel offers a new form of tourist accommodation. The Freehand channel, for example, offers five US cities comfortable rooms and suites, at comfortable prices (between $ 300 and $ 400 a night), while providing a backpacker atmosphere. Intended for a rather young clientele, the establishments put on the program evenings, workshops with local artists, all this combined with a restoration of great chefs and a welcome worthy of the name.

Hilary Murphy: "This type of stay makes it easier to integrate guests into the local community - especially those who are looking for authentic tours - with a focus on entertainment, art and culture. Nevertheless, the success of such an experience requires specific skills to federate groups and give a sense of belonging and authenticity, so dear to younger generations of travelers. "

50 business ideas to launch in the next few years part 5

22. Sell your car in four clicks

The French company EffyCar is committed to selling used vehicles in less than a month. After this lapse of time, if a car is not sold, the company buys it back from the individual who put it on sale. Targeted market: high-end models. To sell your car, the service offered to individuals includes a quote, a free inspection of the car and the management of administrative aspects. For buyers, the vehicle is renovated before being delivered home with a year of assistance and mechanical warranty.

Jörg Beckmann: "Overall, anything that makes life easier for owners and drivers of vehicles is good. This type of service is starting to emerge in Switzerland, the smallest structures that would like to enter this segment must take this into account. But there are of course still places to be taken in this market. "

23. Luxury Smoke Shop

In the United States, the development of the legal cannabis market has given rise to designer stores. © DR With the development of the legal cannabis market, Lazydaze Co. wanted to reinvent the traditional smoky shop, taking inspiration from the design of the American apparel brand Urban Outfitters and the quality of store services like Macy's. The company sells not only legal marijuana, hemp-related accessories or products, but also decorative items and clothing. It also has a space reserved for coffee or hemp tea, with the possibility of smoking. Lazydaze Co. has deployed in several cities in Texas, but also in North Carolina, Ohio, Colorado, Nevada and Australia.

Frank Gerritzen: "We are dealing here with a chain of specialized businesses, whose success depends on the popularity of the product, the size of the market, the location of the stalls and many, many marketing. In itself, there is nothing that prevents such an initiative from succeeding, if not the size of the Swiss market and the popularity of cannabis ... Fashion effect? Remember, twenty-five years ago, there were countless stores selling cell phones. Mobilezone is the only one who really survived today ... "

24. Collaborative enterprise canteen

Chicken tajine, chili con carne or moussaka prepared at home before delivery to the workplace: the start-up foodtech French Avekapeti innovates by making the link between eccentric companies and amateur chefs. Meals, made from fresh produce, are delivered in a few clicks by the individuals themselves. In two years of existence, the company has delivered more than 15,000 meals made by 800 different chefs.

Cyril Déléaval .: "The highlight of this idea is the home-made aspect and the varied meal offer offered to employees of companies on the sidelines, who have access to a limited choice . In terms of challenges, there are the issues of hygiene, delivery and regulation to check. There would be a market study to be done on smaller cities like La Chaux-de-Fonds. "

25. Brewing of custom beers   Which beer lover has not dreamed of creating his own beverage? Rather than cluttering with a brewing kit and experimenting alone at home, it's better to surround yourself with connoisseurs and enjoy a convivial moment. In Paris, the Beer Factory offers workshops to support learners, from the choice of their recipe to the customization of their bottles. They leave with 15 liters of their craft beer. Nothing like to impress his family! It takes 160 euros for two people, the workshop for four hours.

Hilary Murphy: "One can imagine applying this concept to events such as music festivals, sporting events or weddings, with the labeling remaining as a memory of the moment in question. However, the craft beer market is becoming more crowded. This concept can be considered for most customers as a unique experience. The challenge would be to build a sustainable beers business. "

50 business ideas to launch in the next few years part 4

6. Mobile charging of electric vehicles

  A solution to bring power directly to mobile consumers. © DR In Germany, the boom in the electric vehicle market prompted Ubitricity to develop a solution to bring power directly to mobile consumers. The company has developed with Siemens a portable charging cable that can be connected to terminals installed in the city. Also active in the United Kingdom, Ubitricity has close to 300 terminals in the London area. A connected mobile application makes it possible to follow in real time its electrical consumption to make its payments.

Jörg Beckmann: "This innovation is clearly in line with the current trend in mobility. In Switzerland, the 800 companies active in the field of electricity are almost all seeking to join the new market for electric vehicles. Their challenge: to achieve partnership with cities and the big groups that manage the network."

17. Simplified agri-food transactions

Founded by two former farmers, the Australian start-up AgriDigital is developing an offer that simplifies transactions throughout the production and sales chain of agri-food products. Using blockchain technology, it eliminates the tedious and repetitive steps of writing and sending contracts.

Caroline Coquerel: "This project is part of the trend of start-ups of foodtech and agritech. This Australian project seems geared towards a specific type of farmers (in terms of area, products and a certain volume of production). To adapt it to our territory, it would be important to study the adequacy between the target audiences of this tool and the structuring of our agricultural world, through a market study and partners who know the field very well. "

18. Airbnb for older homeowners

With age, the family nest is empty. The American company Silvernest offers seniors a solution to facilitate the rental of a room in their home. A web platform links owners and potential tenants. The approach aims to fight against the loneliness of seniors, but also to provide them some money. The structure also supports the owner in his administrative and financial procedures. Already available in sixteen cities, the device is expected to expand in New York, Boston and Seattle in the near future.

Hilary Murphy: "Many baby boomers are reaching retirement age. Some want company, others need income. This is an interesting opportunity for many of them. It would be great if the device could filter and match potential candidates, because seniors are vulnerable. There should be a trial period for long stays, as well as an easy exit clause for both parties in case of culture shock! "

19. Loyalty card on tablet

No more numerous loyalty cards that accumulate in drawers or wallets! This is the idea of ​​Spoqa, a South Korean start-up who installs tablets in shops, restaurants or cafes. Touchscreens allow customers to enter their phone number and earn loyalty points without having to install a mobile app or have a loyalty card. The company boasts more than 12 million users in South Korea and 10,000 partners.

Frank Gerritzen: "The idea is appealing to make life easier for customers and, for the shopkeeper, to build loyalty. The devil is hiding in detail however: the complexity will be to reach his goal with the least amount of manipulation and time possible. Look at Twint, the Swiss bank payment application, which is struggling to take off. It is much easier to take out a credit card than to open the Twint app, turn on Bluetooth, approve the payment (relatively long). In this kind of service, the customer must earn something other than points, in this case time or money. "

20. Sell outdoor extreme online   Save hours of searching time to customers wanting to indulge in a sensational outdoor activity. This service has been set up online by the French agency Adrenaline Hunter. Launched in 2016, the website of this start-up is a global catalog of extreme activities that brings together 6101 services offered by 2322 partners in 88 countries. Translated into three languages, the portal compares the offers of several worlds: water, air, snow, earth and urban. It allows thrill hunters to book the right activity, in the right place and with a trusted provider.

Etienne Languetin: "The French speaking clientele of outdoor activities does not hesitate to use foreign platforms. This global competition can hinder the creation of a local company in this sector. Except by placing in a niche: existing sites rarely offer a complete package for someone who would like to do, for example, a week of sensational activities. Perhaps it's in the creation of these activity-accommodation-travel packages that there is a market. "

50 business ideas to launch in the next few years part 3

11. Invest in trees

Reconciling sustainable development and profitability: this virtuous credo is EcoTree's. To put it into practice, this French start-up buys or plants forests and maintains them at its expense. She remunerates herself by proposing an atypical investment to her clients: becoming the owner of one or more trees that will grow in value. The investor recovers his stake on the sale of the wood when the trees will be wooded. Since 2016, this company has raised more than 1 million euros and planted 56,300 trees in Brittany. A forest that has absorbed the equivalent of CO2 emissions of 2840 flights Paris-New York.

Eric Plan: "In Switzerland, the exploitation of the forests remains expensive and the rare available grounds. Unlike the French model, here, the return on investment would be low and long. On the other hand, this idea is transposed into a corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. A start-up could propose to "renaturer" or reinforce the biodiversity of spaces by using the funds of companies wishing to achieve their CSR objectives.

12. High-end mobile toilets

Do you dream of getting married in the meadows of New England? For this unique day, which you imagine perfect in every way, do not neglect the health aspect. Massachusetts-based ElizaJ offers high-end mobile toilet rentals, including the most complete models in small caravans, including cloth napkins, fragrant flower bouquets, and cosmetic baskets. This hotel-style service will relieve guests who are anxious to lift their taffeta dress outdoors. Eliza J. Kendall's company offers its services to private clients as well as event organizers and caterers.

Pascal Bourgier: "Despite a strong receptivity to the notion of comfort in Switzerland, we spend less time in the outdoor community than Americans, for example, followers of the weekly sacred barbecue. To this limit is added the exiguity of the market. I could imagine an international variation for this service but, in this case, expensive Swiss made would be another barrier. "

13. Gourmet vegan burgers   Fast food for vegetarians and vegans. © DR Fast food for vegetarians and vegans? This is the challenge of this New York restaurant, which has been serving for some years the great classics of this type of vegetable diet. Superiority Burger applies to concoct variations around the burger, wraps or pizza. The burger's beef steak is then bartered against a mixture of quinoa, carrots, nuts and spices, while the chicken fillet of the wrap leaves room for a slice of tofu.

David Davinroy: "The idea of ​​a vegetarian restaurant that offers classic fast food dishes seems to meet a real demand. More and more people in Switzerland are adjusting their eating habits and are attracted to vegetarian cuisine. The vegetarian offer is still relatively light. The advantage of such an institution is, in my view, the fact that it could also attract the attention of people who do not follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. "

14. Pop-up express store

Fashion, furniture or design objects: the ephemeral store concept has been very successful in recent years, focusing on consumer surprise and entertainment. The Storefront start-up aims to facilitate the rental and the provision of spaces that can accommodate this type of shop.

Raphaël Conz: "It's a good concept for some products that are suitable for this type of sales. But I fear that the size of the Swiss market is not enough, except in Zurich and Geneva. On the other hand, Storefront could add these two cities as well as others (Lausanne, Bern, Lugano ...) to its international catalog. The pop-up connects to well-targeted urban areas. "

15. Culinary tasting kits

Try before you buy is the motto of Try Food, which offers online various tasting kits of gourmet products. Olive oil, vinegar, pepper or gin can be ordered in small formats, accompanied by a descriptive booklet, to test which product is the best. Customers can then purchase their favorite product in larger quantities from the brand's website.

David Davinroy: "I think the Swiss people like the idea of ​​trying a product before they venture out. However, the approach is relatively demanding in my opinion. The consumer must go first to the site to order the kit, then a second time as soon as the favorite product is chosen. But the presentation and packaging offered by the brand are really successful, making it an ideal gift. It would be necessary to adjust the concept in order to overcome the punctual consumption and find a way to make it work more everyday. "

50 business ideas to launch in the next few years part 2

6. Optimization of workspaces

Meeting rooms that remain empty or unused offices: the French start-up Jooxter wants to solve these problems through an offer that combines web platform and connected objects. A service that is also useful to prepare a reorganization of premises that is well accepted by employees.

Caroline Coquerel: "Optimizing the use of spaces and improving the profitability of surfaces are topical issues. Such a project will find in Switzerland a market in very strong evolution. Challenges include aspects such as corporate culture, changes in work patterns, the reorganization of spaces requiring investment and depreciation capacity, and the security of access to the premises of large companies. "

7. Mobile urban vegetable garden

Making the cultivation of a vegetable garden accessible to everyone is the ambition of the Italian company Orto Urbano, which specializes in mobile urban gardens. Imagined from the recycling of pallets originally intended for maritime transport, these kits consist of a box of spare parts whose assembly is particularly easy. It can find place on balconies, terraces or even in offices. Equipped with wheels, the tray can easily be moved to adjust its exposure to the sun or rain. It is possible to plant flowers, herbs or vegetables.

David Davinroy: "The Orto Urbano concept is accompanied by an attractive pedagogical dimension. But we must not neglect the fact that the Swiss climate makes culture delicate. In our region, the exposure of balconies is not ideal for plantations. Achieving a vegetable garden in these conditions requires a lot of work. If the object seems appealing at first, its long-term success seems to me compromised. "

8. Rent a goat for brushing

  With goats, no more pollution of brush cutters! © istockphoto No more pollution of brushcutters! For an ecological maintenance of spaces invaded by the vegetation, the Californian company Rent A Goat proposes goats to rent. Gourmet, goat herds graze the most stubborn grass. Resistant, they replace herbicides and eradicate unwanted and invasive species. In a sustainable and ecological perspective, they also fertilize the soil thanks to their excrement. For a softer mowing, the sheep version for rent adapts to gardens and green spaces. In Paris, on some public lawns and the banks of the ring road, sheep are already used as lawn mowers.

Eric Plan: "This green concept can be developed on a cantonal or communal level, for example. In a city, goats can replace the roadmenders and take care of the clearing of road edges for example. In private homes, it seems difficult to let a flock of goats walk in a garden, unless it is overgrown. These animals do not distinguish the plantations and would sack them. "

9. Customizable treats

The English start-up Boomf specializes in the design of candies on which it is possible to print an image or a text. Launched in 2013, the company has also made itself known for the original and customizable cards it produces. At the opening of these cards, confetti or a cardboard cube spring from the envelope, guaranteeing a surprising and playful effect.

David Davinroy: "It seems to me that this product really has potential. Swiss consumers like to have some control over what they are going to offer. It's an easy buy, because its price is really reasonable. The cards proposed by the brand are festive and the excitement of the surprise effect they cause is, I think, a guarantee of success. In addition, the target audience is particularly wide, which is also very promising. "

10. Concerts and evenings at will

  Guestme presents itself as the "Netflix of live music" © istockphoto Developed by two young French entrepreneurs, Guestme presents itself as the "Netflix of live music". The start-up offers two monthly subscription packages (33 euros for one person and 60 euros for a duet), which provide access to concerts and parties handpicked in Paris. About fifty offers are made to subscribers every month, three days before the event in question. Sesame also gives the opportunity to access complete announced concerts or some private parties.

Remy Assir: "This is a good example of a disruptive business model. Guestme offers three types of customer value. Subscribers get good value for money by paying modest monthly fees to access a variety of different gigs. The value of the experience is also provided because customers enjoy a choice of concerts to attend, available in a single device, thus avoiding the hassle of finding and booking seats each time. Finally, there is value in the platform itself: by building a vast network of customers, Guestme creates competitive pressure for concerts to sell their seats on its platform. "

50 business ideas to launch in the next few years part 1

Do you want to start a new business or complete an existing offer? Here are 50 ideas divided in 10 pages that are talked about abroad, commented by a panel of Swiss experts.

"Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed," said the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier. A formula that can also be applied to the world of entrepreneurship. Using the model of an existing company abroad allows to have some essential data before launching: competition, customers or fair prices of products or services offered.

United States, France, Germany, South Korea or Japan: our selection of unpublished examples from around the world. However, we must then succeed in adapting the concept to the specificities of the local market. One can thus imagine allying with a foreign company to decline its model on Swiss soil. Last year, more than 40,000 companies were created in Switzerland, a new record! Maybe this year, it will be your turn? Starting signal!

1. Arcade game room in virtual reality

Exploiting the craze around games in virtual reality is the principle of Playdium VR sign, based in Hong Kong. The venue offers gaming studios that can be privatized to accommodate up to ten people at the same time. More than thirty games in virtual reality are available today, a number expected to increase. Created in 2016, it is the first structure of its kind in the country.

Remy Assir: "There is no doubt that virtual reality games are growing and bring a real revolution in the gaming market. The problem today lies in the cost of a high quality equipment, which is high for a lambda person. In the future, I think we will see improved and less expensive devices that will allow users to play and interact with each other from home, without having to go to an arcade. "

2. Yoga for the hard

Yoga relaxes, muscle, relax ... and can now be practiced only between men. To spread the benefits of yoga to men, Robert Sidoti invented the concept called Broga (contraction of brother and yoga). His solution is to offer men "real tools to cope with the stress and demands of everyday life" through a fitness program based on yoga, but taught "from the point of view of man" . Founded in the United States, the company claimed in 2016 some 12,000 customers and 500 teachers worldwide through free online videos.

Sandy Wetzel: "In my opinion, this is above all a concept of communication that makes it possible to interest a new target audience other than women in yoga. This company adopts a young and modern positioning targeting dynamic, cosmopolitan and urban men. This yoga could find its audience in the Lake Geneva region. "

3. A connected watch for the visually impaired

  A Korean company has developed a watch with braille characters. © DR More than 200 million people are visually impaired worldwide, 36 million of whom are blind, according to the latest WHO figures. Korean start-up DOT Inc. has developed a connected watch whose display shows characters in Braille. To do this, 36 "pins" are activated via a magnet system. This relief display allows you to receive calls, view messages, notifications and emails. If desired, the user can also display the time in Arabic numerals. The watch also allows Braille to be learned for people who, for the moment, have a mild visual impairment. The sentences are displayed simultaneously in their original form on the phone and Braille on the watch. The price of the watch is set at 400 francs.

Sandy Wetzel: "It's a totally innovative product! It has the merit of opening the Internet of Things and wearables to the world of the visually impaired. Especially since it is looming in a market where, to my knowledge, innovations are still limited. The technology seems functional. However, I have doubts about his ability to display a whole message on a screen of 36 "pins" or to provide a real braille learning program. "

4. Rabbit coffees

After the cat bars, here is the variant with rabbits! From Tokyo to Hong Kong, the Bunny Cafés box. Depending on the formulas, it is possible to hug them, play with them, feed them or take pictures with them. However, some institutions have drawn up a list of rules at the entrance. Thus, it is forbidden to pull the ears of the animals. But this trend does not stop with rabbits or cats. Indeed, Japan has also seen the opening of a bar owls and a coffee reptile.

5. Cosmetics made from processed fruit waste   The English start-up Fruu has created a range of lip balms composed of fruit extracts. © DR Riding on the wave of sustainable cosmetics, the English start-up Fruu has created a range of lip balms composed of ingredients extracted from 15 types of fruit. Most are created from processed fruit waste. This method makes it possible to "generate additional vital income for small fruit producers". Made in workshops in England, the products are certified by the animal welfare NGO PETA and guaranteed without animal protein. Among the flavors on offer are avocado, pomegranate, coconut or mango. Part of the profits from the sale of tubes, between 4 and 6 francs, is donated to the WWF in order to preserve the environment.

Sandy Wetzel: "This product is clearly in an ecological trend and there is a growing demand in this niche. The brand will find its audience. Its great strength lies in enhancing the circular economy by using processed fruit waste and making its products as and when orders. There should be more companies with this approach in Switzerland. "