VENTURECONNECT
The platform for founder-first support
Connect with coaches, peers and partners who understand your journey – no cohorts, no waitlists, just the right people at your fingertips.
Discover VentureConnect
Discover the platform that gives you direct access to coaches, peers and partners who know what it takes to launch and grow a science or tech venture. Come as you are – no cohorts, no vetting, no waitlists.
Create your profile, access ad-hoc coaching, and tap into free or founder-first business support. Find your future team, apply for accelerators, and unlock service vouchers and visibility. From legal advice to strategic guidance, VentureConnect puts the right people at your fingertips. And every journey starts with a dedicated coaching session to put your startup on the right path.
Who is the program for?
VentureConnect is built for early-stage science and tech startups – from ideation to pre-seed and seed stage – looking for tailored support, expert coaching and connections to grow faster. If you’re outside these sectors, our partners at Startup Academy and IFJ can connect you to the right kind of support.
Why you should apply
Access expert advice, peer support and practical resources, all in one platform designed to help you launch and grow faster.
Expert insight, in no time
Book free sessions with handpicked mentors who know your sector inside out. Get the guidance you need, right when you need it.
Connections that count
Collaborate with founders, co-founders and partners who share your challenges, and open doors to new opportunities, ideas and investments.
Support that scales with you
Access coaching, accelerators and service vouchers tailored to your stage of growth, all in one founder-first platform.
Our impact in their words
How does it work?
Start with a profile, connect with peers and access tailored mentoring, funding vouchers and resources. All online and all designed with you in mind.
Start with an intro call
Connect with our team for a quick orientation into the Basel Area startup ecosystem. If VentureConnect is the right fit, you’re ready to dive in.
Create your profile
Join our online community and build your startup profile to access tailored programs, mentors and resources that fit your goals.
Connect and grow
Collaborate with coaches, experts and peers. Apply for accelerators, book expert sessions and access funding vouchers, all designed to help you start smarter.
Get in touch
Join VentureConnect today
No cohorts, no waitlists, no fees. Just founder-first support when you need it. Get set up today and start scaling your startup. Contact us via this form so we can find out if VentureConnect is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
VentureConnect is the support platform from Basel Area Business & Innovation that connects local founders with experts, peers, investors and partners across the Basel Area ecosystem. It’s designed to give early-stage startups in research and tech with scalable business models direct access to expert advice, mentoring and resources — without cohorts, waitlists or application deadlines.
Any science or tech startup, spin-off or first-time founder based in or connected to the Basel Area can join VentureConnect. The service is designed for early-stage startups in ideation, pre-seed and seed stage
VentureConnect provides access to experts, investors, peer founders and a partner network, helping founders to understand the realities of building a science or tech startup. Founders can get expertise on all aspects of entrepreneurship ranging from business models, funding readiness, IP strategy or regulatory, and use the platform to discover relevant accelerators, funding calls and workspace options within the Basel Area.
Unlike structured accelerators, VentureConnect is open-access and flexible. Founders can join anytime, access ad-hoc guidance, and connect directly with mentors and peers. There’s no fixed curriculum or time commitment – just practical, founder-first support tailored to each startup’s needs.
Through VentureConnect, startups can build relationships with experts, investors, corporates and other founders across the Basel Area’s science and tech ecosystem. The platform offers visibility opportunities, matchmaking for potential co-founders, and direct links to other programs run by Basel Area Business & Innovation.
Basel Area Business & Innovation does not provide direct funding through VentureConnect. However, the program offers significant in-kind support, including access to experts, peer networks, and curated connections to accelerators, investors and funding partners. Selected startups can receive vouchers that allow them to purchase services from our partners.
You can apply to join VentureConnect via the form on this page. Assuming your startup is eligible, one of our Launch team members will then get in touch to schedule an intro call and initial coaching session.