Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs face various risks such as operational disruptions, competition, reputation and financial problems. They must be prepared to manage these risks through early detection and preventive measures.

Swiss companies must retain business documents for ten years in accordance with the Code of Obligations and tax laws. Non-compliance can be punished criminally with fines or imprisonment.

Joint-stock companies must maintain an internal control system (ICS) according to the Code of Obligations, which supports risk management and is audited by the audit office. The ICS serves the effective and efficient handling of business operations and the assurance of compliance with laws.

AI is now being discussed as a digital member on boards of directors, with the relevance varying according to business model and industry specifics. The debate encompasses economic, legal, and ethical aspects, with the use of AI remaining controversial.

The Federal Council is planning an inheritance law reform to facilitate business succession in family-owned companies, to secure SME stability and jobs in Switzerland. The revision includes measures such as integral assignment and payment deferrals for successors.

Family businesses in Switzerland, such as Roche and Swatch, promote their success through specially tailored family constitutions that serve as codes of values and conduct. These constitutions help prevent conflicts and pursue uniform goals by pooling interests and establishing common principles.

An IPO often serves to raise capital for growth and to adjust the capital structure, but also offers opportunities for greater visibility. However, it also requires more detailed accounting and generates higher costs and obligations for the company.

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the first stock market launch of a company to offer shares publicly. The process involves due diligence, setting the stock price through book building, and finally trading on the stock exchange.

Corporate Governance regulates the relationship between shareholders and executives and primarily protects the shareholders. In Switzerland, there is the "Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance" and mandatory guidelines of the SIX Swiss Exchange.