Challenges of Early-Stage App Start-ups - Improvement Opportunities of the Innovation Ecosystem of Bern

Relevance

App-based business models are an important driver of digital transformation but often struggle to gain traction in smaller innovation ecosystems. In the region of Bern, structural barriers such as limited access to funding, fragmented support structures and low risk tolerance hinder the growth potential of early-stage ventures. This research offers relevant insights for ecosystem actors who aim to create more effective conditions for digital start-ups.

Results

Start-ups in Bern frequently face difficulties in validating market needs, attracting early-stage funding and building diverse teams. While programs such as be-advanced provide valuable coaching, notable gaps remain in investor access, regulatory adaptability and entrepreneurship education. Founders also reported obstacles when navigating bureaucratic processes and pointed to a lack of transparency in public funding decisions. Addressing these issues can significantly improve the success prospects of digital start-ups in the region.

Implications for Practitioners

• Integrate structured market validation into public support programs

• Expand coaching formats tailored to app-based business models

• Improve access to early-stage funding through co-financing instruments

• Introduce entrepreneurship education at all academic and vocational levels

• Increase transparency in funding allocation and improve investor accessibility

Methods

The thesis follows a qualitative, exploratory research design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five app-based start-up founders and four ecosystem experts in Bern. Data were analyzed using thematic coding in Taguette and interpreted through the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Framework by Isenberg. The study combines theory-driven and inductive insights to derive practical recommendations.