Guest: Dr. Thomas Dübendorfer, President of SICTIC (Swiss ICT Investor Club)

What makes an AI startup truly investable – and what mistakes should founders avoid?In this episode of AI Talk, we speak with Thomas Dübendorfer, President of SICTIC, Switzerland’s leading angel investor network for digital startups. With decades of experience in tech and entrepreneurship, Thomas shares what he and other investors are really looking for when it comes to AI ventures.Together with co-host Dalith Steiger-Gablinger, we talk about market timing, deep tech readiness, and founder credibility. We explore why traction alone isn’t enough, how to build trust with investors, and what sets Swiss AI startups apart in a global arena.Whether you're pitching or investing, this conversation offers valuable insights on where AI innovation and capital intersect.
In this episode:

• What makes an AI startup attractive to angel investors
• The key traits successful founders share
• Common red flags in AI startup pitches
• Why Switzerland is uniquely positioned in the global AI race
• Tips for bridging the gap between innovation and investability

Host: Stephan Lendi | LinkedIn
Co-Host: Dalith Steiger-Gablinger | LinkedIn

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Supported by Swiss ICT and Innovation Zurich

About Innovation Zurich
Innovation Zurich is your gateway to Zurich’s innovation landscape. Meet the people, projects, and ideas shaping the future – and see why the Canton of Zurich is a top location for tech, science, and entrepreneurship in Europe: innovation.zuerich

About swissICT
swissICT is Switzerland’s largest ICT association, connecting users, providers, and individuals across the tech ecosystem. Since 1955, it has supported the digital development of Switzerland through networking, knowledge sharing, and policy engagement. swissict.ch