Join us together with the Nordic Chambers and St. Gallen University for our event “Long Game: Creating durable enterprises”  on the 12th of June 2025 – an inspiring evening dedicated to the topic of durable entrepreneurship focusing on businesses that aspire not merely to become unicorns, but instead prioritise resilience, longevity, and sustainable growth over the long term.

Event Insights

In a startup culture frequently obsessed with rapid scaling and mythical unicorn valuations, crucial aspects such as long-term survival, adaptability to market changes, especially today and lasting success often remain overlooked. Increasingly, advocates emphasise the importance of building businesses that can withstand market volatility, economic uncertainties, and shifting consumer preferences, symbolised aptly by the endurance and adaptability of camels and zebras.

Our event seeks to highlight exciting opportunities and innovative approaches, providing practical insights and positive pathways to achieve enduring entrepreneurial success and sustained market relevance. With Nordic-Swiss speakers we will explore the roles universities can play in fostering durable entrepreneurship, how chambers of commerce can support long-lasting business ventures, and what we can learn from the world-famous Nordic startup scene. Combining this with St. Gallen’s increasing relevance in boosting entrepreneurship, this event provides practical insights and positive pathways to achieving long-lasting entrepreneurial success.

The vibrant and forward-looking atmosphere of SQUARE – the famous innovation hub and architecturally stunning location of University of St.Gallen that brings together business, academy and politics – will set the stage for the evening’s discussions.

Join us and contribute to shaping the future of durable entrepreneurship!

Welcome Adress
– Michael Reiss von Filski, Estonian Honorary Consul and President of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland.
– Prof. Dr. Dietmar Grichnik, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Institute for Technology Management at the HSG.
Introduction
– Keynote speakers Dr. Dietmar Grichnik Prof. of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Institute for Technology Management & Gerri Kodres, Tech investor and entrepreneur, Founding Partner of Specialist VC.

Panelists
– Hans Märtson, Head of CX Impact & Business Process Excellence at Hilti Group and Advisor to Board of Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland.
– Nicole Lavrov, Vice President Product at Start Global.
– Prof. Dr. Dietmar Grichnik, Prof. of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Institute for Technology Management.
– Prof. Dr. Charlotta Sirén, Associate Professor at University of St.Gallen.
– Gerri Kodres, Tech investor and entrepreneur, Founding Partner of Specialist VC.

Panel is moderated by Dr. Maria Luisa Fuchs, Co-He.

Programme

17:30 – 18:30 | Welcome and registration
18:00 – 19:30 | Start of the event – speeches and panel discussion
19:30 – 20:30 | Networking & apéro riché
20:30 | End of event

RSVP 6 JUN 2025

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