Long Game: Creating durable enterprises
Donnerstag 12. Juni, 17:30 - 21:00
SQUARE an der Universität St.Gallen (Gebäude 11), St. Gallen
Join us together with the Nordic Chambers and St. Gallen University for our inspiring evening event 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.
Long Game: Creating durable enterprises
Thursday, 12th June, 2025 at 17:30
SQUARE, Guisanstrasse 20, 9010 St. Gallen
The keynote speaker is the experienced and well recognised investor Gerri Kodres, based in Geneva. This event is hosted by St. Gallen University and HSG Entrepreneurship in their stunning innovation hub SQUARE.
EVENING PROGRAMME
17:30 Welcome and registration
18:00 Start of the event - speeches and panel discussion
19:30 Amazing networking
20:30 End of event, leave inspired.
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.
The evening concludes with aperó riché and ample opportunities for networking, meaningful discussions, and exchanges of innovative ideas and insights.
Join us and contribute to shaping the future of durable entrepreneurship!
SPEAKERS AND TOPICS
Welcome Address
- 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
- Dr. Bernd Schneider, Co-Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of St. Gallen.
Discover the entrepreneurial ecosystem of HSG Entrepreneurship, covering Ideation, Incubation, and Acceleration, and learn about the unique approach fostering durable success for internal and external entrepreneurs at the University of St.Gallen.
Keynote Speech
- Gerri Kodres, Tech investor and entrepreneur, Founing Partner of Specialist VC.
Gain personal insights and inspiration from a successful Baltic-Nordic entrepreneur and investor who was voted #1 startup investor by Estonian tech founders. Gerri Kodres will share his journey and reflections on sustainable entrepreneurship and enduring market success.
Panel Discussion
Engage in a dynamic dialogue featuring
- Hans Märtson - Head of CX Impact & Business Process Excellence at Hilti Group and
Advisor to Board of Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
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Nicole Lavrov - Vice President Product at Start Global
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Prof. Dr. Dietmar Grichnik,
Prof. of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Institute for Technology Management
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Prof. Dr. Charlotta Sirén, Associate Professor at University of St.Gallen.
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Gerri Kodres, Tech investor and entrepreneur, Founing Partner of Specialist VC.
Panel is moderated by Dr. Maria Luisa Fuchs, Co-Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation Service Center of the HSG.
19:30-20:30 Amazing networking and wrap-up
The evening concludes with aperó riché and ample opportunities for networking, meaningful discussions, and exchanges of innovative ideas and insights.
Join us and register today!
This event hosted by: St. Gallen University and HSG Entrepreneurship
Organised by: Estonian Chamber of Commerce in Switzerland
In collaboration with: Danish-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce Finland-Switzerland, Swedish-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, and Norggesklubben Sveits
Terms & Conditions
Cancellations and non-attendance after 6 June 2025 will not be eligible for reimbursement. In case of cancellations after that day or “no-show” the entire participation fee will be charged.
SQUARE an der Universität St.Gallen (Gebäude 11) • Guisanstrasse 20, 9010 St. Gallen, Sankt Gallen, Schweiz
