May Foundation Report: Positive Development Begins

In May 2025, a total of 4,577 new companies were founded in Switzerland. This represents a slight increase of 0.51 % compared to April. Year-on-year, there was also a rise of 2.62 %. This confirms the forecast of stabilisation following the seasonal decline in April.

Zurich gains momentum

With 900 new companies, the canton of Zurich showed particular dynamism. This marks an increase of 10.84 % compared to the previous month and 15.24 % compared to May 2024, once again underlining Zurich’s economic importance in Switzerland.

French-speaking Switzerland also saw positive development. A total of 1,327 new companies were founded in May. Although this is a slight decline of 0.15 % compared to April, it represents a 3.75 % increase year-on-year. Within the region, the canton of Vaud recorded the most new companies, with 436 entries, 5.31 % more than the previous month.

Minor changes in Northwestern Switzerland

In Northwestern Switzerland, a total of 992 new companies were founded. This represents a slight increase of 0.92 % compared to April and a slight decline of 0.60 % year-on-year. The canton of Bern was particularly active with 389 new companies, representing a significant increase of 14.75 % compared to April and 5.42 % compared to May 2024.

Declining momentum

In Ticino, a contrasting development was observed in May, as only 191 new companies were founded, 20 fewer than in April and 8 fewer than in May 2024.
In Central Switzerland, the number of new companies decreased as well. With 642 new entries, this represents a decline of 7.36 % month-on-month and 1.08 % year-on-year.
In Eastern Switzerland, 525 new companies were registered, just one fewer than in April but 5.23 % fewer than in May 2024. St. Gallen stood out positively in the region, with 231 new companies – an 11.06 % increase compared to April.

Outlook

The expected moderate increase in new company foundations has materialised: with 4,577 new companies, May slightly exceeded the April figure. However, momentum varied significantly between regions. A further increase is expected for June, supported by favourable seasonal conditions.

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