Newly founded companies in Switzerland (February 2026): clear rebound after a moderate January

French-speaking Switzerland remains the leading region

With 1,390 new companies, French-speaking Switzerland remains the most active region in February. Compared to January, this equals an increase of 10.9%, while the level remains almost stable compared to February 2025.

The canton of Vaud (469 foundations) continues to act as the main regional driver. Geneva (383) records a significant month-on-month increase. Growth is particularly strong in Neuchâtel (100), which shows a noticeable rebound. Fribourg (178) also posts solid gains, while Valais (235) develops more moderately.

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Zurich records the strongest monthly growth

The Zurich region reports 973 new companies in February. This corresponds to a 22.2% increase compared to January, as well as a clear rise compared to February 2025. Zurich is therefore among the key drivers of national growth this month.

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Northwestern Switzerland: strong improvement

In Northwestern Switzerland, 1,092 new companies were founded in February. This represents an 18.7% increase compared to January and a slight rise year-on-year.

The cantons of Bern (415 foundations) and Aargau (303) contribute significantly to this positive development. Solothurn (123) also records growth, while both Basel cantons deliver solid results.

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Eastern Switzerland: steady and balanced growth

Eastern Switzerland records 591 new companies, corresponding to a 5.9% increase compared to January and a level above February 2025.

St. Gallen (256 foundations) remains the largest canton in the region. Thurgau (145) and Graubünden (96) also show positive development. Overall, growth in the region appears balanced.

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Central Switzerland: monthly increase, still below last year

Central Switzerland registers 688 new companies in February. This equals a 5.5% increase compared to January, but the level remains below February 2025.

Zug (286 foundations) continues to dominate the region, despite a slight decline compared to the previous month. Lucerne (205), on the other hand, records a clear increase. Other cantons show more moderate developments.

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Ticino: continued upward trend

In Ticino, 234 new companies were founded in February. This represents a 4.0% increase compared to January and a level clearly above last year’s figure. The region therefore confirms the positive momentum observed at the beginning of the year.

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Conclusion: broad-based recovery in February

February 2026 marks a clear rebound in company formations following a more moderate January. Almost all regions record month-on-month growth, with particularly strong contributions from Zurich and Northwestern Switzerland.

With 4,968 new companies, Switzerland demonstrates the resilience of its entrepreneurial environment and continues 2026 on an encouraging trajectory.

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^{Report from January 2026}