Zürcher Kantonalbank

Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) is the cantonal bank of Zurich. Founded in 1870, it is an independent institution under public law owned by the Canton of Zurich. In 2025 it reported total assets of CHF 206.2 billion and distributed CHF 581 million to the canton and its municipalities.

For young companies, ZKB has a start-up finance unit that invests risk capital in Swiss start-ups with a prototype or proof of concept. It takes equity stakes or grants convertible loans, usually alongside other investors and with a horizon of five to eight years. According to the bank, it has backed more than 300 start-ups with over CHF 260 million. In 2025 alone the unit took part in 59 financing rounds and invested CHF 20.7 million.

Together with the Technopark Zurich Foundation, ZKB awards the ZKB Pionierpreis Technopark every year to a Swiss technology start-up. Since 2001 the prize has gone to 50 start-ups, with almost CHF 2.5 million paid out in total.