Joining a Startup Board: Responsibilities, Governance, and Strategic Impact
About this Event
Taking on a board mandate in a startup can be exciting, impactful, and career-defining. But what does the role truly involve? What are the legal responsibilities? How are board members selected? And what should business angels know before stepping into a formal board position?
This session is designed for professionals who are considering a board mandate, business angels who want to better understand governance structures, and executives who are curious about the realities behind startup boards.
In this in-person session, you will explore what it takes to join a board, what founders expect, and how to assess whether a mandate is the right fit for you. The evening combines legal clarity, practical insights, and open discussion.
Register here
Details:
- Date: 19.08.2026
- Time: 17.30-19:30, followed by Apero and networking
- Location: Wenger Vieli Office (Dufourstrasse 56, 8008 Zürich)
- Speakers:
Michael Baier, Start-up-, VC- & M&A-Lawyer, Partner at Wenger Vieli
Kim Johansson, CEO and Founder SalesAhead AG, leading Search Boutique specialised on Salespeople, Advisory Board at VRMandat.com
Thomas Dübendorfer, President of SICTIC, Angel Investor, Board Member - Cost: CHF 69 for SSA Premium and Investor members
CHF 99 for non-members of the SSA
Agenda:
17:30 – Doors Open
18:00 – Welcome
18:05–19:00 – Expert Inputs & Discussion
Legal responsibilities and risks of board members (Michael Baier)
How board members are selected and what founders really look for (Kim Johansson)
The investor perspective: board role vs advisory role, compensation, and expectations (Thomas Dübendorfer)
19:00–19:30 – Open Q&A
19:30 onwards – Apéro & Networking
Session Main Takeaways
- What legal duties and liabilities come with a startup board mandate
- How board seats are actually filled and what increases your chances
- The difference between board and advisory roles
- What realistic compensation and time commitment look like
- How to evaluate whether a specific board mandate is the right fit for you
Register now to better understand what it really means to join a startup board and decide whether a mandate is the right next step for you.
About the Swiss Startup AssociationThe Swiss Startup Association (SSA) is the umbrella organisation and the voice of Swiss startups. As a sector-independent non-profit organisation, the SSA gives startups a strong voice vis-à-vis politics, business and the public and works to improve the conditions for startups in Switzerland.
Beyond its political engagement, the SSA fosters a community for startups, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Through networking opportunities, educational sessions, and practical services, the SSA collaborates with industry partners to offer tailored support and valuable resources to guide founders on their entrepreneurial journey.
Join the Swiss Startup Association! Tap into our member benefits, the comprehensive Investor List and get full access to our events. By becoming an SSA Member you enjoy discounted tickets to our Big Founders Dinners and the SSA Founders Day.
In case you do not have a PayPal account, feel free to contact us at [email protected] and request an alternative payment link.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CHF 71.72 to CHF 102.47
