Manuel Grenacher - About the Early Stages of AI, Finding Co-Founders and the Road to an IPO | Podcast - A3F 2026

This episode is a special fireside chat recorded live at A3F 2026 in Zurich with entrepreneur and investor Manuel Grenacher.

Manuel is best known for building and scaling successful technology companies from Switzerland, including an early exit with Coresystems. In this conversation, we explore what it takes to build ambitious companies, why Switzerland needs more founders who think big, and how entrepreneurs can prepare for the long journey toward an IPO.

We also discuss the early days of AI, lessons from multiple startup journeys, the importance of finding the right co-founders, and why timing often matters as much as execution.

Topics include:

• The early evolution of AI and what has changed
• How to find great co-founders
• Building and scaling companies from Switzerland
• How he’s building unique.ai
• Timing vs. decision-making in startup success
• Preparing a company for a potential IPO
• Opportunities and risks of AI
• What ambitious founders should focus on today

A conversation about thinking bigger, building longer, and creating companies that can compete on a global stage.