SoftBank Group announced plans to acquire ABB’s robotics business for $5.4 billion. Inflows of overseas capital into Swiss deep-tech companies are increasing, and the company’s investment in ETH spin-off Gravis Robotics has also come to light.
Japan’s SoftBank Group is reported to have decided to acquire ABB’s robotics business in Switzerland for $5.4 billion. Earlier, in August, it reportedly invested $200 million in Gravis Robotics, a construction robotics company spun off from ETH Zurich. Overseas capital accounts for 88% of a fundraising deal exceeding $100 million, indicating an increase in capital inflows into the deep-tech sector.
The appeal of Swiss deep-tech companies to overseas investors is said to be enhanced by accumulated research conducted before founding, intellectual property rights and the involvement of international talent. Swiss government-affiliated organisations and industry participants explain that a stable policy environment supports long-term investment.
Of 265 scale-ups in Switzerland, 115 are spin-offs from universities and research institutions, illustrating the complementary strengths of the research ecosystem and manufacturing base. Companies originating from ETH and EPFL are successively strengthening their competitiveness, while overseas companies are also establishing research centres in the country.
However, the share of domestic capital has been declining. While the participation of overseas investors is viewed as one factor behind companies’ globalisation, some also believe that domestic capital remains important. Swiss industry participants point to the limitations of the domestic market for large-scale production and say that stronger partnerships are necessary.