David, you have become famous as one of the most successful young entrepreneurs in Switzerland. You started your first business when you were 20 years old and attained success thanks to worldwide media coverage. This initial business resulted in several spin-offs and new companies that are based on your technology. Now you are on the board of directors of the Swiss start-up „SWIP.world“ that is developing a “platform of the future”.

What do you think are the opportunities we humans have in the future?

We live in the most exciting times of human development. For the first time in the history of humankind, it is possible to reach 10 million people with a message.
Because every human being has their own story, their own ideas and their own creations, these new ways to network offer an unprecendented amount of opportunities.

What potential do you see in the “crowd“? What would you use it for?

Already in 2011, we successfully ran a crowdfunding with SuitArt; this was the first time that company stocks could be bought via the internet. Through this, we were able to find outstanding partners who back ideas like ours and share in our success. Furthermore, when SuitArt provided the clothing for Swiss Indoors, interested parties were able to vote online for their favorite outfits. 500 people took part.
We advertised a competition to create a corporate identity for the company Diamond Heels through crowdfunding. One of the participants won the competition and not just he, but all other participants benefitted financially. Crowdfunding can be used in any field, but the final decision has to be made by someone who brings the company strategy in line with the ideas of the “crowd”. We have made mistakes in this area. It depends on the basic attitude of the corporate culture whether a company decides to use this resource or not; it takes experience to know how the “crowd” works and what risks and opportunities are involved. The opportunities tend to strongly outweigh the risks.

What opportunities does swip.world offer to people? Why should they join?

Swip.world offers users the opportunity to work with entrepreneural freedom according to their own strengths, to pursue something without a boss calling the shots and with the possibilty of earning a living doing something they really enjoy. On top of this, anyone can connect with well-know companies and build new business relationships with them. This closes the circle of the above mentioned networks that have been made possible due to the internet and, at the same time, highlights the effects this will have: advancement, regeneration and improvement.

Which three factors were the most influential on your successful and impressive journey? What can you teach us?

To narrow it down to three factors is nearly impossible; many things are vitally important to success. If I must break it down: first, humility; second, never stop learning; and third, focus on your strengths and find partners who are strong where you are weak.