«Creator Tank»: When Startups Pitch for Reach, Not Money
On October 27, 2026, a new format will make its debut at the Zurich Kongresshaus: At the «Creator Tank» during the Creator & Brands Convention, startups will compete not for capital, but for the attention of top creators such as Roland Brack and Sara Leutenegger.
The buzz surrounding the creator economy has long since taken center stage in Switzerland’s media and business worlds. Just recently, at the Zurich Film Festival, it became clear how platforms like TikTok are completely reinventing the red carpet experience with creators, while YouTube stars have long been acting like professional media companies through direct engagement with brands. It is precisely within this dynamic zeitgeist that a new event highlight is now taking center stage: the official kickoff to the seventh edition of the Smile Swiss Influence Award.
When Attention Becomes Hard Currency
We're all too familiar with shows like «Die Höhle der Löwen.» But when it comes to the Creator Tank The motto is «Mail Instead of Cash.» Young companies present their ideas to a jury of prominent figures—including Roland Brack, Sara Leutenegger, Steve Merson, and Stella-Sophia Castelli. If a pitch is convincing, the jury members don’t pull out a checkbook—instead, they use their personal networks to give the startup the ultimate turbo boost.
«A single strong recommendation can have an enormous impact on a young company,» explains co-founder Fabian Plüss. Creators are thus definitively becoming strategic reach investors.
The Premiere's Star-Studded Startup Quartet
Four very different Swiss startups have made it into the first edition and will face the high-caliber jury:
First up is Soully Matcha Soda. Co-founders Camille Zingg and Maresa Tennigkeit reinterpret the Japanese principle of perfection and bottle matcha as a refreshing soda—no frills, but with long-lasting energy.
In addition, HERA organics is fully committed to sustainability and women's health. The Swiss company markets natural menstrual sponges as a reusable, zero-waste alternative to conventional tampons.
feelgood Condoms® comes from the sexual wellness sector. Since 2023, founder Martina Hammer has been combining safety, high-quality materials, and a positive outlook on life to promote a mindful approach to sexuality.
VIVICASE rounds out the quartet. The new home and living platform seamlessly integrates interior design, social media, and e-commerce, allowing users to discover home decor ideas from real Swiss homes and purchase them directly.
Whether e-commerce pioneer Roland Brack and multi-talented Sara Leutenegger are paired with products in a stereotypical way or whether surprising alliances emerge, the stage is sure to be electric.
Tickets for the first Creator Tank are available here at the Online Shop
A Gathering Place for the Creative Elite
The Creator Tank is part of the Creator & Brands Convention, which will bring together industry professionals and brands at the Kongresshaus Zürich on the afternoon of October 27, 2026. In addition to talks by Meta, TikTok, and LinkedIn, the day will culminate in the glamorous Smile Swiss Influence Award ceremony.
