How to set up clean finances, understand VAT, and build a runway that gives you confidence instead of panic.

Money is the part of entrepreneurship everyone touches — whether they love numbers or not.

In this episode of the Swiss Biz Builder Sessions, Susan Platt and Libby O’Loghlin walk through the financial foundations every founder in Switzerland needs: business banking, VAT realities (especially for online businesses), and how to think about runway and cashflow in a way that supports calm, grounded decision-making.

This episode is not about becoming an accountant.
It’s about creating clarity — so money stops being a source of stress and starts becoming a support system.

• When you can (and shouldn’t) use a private bank account for business
• Business bank accounts for Einzelfirma, GmbH and AG
• Capital deposit accounts and what slows Swiss bank onboarding
• How to choose the right bank for your business model
• VAT in Switzerland — thresholds, registration and charging VAT correctly
• Why EU VAT and Swiss VAT are not the same thin
• Which online platforms handle Swiss VAT — and which don’t
• How to deal with Swiss VAT when selling digital products internationally
• What a financial runway really is — and how to calculate it
• The difference between profit and cashflow (and why missing cashflow kills businesses)
• Simple habits that protect liquidity and reduce money stress
• Even if you’re legally allowed to use a private account, separating business and personal money is one of the best decisions you can make
• Opening a Swiss business bank account takes time — preparation matters
• VAT is a pass-through tax, not your income
• You must register for Swiss VAT once global turnover reaches CHF 100’000
• Swiss VAT is not EU VAT — and platforms often blur this distinction
• Only one major platform currently handles Swiss VAT as merchant of record
• Cashflow, not profit, is the number one survival factor for new businesses
• A financial runway buys you clarity, confidence and better decisions

VAT & online sales platforms

Digistore24
(Handles Swiss VAT as merchant of record)

Platforms that do not handle Swiss VAT even if they handle EU VAT:

• Shopify
• Gumroad
• Kajabi
• Teachable
• Podia
• ThriveCart
• Payhip
• Ko‑fi
• Lemon Squeezy
• WooCommerce

Platforms mentioned as examples that allow exporting sales by country:

• Ravelry
• Shopify
• Gumroad
• Kajabi
• Teachable
• Etsy

This episode provides general information and orientation only. It does not constitute individual tax or legal advice. Your specific situation may require professional support, especially as your business grows or becomes more complex.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Foundations

00:36 Navigating Business Banking in Switzerland

06:15 Understanding VAT and Its Implications

12:26 Budgeting Your Runway and Managing Cash Flow

22:18 Conclusion and Practical Steps Forward