Completely unexpectedly, I won last year's Digital Commerce Award in the startup category. The prize was endowed with CHF 5,000 - a welcome bonus for the development of new products.

I was totally flashed that evening and had no idea what kind of "aftermath" this win would have in the next few months.

Without claiming to be exhaustive, here are a few exciting encounters and the aftermath of this victory:

I met Adriana Blasi from Kidis Fashion at the award ceremony. You had won the startup prize with your online shop the year before. A great friendship developed and this June we had a pop-up store together in Zurich.

Amorana was of course also present that evening and it didn't take too long before the No Bullsh!t products were also available on Amorana.ch. I met Alan Frei for an inspiring coffee and am honored to count him among my circle of valued mentors today. 

The amazing women at Eve Commerce added me to their board a few weeks later, and I've even had the privilege of meeting some of them personally. You rock, ladies!

The Canton of Aargau Development Agency took notice of me and a great partnership has since developed from the initial meeting. They also drew my attention to the offer from Genisuisse . After a presentation of my business case, they promised me a coaching. I have found the perfect coach and really appreciate the exchange with him.

The win actually attracted a lot of attention in both classic and social media. I expanded my network and received requests for interviews and lectures - new trading partnerships have also emerged.

Was it worth participating? In my case for sure. For start-ups in particular, the attention but also the recognition of their own achievements through such an award is priceless.

I have decided not to submit my shop to the Digital Commerce Awards this year. I want to revise and optimize a few things first and probably be there again next year.

I wish all of this year's participants the best of luck - especially in the Startup category. Understandably, this is something that is particularly close to my heart. :)