Tell us a bit about yourself and your background
Lars Sager:
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family that has run a stationery and office equipment/furniture business since 1882—now in its fifth generation. That legacy shaped my mindset and passion for Entrepreneurship and especially SMEs early on. Before founding ENEX, I co-founded and scaled a SaaS startup, which we successfully exited. Prior to that, I worked as a Corporate Development Manager for an industrial company.
Jeremie von Moos:
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family running a materials science publishing business, where I gained hands-on experience in logistics and across various parts of the company. That early exposure shaped my passion for entrepreneurship and SMEs. During and after my studies in Business Administration and Banking and Finance (MBF) at the University of St. Gallen, with exchange semesters in California and Copenhagen, I worked as a strategy and finance advisor in banking, consulting, and private equity, focusing on M&A.
What inspired you to found ENEX, and what is its mission?
We saw a structural problem: thousands of owner-managed SMEs face unresolved succession. Private equity and strategic buyers often fail to provide sustainable solutions. ENEX enables motivated young entrepreneurs to take over these businesses—with know-how, financing, and a clear process. Our mission: preserve entrepreneurial legacies while empowering the next generation.
How did the MBF programme influence your journey as founders?
The MBF gave us more than technical knowledge—it gave us a mindset. It taught us to approach complex problems analytically and strategically. Plus, the network was invaluable. The MBF was also the key reason we met and realized the value of collaborating in the high-pressure environment of building ENEX.
Which skills or experiences from MBF have been most valuable?
(And yes, surviving quantitative methods was great training for stress management!)
What makes SMEs such a critical focus for ENEX—and for you personally?
SMEs are the backbone of Switzerland’s economy—representing values, innovation, and regional stability. They account for 99.7% of all companies and secure two-thirds of all jobs in the country.
For us, this is more than statistics. Both Jeremie and I grew up in entrepreneurial families, deeply connected to the KMU ecosystem. We understand the culture, the challenges, and the legacy these businesses carry. That’s why we want to ensure they pass on to a new generation of entrepreneurs—not to anonymous investors or competitors. For us, it’s about continuity, culture, and keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive.
What advice would you give MBF students who want to start a business?
Start early, think big, but stay pragmatic. Use the MBF network, find partners with complementary skills, and focus on solving real problems—not hypothetical ones. And remember: Excel models are great, but they won’t replace grit and creativity.