How Tsüri started

Tsüri was founded in 2015 by a collective of young journalists and media students led by founder Simon Jacoby. Initially conceived as a two-year pilot project, the founders aimed to test the viability of local journalism tailored to a youthful demographic in Zurich. Two key motivations drove this initiative:

1. Traditional local newspapers primarily targeted older demographics.

2. Traditional local newspapers predominantly focused on print media.

Jacoby also mentions that they deliberately avoided creating a large-scale venture, considering their youth and relative inexperience in the industry. They appreciated the notion of it being a test, as it allowed them to explore experimental and independent approaches without the long-term commitment. Knowing they would conclude the project after two years provided them with the freedom to take more risks and innovate.

After approximately six months of planning, they commenced publishing content without even having a business model in place, as the project was never intended to be a money-making venture. To establish their website, they secured a modest grant of 6,000 Swiss francs from the Stiftung für Medienvielfalt, a foundation dedicated to fostering media diversity in Switzerland.

Jacoby recalls that the planning phase and initial months were somewhat chaotic and anarchic, compounded by a high turnover within the team. Many members were juggling internships, academic pursuits, their first paid roles in editorial offices, and their involvement with Tsüri. Despite this unpredictability, Jacoby naturally became the focal point where organisational threads converged, gradually forming a semblance of structure.

As Tsüri gained traction over several months, the founders recognized its potential and decided to formalise the project into a sustainable business entity. They sought financial support from family and friends to establish Tsüri as a company and develop a comprehensive business plan. Around one and a half years into the project, they achieved a milestone by being able to offer salaries. Prior to this, everyone had been contributing on a voluntary basis. Subsequently, they could fund two full-time equivalent positions and compensate freelancers with modest fees.