Bern-based startup Besso has raised €4.29 million (CHF 4 million) in funding. The company helps businesses understand and manage complex international trade regulations.

The funding came from a single large European family office, which has chosen to remain anonymous. Unlike many early-stage funding rounds that involve several investors, Besso received the entire investment from one backer.

The company deliberately chose this funding approach, allowing it to work with a single long-term investor rather than multiple investors.

“We have always been very deliberate about building Besso around real customer demand rather than funding milestones. The traction we are seeing now tells us that the time is right to invest more aggressively in growth. Having one long-term investor take the entire round gives us both the resources and the focus to do exactly that,” said Philip Sieber-Gasser, founder and CEO of Besso.

Founded and based in Bern, Switzerland, Besso helps multinational companies manage complex international trade rules and find ways to save money. The company has developed an AI-powered platform that tracks more than 1,250 trade regulations and tariff schedules across global markets.

Besso’s platform identifies situations where companies may be paying more in import duties than necessary. It helps businesses find opportunities to reduce costs by using lower tariff rates and benefits available under free trade agreements (FTAs).

“This is an important milestone for us, but the funding itself is not the destination. What matters is what it enables us to build from here,” added Sieber-Gasser.

Besso, a former participant in the Venture Leaders programme, will use the new funding to expand its team and increase its capacity to support a growing number of multinational customers.

The company also plans to invest in product development and research to improve its technology platform and strengthen its services for businesses operating across international markets.