BaselTech Brennglas | Vol. 1: FuckUp Nights

Some topics simply need more space. That’s why we want to occasionally shine a spotlight on things that might be of interest to you, our growing BaselTech community.

That is why we would like to run an additional format alongside our monthly newsletteron an irregular but regular basis: BaselTech - Brennglas.

Sometimes more detailed, sometimes focused on just one specific topic – concentrated and thematic rather than a wrap-up, and including a feedback channel for you.

Because it’s also about getting your feedback: Where might we have been completely off the mark with a focus topic or a format, or what did you particularly enjoy?

It is likely that a failure or two will be unavoidable. But should we even call it that, and what is failure really? This brings us directly to the topic of our first edition:

FuckUpNights Basel: When failure takes the stage

Failure is a natural part of every life path – it’s just rarely talked about. Especially in a professional context. That is exactly where FUN Basel comes in, the local branch of the international format FuckUp Nights.

‍Over mezcal and beer - The story behind the FuckUp Nights

‍The idea was born in 2012 in Mexico City, when five friends were sharing their professional setbacks over a few drinks and realized how therapeutic it was. Today, failure is celebrated in over 300 cities across 90 countries through creative formats (e.g., Fuckup Night Munich: ARCHITORTUR Building Sucks).

Over the years, the following concept has emerged: people share their own (primarily professional) setbacks live and in public—what went wrong, what they learned from it, and what happened next. It’s not a lecture on recipes for success, but real stories—honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and often surprisingly liberating. Because the focus isn't on the failure itself, but on what comes from it: new insights, growth, and connection. If you are facing a challenge today, you might just meet someone here who has already walked that exact path.

‍How we have FUN together

‍A FUN evening is intentionally kept concise: after a brief introduction to the topic, three speakers share their stories for about 15 minutes each—no long monologues. This is followed by a 20-minute moderated Q&A session with the audience, focusing on shared exchange: asking questions, reflecting on experiences, and hopefully taking something away for yourself. The evening concludes with an aperitif (perhaps even a mezcal) and networking, where the true magic of this format unfolds.

Perhaps we’ve piqued your curiosity! Would you like to learn more about FUN Basel and see how the very first FUN Basel event went? You can find the links below.

So that we can get started with you soon...

...we are planning to host our first joint event in Autumn 2026 .

What we need for that, of course, are the voices to take the stage:

‍Have you ever experienced a setback that ultimately led to something new? Or can you think of someone who would like to share their own experience? If so, please put them in touch with us. These are exactly the kinds of stories we are looking for. And if you’re feeling a bit nervous about it: no one stands on stage unprepared. Jutta Jerlich and Tea Ganser, the organizers behind FUN Basel, guide every speaker beforehand with a detailed briefing—so you are in good hands.  

‍But even if you don't want to stand on stage yourself:

‍Via the Survey link let us know directly if you would be interested in a FUN evening. This will be a great help to us in planning the event.

Thank you for your help. The FUN team and all of us look forward to your feedback.

See you soon, your BaselTech team.