Meet Aero41 founder and CEO Frédéric Hemmeler and find out how vineyards inspired his entrepreneurial journey

09.07.2020 09:00, Isabelle Mitchell

Venture Leader Technology Frédéric Hemmeler founded Aero41, a company that develops eco-friendly and AI-powered spraying drones that help protect crops. Find out more about Frédéric’s life as a founder, his ideal time for administrative tasks, his favorite place to relax, and his best advice for fellow entrepreneurs.

In October, the Venture Leaders Technology 2020 will embark on their week-long roadshow to accelerate their expansion into the US market and build a business network through meetings with top-notch investors and industry leaders in Silicon Valley. To shorten the waiting time, we will introduce you to the members of the Swiss National Startup Team. We asked each entrepreneur to complete a short profile and choose five questions from a questionnaire about their personal and professional life: 

Name: Frédéric Hemmeler
Job title: CEO of Aero41
Location: Aigle
Nationality: Swiss
Graduated from: University of Geneva 
Number of employees: 5 (as of 06/2020)
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2019, a tech course in Lausanne

“At Aero41, we develop Swiss-made AI-powered crop protection drones.”


How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
As a former commercial helicopter pilot, I knew that aerial spraying (with crewed aircraft) was forbidden in Europe. Our vineyards and other complex crops needed something to replace this traditional solution. But something innovative and – especially – something eco-friendly and very precise!

What do you expect from the Venture Leaders Technology roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
I expect to better know and understand the US market and its needs. We have been approached by some vineyard owners from Napa Valley recently, and we understand that the requirements are different than those for the EU market. Our tool can easily adapt to these requirements, but what about the business model? Furthermore, I am very excited about the knowledge exchange with the other participants and the local partners.

Where and when are you most productive?
At home in the evening, when the kids are sleeping! Especially when it comes to administrative tasks. 

How and where do you clear your mind? 
I live in the Swiss mountains, at 1500 meters and surrounded by forest and grasslands. Coming back from work every day to this haven of peace helps me to fully clear my mind. 

What is something you wish you had known about being a founder? 
Human capital sourcing: not only the colleagues but also the first investors are very important. Starting with the wrong people will cost—not only $$ but also time and mental health.

Last but not least, can you show us your workplace? 


For more information and updates on Aero41 and the Venture Leaders Technology, follow the Venture Leaders Technology 2020 team with #VleadersTech on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. 

This year’s Venture Leaders Technology roadshow to Silicon Valley is supported by DPD, Kellerhals Carrard, Rothschild & Co Bank, Canton de Vaud, EPF Lausanne, and ETH Zurich.