Meet Decentriq co-founder Maximilian Groth and discover how the Venture Leader Technology provides new value from sensitive data 

Decentriq provides data clean rooms to leverage the potential of sensitive data: Users can unlock and monetize valuable data that was previously inaccessible because of concerns around privacy and confidentiality. Decentriq’s encryption-in-use technology—confidential computing—can reduce or even eliminate costly third parties and complex legal agreements while providing control, flexibility, and privacy. Get to know Decentriq co-founder and CEO Maximilian Groth, learn more about his expectations for the Venture Leaders Technology experience, and find out which book, podcast, and snack support him on his entrepreneurial path.

Earlier this year, 10 technology startups—covering a range of topics such as computer vision, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, logistics, and sustainability—joined the Swiss National Startup Team. To advance their global growth, the Venture Leaders Technology 2021 will travel to Silicon Valley to showcase Switzerland’s innovative power and network with investors and industry leaders. To ensure you know which startups transform the technology industry, we will introduce you to the startups selected by the expert jury. We asked each entrepreneur to complete a short profile and choose at least six questions from a questionnaire about their personal and professional life. 

Name: Maximilian Groth
Location: Zürich
Nationality: Swiss
Graduated from: University of St. Gallen, Master’s in Arts (Accounting & Finance)
Your job title: Co-founder and CEO of Decentriq
Number of employees: 17
Money raised: USD 3.8 million
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2019—Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2020 application (Venture Leaders Mobile)

“Decentriq is an enterprise SaaS platform providing data clean rooms powered by confidential computing to easily and securely leverage data previously not possible.”
 
How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup? 
I used to work at an organization that analyzes and monetizes telecommunication data. I realized that sensitive data is often regarded as a liability, while it should actually be viewed as an asset. Our mission at Decentriq is to help enterprises leverage sensitive data assets with state-of-the-art trust and security with a SaaS solution.
 
What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision? 
The Venture Leaders roadshow is a prestigious event and represents a valuable opportunity for us to expand our network in North America and share our product and its innovations with fellow tech leaders from Silicon Valley.

What is your favorite podcast?
For the last few weeks, I have been listening to NZZ Akzent because they report about one current topic per workday for approximately 15 minutes. 

What is your favorite book?
At the beginning of this year, I started with the book The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance by Ryan Holiday. I like the short reflection on one challenge from a few thousand years ago translated to today’s world. It’s fascinating how similar our problems still are today.

What is always in your fridge?
Ice cream, preferably fruit sorbet.

Where and when are you most productive?
Early in the morning when the mind is still fresh and not yet influenced by meetings.

How and where do you clear your mind?
Sports like running or skiing in the winter. 

What is the most challenging aspect of being a founder? 
Dealing with a diverse range of challenges and problems.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a founder? 
Dealing with a diverse range of challenges and problems.


For more information and updates on Decentriq and the Venture Leaders Technology, follow the Venture Leaders Technology 2021 team with #VLeadersTech on social media or subscribe to our newsletter.  
 
The Venture Leaders Technology 2021 program is organized by Venturelab and supported by dpd Switzerland, EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich, Intel, Kellerhals Carrard, Rothschild & Co, and the Canton of Vaud.