Meet the Venturelab team: A coffee break with Ekaterina Koleva

22.09.2023 15:30, Rita Longobardi

Venturelab supports the most innovative Swiss startups with tools, programs, and a one-of-a-kind network of partners and investors. To find out who makes all of this happen, we will take a look behind the scenes: We meet the Venturelab team members for a coffee break to talk about their work and find out what makes them tick when they are not supporting Switzerland’s innovation ecosystem with their expertise and experience. Our guest today is Ekaterina Koleva, one of our project managers responsible for Innosuisse Start-up Training.

Ekaterina, thank you for taking a coffee break with us. What were you working on just now?
I am scouting for the next great world-class Swiss startups for our next Innosuisse Start-up Training in Bern and Lugano, and organizing my trip to India as part of our amazing AIT India program.

You started working at Venturelab in February 2023. What are your primary responsibilities?
My primary responsibilities are organizing and coordinating the Innosuisse Start-up Training in the German-speaking part of Switzerland and Tessin. I am also mainly involved in and organizing the GovTech Innovation Exchange and AIT India.

What did you do before joining Venturelab and why did you apply for the job?
I was studying Biology at ETH Zürich before joining Venturelab. I was always passionate about startups and during my studies, I attended about 20 events of IFJ and Venturelab. After that, I did my Master's thesis about Breast cancer Immunotherapy in a future startup at the University Hospital in Zürich to see how it is to work behind the scenes. Eventually, I decided that I wanted to get to know many startups and support them in their journey. That is why I joined Venturelab.

What is something your co-workers might not know about you?
I used to work voluntarily at a Zoo, so I love all kinds of animals. I was bitten by a baby lion and played hide and seek with the camel. Right now, at home, I have leaf insects that look like and eat blackberry leaves.

What is your guilty pleasure?
I love spending money on plants – I have around 25 plants at home, a small jungle. When I see a nice plant, I always say to myself that it is better to have and enjoy it now rather than when I die in my graveyard. 

How did you earn your first paycheck?
I was selling tickets for salsa parties. After that I could stay and dance for free – that is how my dancing career started.

What is a social media account everyone should follow?
I am not that big fan of social media, the only account I have is LinkedIn. If you want to deep dive into my personality, feel free to WhatsApp me and meet for a walk.

What is your favourite topic to discuss during coffee breaks?
I like going hiking on the weekends, so any recommendations and experiences are welcome during the coffee breaks. 

What is your favourite artist or playlist to listen to while working?
I don’t really listen to music while working because I cannot stop myself from starting dancing and also cannot concentrate on my work. I try not to multitask, then I work faster and more efficiently. Anyway, if it happens to listen to something, it will be podcasts.