Meet the Venturelab team: A coffee break with Julia Devecchi

09.01.2024 12:24, 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 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 Julia Devecchi, one of our project managers responsible for Ask the Expert workshops, corporate innovation programs, and Venture Leaders.

Hi, Julia. Thank you for taking a coffee break with us. What were you working on just now?
I was just organizing a new Ask the Expert workshop and looking at potential partners for the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Awards. 

You started working at Venturelab in February 2023. What are your primary responsibilities?
Primarily focused on the corporate program facet of our initiatives, I am engaged in several key activities. This includes overseeing the dynamic Swisscom StartUp Challenge, where we promote innovation and collaboration within the startup ecosystem. I organize workshops and empowering scale-up bootcamps in conjunction with our valued partners. Furthermore, I'm involved in the Venture Leaders program, where I support the development of leaders in the Swiss entrepreneurial landscape.

What is your favourite part about being a project manager at Venturelab?
It’s multi-faceted. I’m not always doing the same thing. Some days I’m discussing exciting projects with corporates, the next I’m helping startups and then I’m just doing general organization stuff.

What did you do before joining Venturelab?
I was running my own Foodtech startup for a while, and simultaneously mentoring an idea-stage accelerator. My last role was as Co-Director at Founder Institute Switzerland.

Why did you apply for the job?
I realized I was enjoying supporting other startups more than running my own, and I wanted a role where I had autonomy and responsibility. 

What is something your co-workers might not know about you?
One aspect of my life that my co-workers may not be aware of is the extent of my travel experiences.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Planning my next trip before finishing my current trip, although I don’t really feel guilty about that. I just rather be travelling :)

How did you earn your first paycheck?
I assisted in a project in Compliance at a Bank in Enge. The bank has since gone bankrupt, but that doesn’t have anything to do with me. 

What is a social media account everyone should follow?
Celeste Barber and the guilty feminist. There’s a funny one where a guy makes fun of the Swiss-German language, but I can’t remember the name. 

What is your favourite topic to discuss during coffee breaks?
New (food) innovations, what’s currently going on in the world, or hidden spots to travel to. 

What is your favourite artist or playlist to listen to while working?
I currently can’t get enough of Grover Washington and Bill Withers – Just the Two of Us, Aretha Franklin – You Send Me, and Matt Duncan – Beacon.