Meet the Venturelab team: A coffee break with Paula Vignola de Marco

22.03.2024 10:00, 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 Paula Vignola de Marco, one of our project managers responsible for the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Awards and Venture Leaders.

Paula, thank you for taking a coffee break with us. What were you working on just now?
I'm supporting two projects: the Mars Habitat Challenge and the Venture Leaders Technology. I focus on ensuring that all logistical aspects of these projects are perfectly aligned. Specifically, for the Mars Habitat Challenge, my role extends to support the scouting for startups with innovative solutions that could pioneer sustainable living on Mars. Meanwhile, I'm organizing the Venture Leaders Technology kick-off, detailing the upcoming trip to Silicon Valley for the 10 selected startups that will introduce their technology and seek international exposure, and the START Summit in St. Gallen at the end of March, where we will have a booth. Simultaneously, I have begun the preparation for the 14th edition of the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Awards, our main event of the year. This involves big ahead planning to ensure we celebrate and highlight the most promising Swiss startups.

You started working at Venturelab in July 2022. What are your primary responsibilities? 
Joining Venturelab in July 2022, right before the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Awards in September, was challenging yet invigorating. The initial phase was demanding, as I faced the complexities of preparing for such a prestigious event with little time to acclimate. Despite the challenges, the experience proved to be exceptionally rewarding. It was a rapid learning curve, where I needed to quickly adapt, understand the intricacies involved, and contribute effectively to the event's success. This process, although tough at the beginning, underscored my ability to thrive under pressure, enriching my journey at Venturelab. 

What did you do before joining Venturelab? 
Before joining Venturelab, I worked at a ski resort in France, just an hour away from Geneva. As a B2B Sales Manager, my role was to promote the resort to international markets. My responsibilities included organizing incentive trips and press visits, hosting events, managing group bookings, and negotiating with tour operators and agencies. And of course, taking advantage of skiing on my days off. 

Why did you apply for the job? 
During the COVID-19 pandemic at a French ski resort, closed borders reduced my workload and halted international promotion efforts, prompting a career rethink. Thanks to my multilingual skills, I delved into entrepreneurship with translation services, discovering a newfound passion. This led me to leave the tourism industry for fresh challenges. Intent on relocating to Switzerland, I sought startup opportunities to leverage my entrepreneurial spirit and discovered Venturelab, whose commitment to empowering entrepreneurs inspired me deeply.

What is something your co-workers might not know about you? 
I am deeply fascinated with astrology and the zodiac. I've invested considerable time studying astrology, including an intriguing area known as astrocartography, which determines the best places in the world for you to travel, work, and study based on your natal chart. It offers insights into how geographic locations can impact our lives, aligning with planetary energies to enhance personal and professional growth.

What is your guilty pleasure? 
My guilty pleasure is a Brazilian sweet called Paçoquinha, made from peanuts and sugar. I truly have no limits when it comes to them. The silver lining is that it is not easy to find them here in Switzerland, which thankfully reduces the temptation. 

How did you earn your first paycheck?
I earned my first paycheck at 18 working at a hotel in São Paulo, Brazil, as a receptionist intern. The hotel, named Maksoud Plaza, was among the most iconic hotels in the country, known for hosting an array of world leaders and celebrities such as Margaret Thatcher, Frank Sinatra, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Ray Charles, and Diana Ross. Sadly, due to financial difficulties, the hotel had to close its doors in 2021.

What is a social media account everyone should follow? 
Lately, I've been cutting down on social media, favoring LinkedIn for its relevant content, where I stay connected to Brazil. One inspiring figure is Ale Costa, CEO of Cacau Show. The national chocolate brand boasts over 3,700 stores across Brazil. Remarkably, it never relied on external capital. In 2008, it became the world's largest fine chocolate chain.

What is your favorite topic to discuss during coffee breaks?
Definitely travel. I have a background in hospitality and left my hometown (Brazil) more than 6 years ago to live an international experience. If there's one thing I love, it's discovering new places and cultures. I'm also a fan of cafés in Zurich. Invite me for a coffee, and I won't say no.

What is your favorite artist or playlist to listen to while working? 
I often find myself drawn to Brazilian tunes, especially MPB (Brazilian Popular Music). Sometimes, I lean towards the soothing tunes of John Mayer, which provide a pleasant backdrop for my work. Recently, I discovered "Züri de Janeiro," a new kind of rap which blends Swiss dialect with Brazilian Portuguese. This 8-track project, spearheaded by the Zurich-based rapper Texter, features collaborations with various artists from Rio de Janeiro: A great way to practice my German and keep me connected to my hometown.