Meet the Venturelab team: A virtual coffee break with Mathilde Leboyer

15.06.2021 16:15, Isabelle Mitchell

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 virtual 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 next guest is Mathilde Leboyer, one of our Venturelab program managers.

Mathilde, thank you for taking a virtual coffee break with us. What were you working on just now? 
I am currently scouting for startups for the upcoming Swiss Prime Site Accelerator Workshop, for which the topic is New Utilization Concepts & Real Estate Servitization. We look for startups that focus on co-living and co-working spaces, new concepts to use existing areas and buildings more efficiently—for example, vertical farming, ghost kitchens, urban production, and fulfillment centers—and all solutions that support tenants and end-users of buildings.
 
You have been working as a program manager at Venturelab in Schlieren since February 2021. What are your primary responsibilities? 
I’m responsible for some of Venturelab’s flagship programs, such as Venture Leaders and the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award, and programs supporting corporates in their business development activities. In addition, I am responsible for developing Venturelab’s network of partners and sponsors for our events and programs.
 
What is your favorite part about being a program manager at Venturelab? 
I enjoy connecting with the different ecosystem actors, being exposed to really cool startups, and supporting them in their development!
 
Why did you apply for the job as a program manager? 
I completed my master’s studies in business innovation at the University of St. Gallen. In addition, I also gained a year of work experience in Berlin, where I got accustomed to the local startup culture. Witnessing the dynamics of how these companies are fully reshaping the way we live motivated me to work in that area. This job felt like a great first experience to get to know the startup ecosystem and the new exciting innovations taking place in Switzerland!
 
What is something your co-workers might not know about you? 
I’m pretty easy-going and don’t take myself too seriously. I also enjoy singing from time to time, especially in the shower! 
 
What is your guilty pleasure?
Peanut butter—in my porridge, with my snack, or featured in an Asian dish!
 
What would you like to invent?
A fast alternative to flying. Although I love to travel, I don’t particularly enjoy flying and would instead invent a safer and more sustainable alternative.
 
How did you earn your first paycheck?
I was a cashier at a local supermarket. Although it was a great first experience, I wouldn’t do it again, as I remember my back hurting a lot just from standing all day long.
 
What is a social media account everyone should follow? 
I would recommend following Sifted, which provides great news on the European startup scene. In addition, I also like The New York Times to stay up to date with world news. To lift my spirits, I follow @animalsdoingthings and enjoy some funny and cute animals in action.
 
What is your favorite topic to discuss during coffee breaks? 
Exchanging favorite vaccine conspiracies! ;) And also anything related to movies, shows, food, sports, music, or traveling!
 
What is your favorite artist/playlist to listen to while working? 
I like all music styles, but the ‘70s and ‘80s classics remain my favorites to motivate myself at work!
 
Last but not least, could you show us your smartphone home screen and tell us about your favorite apps? 
These are my top apps. I recently joined TikTok, a rather addictive social network, but the content is really entertaining!