Meet the Venturelab team: A virtual tea break with Adriana Torelló Perelló

13.04.2022 08:30, 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 based in Barcelona: Meet Adriana Torelló Perelló, one of our Venturelab program managers.

Adriana, thank you for having a virtual tea with us. What were you working on just now? 
We just had a jury session where we evaluated 20 medtech startups to join the Venture Leaders Medtech program. In parallel to organizing the medtech roadshow, I started preparing for Venture Leaders Biotech 2022. We still accept applications, so if you are a biotech startup, you can apply here.
 
You have been working here at Venturelab since January 2022. What are your primary responsibilities? 
Since I am based in Barcelona, the idea is to strengthen our position inside the digital and tech media community here in Barcelona and in Spain. In parallel, I support world-class Swiss startups at events and through our programs.
 
What is your favorite part about being an event and program manager at Venturelab? 
My favorite part is organizing all the side events for the startups. I enjoy facilitating networking opportunities with investors and partners, getting to know all the Venture Leaders in person or online, and seeing that their connections grow through the feedback. 
 
What did you do before joining Venturelab? 
I did an event and marketing internship in a private non-profit organization that grows and pushes Barcelona’s digital and tech ecosystem. After that, I finished my last year of university in the UK. 
 
Why did you apply for the job as an event and program manager? 
One of the team members based in Barcelona contacted me through Linkedin and invited me for a meeting. After some calls and online interviews, I realized that the position was made for me: It combines startups, innovation, and events. The next thing I knew, I was working for Venturelab in Barcelona!
 
What is something your co-workers might not know about you? 
I used to organize virtual reality, augmented reality, and extended reality events. It’s so cool to use technology inside the event industry!

What is your guilty pleasure?
All types of sweets at any time of the day!! But chocolate (specifically Nutella, if I am allowed to name brands) is my downfall.

What would you like to invent?
I always think about how we could contribute to reducing our environmental impact at home and how we could eat healthier. Well, recycling is good, but what if we created an urban garden available for everyone inside their homes, with or without a terrace. I would love to invent an urban city garden that people can set up in their homes: If we all grew fruit and vegetables in our apartments or on our balconies, we could reduce packaging and eat fresh, home-grown produce, even when living in a city.
 
How did you earn your first salary?
My first salary was working as an event hostess. I eventually worked inside the Mobile World Congress, and that’s when I started to dive into the digital and tech world.
 
What is a social media account everyone should follow?
I love being connected with the world and its news. My favorite platform is PlayGround+. It's a platform that informs people through short posts and visual descriptions about news and events. I like that the account highlights topics that help me learn and stay connected.  

What is your favorite topic to discuss during coffee breaks?
I am open to any kind of discussion, but my favorite topic would be restaurants. I love to try new places and discuss the food, design, atmosphere, and menu variety.

What is your favorite artist or playlist to listen to while working? 
An artist will be Miley Cyrus: Her sense of humor with the media and the ability to keep everything that she does more real with her attitude, vocal skills, and activism helping discriminated and vulnerable people and animals. And a playlist I like to listen to Is the one I created: My playlist combines chill hits, covers, and R&B. 

Could you show us your smartphone home screen and tell us about your three favorite apps? 
In the first place, I have Instagram, I follow big digital newspapers to get the latest news, and I also watch some memes to make my day. In the second place, there is Linkedin for more business news and company posts. The third place goes to the app for my bank account: I always check it to make sure everything is fine. Last but not least, there is Safari, my best ally to find references, explanations, and images.