Sharekey: The app that secures business privacy

28.01.2022 07:05, Isabelle Mitchell

A jury of experts and investors went through 90 applications and selected SHAREKEY Swiss AG to participate in the Venture Leaders Mobile 2022 roadshow. In February, the Zug-based startup and the Swiss National Startup Team members will attend the Mobile World Congress 2022 in Barcelona. Before the 10 entrepreneurs meet with top-notch investors and industry leaders to strengthen their business network and advance their globalization, we want to introduce you to Hervé Blanc, the founder and CEO of SHAREKEY Swiss AG.

Sharekey is an all-in-one business collaboration app for true privacy. App-to-app encryption and decentralized keys provide a fast-paced workflow that allows corporate executives, board members, and legal and financial staff to share confidential information within and across enterprise boundaries.

Name: Hervé Blanc
Location: Zurich
Nationality: French
Graduated from: Arts & Métiers, Chalmers
Job title: Founder and CEO of SHAREKEY Swiss AG 
Number of employees: 25
Money raised: > CHF 1.8 million
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2021, when we were a finalist of the Swisscom StartUp Challenge

Hervé, can you summarize what SHAREKEY Swiss AG does?
Sharekey is the Swiss collaboration app to secure business privacy, anywhere and on any device. 

How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup? 
After 25 years spent in the telecommunication industry (Skype, Cisco, Accenture), I created the platform I wish I had to communicate and exchange confidential information.

What do you expect from the Venture Leaders Mobile roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
It is a great opportunity to meet with customers, partners, and investors to grow Sharekey in Europe and internationally.
 
What was your favorite subject in school?
Mathematics. I have always been passionate about cryptology.
 
What is the one talent you wish you had?
Blockchain skills in 2009, when bitcoin was launched. Then I would have bought tons of bitcoins.
 
What are you most proud of? 
Gathering the best team to create an amazing app focused on two core challenges of our time: privacy and sustainability.

What is your favorite book?
The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer because it brings inspirational tips for living life to the fullest. 

How did you come up with the name of your startup?
The sharing of keys is the essence of cryptology.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
“They did not know it was impossible, so they did it.” – Mark Twain

What is the most challenging aspect of being a founder?
It requires you to be “360”: team, product, marketing, sales, finance, customers, partners, investors, board,… and sport, friends, and family.
 
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a founder? 
We learn great things every single day.

What is your favorite productivity tool?
Sharekey of course! This is why we built it!
 
Last but not least, could you show us your workspace? 
This is where the magic happens!



For more information and updates on SHAREKEY Swiss AG and the Venture Leaders Mobile, follow the Venture Leaders Mobile 2022 team with #VleadersMobile on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. 
 
This year’s Venture Leaders Mobile program is supported by Huawei, Swisscom, and VISCHER.