Virtuosis: Meet the Venture Leader Technology using AI to help improve mental health and communication in the workplace

20.03.2023 08:00, Morgane Ghilardi

Meet Lara Gervaise, CEO and co-founder of Virtuosis. The startup is developing an Al that identifies and addresses early signs of burnout, stress, anxiety, and communication issues by analyzing the voice of users during Microsoft Teams calls and beyond, all while maintaining the privacy of users. Lara will join nine other tech innovators on the Venture Leaders Technology roadshow in Silicon Valley.

Name: Lara Gervaise
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Nationality: French
Education: EPFL, Robotics and Data Science 
Job title: Co-founder & CEO 
Number of employees: 7 
First touchpoint with Venturelab: ICT Business Concept, 2018

Whom does your product or solution help, and how?
Our startup addresses the increasing global issues of anxiety, stress, and depression among employees who are working remotely. Our solution helps corporate leaders to enhance their team collaboration and well-being by analyzing "real-life" behaviors. 

Our AI-driven tool can be used during video calls and is both cost-effective and precise, with audio alone being enough for it to work. Our technology was developed at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and integrates into Microsoft Teams. Our tool will help (HR) managers to better understand their employees, make informed decisions, and promote sustainable productivity. By proactively identifying well-being and communication issues, our solution reduces mental health issues and related costs while retaining talent.

How did you come up with the idea for your startup? 
Believing that better communication and self-awareness can lead to improvement in one's life and career and recognizing the increasing importance of remote work and the risks for burnout, stress, and anxiety, we saw an opportunity to leverage technology to identify and address early signs of these issues. 

What market are you addressing, and what is the potential of your startup in that market? 
We are addressing the corporate well-being market with a focus on mental health, which continues to be a growing concern for many companies. We aim to be the first step in addressing these issues. 

What excites you most about your work right now? 
I find exciting the potential to make a real difference in people's daily lives. Driven by the idea of using technology to tackle mental health and communication problems in the workplace, we aim to create a more supportive and empowering work environment.
 

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How did you go about building your team? 
While I was working on Virtuosis during my thesis, my now co-founder Edoardo quickly became interested in the technology's potential to address burnout. As we started looking for additional team members, we shared our project with our networks. We were fortunate to find individuals with matching skill sets who were passionate about our vision and mission. These individuals came on board and have been instrumental in helping us bring Virtuosis' product to life. Through these networks and word of mouth, we were able to build a solid and dedicated team that is committed to making a positive impact on people's lives. 

What are your team's key achievements to date? 
Our first key achievement was our collaboration with Microsoft, where we successfully integrated our solution within their Teams app. This was a significant milestone for us as it broadened our reach and allowed us to offer our services to a wider audience. Additionally, we are also working with clinics to support patients and improve the accuracy of our algorithms. This collaboration is allowing us to test our solution in real-world situations and validate its effectiveness, which is a crucial step in our development journey. 

Overall, these achievements have not only reinforced our commitment to our mission but also showcased the potential of our solution to make a real impact in the lives of individuals and organizations

How did you come up with the name of your startup? 
The name Virtuosis was inspired by the Latin word "virtus," which means "virtue" or "excellence." The word has roots in the concept of uprightness and morality and was used in ancient Rome to describe qualities such as courage, honesty, and integrity. By choosing this name, we aim to convey our commitment to these in all aspects. We believe that by striving for virtue and excellence, individuals and communities can reach their full potential and lead more fulfilling lives. 

Is there a key principle or value that guides you as you build your company? 
We operate on a foundation of five key principles and values: trust, efficiency, impact-driven actions, proactivity, and flexibility. First, trust is essential in all our relationships, as it establishes a strong foundation for success. Efficiency enables us to make the most of our resources, maximizing our impact. Finally, we are proactive in seeking out opportunities to make a positive impact, and we believe that flexibility is crucial in adapting to change and finding innovative solutions. These principles drive us forward, guiding us toward success and a meaningful impact.

What is the most challenging aspect of being a founder? 
Building a startup brings with it many opportunities, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. With so many tasks and responsibilities to manage, I find it challenging to maintain focus and avoid getting bogged down in administrative tasks. I have found that one of the most effective ways to overcome this is by prioritizing effectively and delegating responsibilities. By doing so, I can keep a clear sense of direction and focus on the most important tasks at hand, in other words, the long-term goals. This not only helps me manage my workload but also allows me to stay motivated and driven.


Virtuosis founders Lara Gervaise and Edoardo Giudice

Tell us something people don't know about you. 
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in Ninja Warrior*. The challenging and adventurous nature of the competition was truly exciting, and the obstacles were impressive. However, being on a TV show meant my character was portrayed for entertainment purposes, which didn't fully align with my values. Hence, I refused the broadcast of my portrait as it is important for me to stay authentic. Despite that, the experience was still incredibly enjoyable.

(*Ninja Warrior is a popular obstacle course competition show broadcast in many countries, including Japan, the US, the UK, and France. Contestants compete in a challenging obstacle course that tests their strength, agility, and endurance with the objective of completing the course as quickly as possible without falling off any obstacles.)

What is one thing everyone should try at least once?
I think everyone should try traveling on their own. It can be a valuable experience that broadens your horizons and helps you see the world from a new perspective. It's also a great opportunity to learn about different cultures, try new foods, and meet new people. And it's a chance to challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone, learn about yourself, and grow as a person.
 

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Venture Leaders Technology 2023 were chosen from over 150 applications by a jury of investors and technology experts. The roadshow in Silicon Valley, one of the world's most important tech hubs, provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to accelerate their startups' expansion in the US while expanding their professional network and profiting from workshops with investors and industry leaders. This year's Venture Leaders Technology is co-organized by Venturelab and supported by Canton of Vaud, Canton of Zürich, EPFL, ETH Zürich, Kellerhals Carrard, and Rothschild & Co.
 

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