xFarm: The Venture Leader Technology that digitalizes agriculture 

23.03.2022 06:45, Isabelle Mitchell

The Venture Leaders Technology expert jury had their work cut out for them this year: They had to look through 180 applications to choose the 10 members of the Swiss National Startup team that will travel to Silicon Valley in April. Before the 10 entrepreneurs meet with international investors and industry leaders to strengthen their business network and advance their globalization, we want to introduce you to each of the 10 Venture Leaders Technology 2022: Meet Matteo Vanotti, the CEO of xFarm.

xFarm develops an intuitive app for agriculture: The platform of the Lugano-based company covers all the needs for agricultural activity in an intelligent and integrated platform. With xFarm’s app, farmers get comprehensive support to make decisions regarding irrigation, protection, and fertilization, and they can boost their farm’s efficiency through precision farming.

Name: Matteo Vanotti 
Location: Lugano 
Nationality: Swiss 
Graduated from: From ETH Zurich, industrial engineering 
Job title: CEO of xFarm 
Number of employees: 48 
Money raised: EUR 3.4 million 
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2018, during the Swisscom StartUp Challenge 
 
Matteo, could you summarize what xFarm does? 
xFarm develops an all-in-one smart digital farming platform to make farmers more efficient in using sustainable practices. 
 
How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
I grew up on my grandfather’s farm, and I learned all farming operations. Later, I worked in the fintech industry for 10 years. I understood how big data and forecasting models could support farmers in becoming more efficient—from either the operational or sustainable perspective. In 2018, I founded xFarm to make it happen. 
 
What do you expect from the Venture Leaders Technology roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
I expect to grow my network, which is crucial in this phase. I also hope to discuss and learn from the experiences of other US startups.  
 
What is one thing not many people know about you?
I like working during the night when the creativity is higher, and it is easier to stay focused. 
 
What was your dream job when you were a child? 
To be an astronaut. Managing a scale-up is not so far from that job. 
 
What are you most proud of? 
Build my career following my passion. 
 
What is your favorite productivity tool? 
I love Slack because we integrate all communication and notifications on it. It is the center of xFarm. 
 
How and where do you clear your mind?
I go on a ride on my motorcycle, which is a nice way to reset the mind.  
 
Who inspires you?
It was my father who demonstrated to me what it means to be passionate about work. 


For more information and updates on xFarm and the Venture Leaders Technology 2022, follow #VLeadersTech on social media and on www.venture-leaders.ch/technology.

The Venture Leaders Technology 2022 program is organized by Venturelab and supported by dpd Switzerland, EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich, Kellerhals Carrard, Rothschild & Co, and the Canton of Vaud.