Unleashing Swiss innovation: Venture Leaders at the Mobile World Congress 2022
16.03.2022 07:40
Raffael Kellner
“Connectivity unleashed” was the title of the Mobile World Congress 2022. A maxim for entrepreneurs: During one week, the Venture Leaders Mobile connected with investors, corporates, and fellow tech innovators in Barcelona. Read our review of a roadshow full of excitement, inspiration, and opportunities for the Swiss National Startup Team.
Nobody will doubt that the twenties of this century are putting enormous challenges on countries and their people. In the face of the Ukraine crisis, it is more crucial than ever to invest in international connection and cooperation for innovation and the well-being of people.
Keeping these thoughts in mind, Swiss entrepreneurs boarded their planes from Zurich and Geneva to Barcelona on Saturday to join the traditional welcome dinner. Jordi Montserrat, managing director of Venturelab, welcomed the founders and gave them a short introduction to the week’s program. After a toast, it didn’t take long before cheerful conversations developed in which the participants got to know each other—a bonding experience that would only grow stronger over the course of the week.
Sunday was the day of the Venturelab Trophy. The startups met at the Royal Club Náutico de Barcelona to embark on the now traditional sailing match. Rolf Auf der Maur, partner at VISCHER and host of the Venturelab Trophy, emphasized: “Preparation goes a long way to get the boat and the crew ready for success. And then there are circumstances that you just have to accept—the wind, the waves, the actions of the competing teams. Deal with them the best way possible.”
10 Venture Leaders, 1 goal – win the Venturelab Trophy! A nice breeze and excellent team work made for a fantastic race, with both teams finishing at a tie victory. A great kick-off for an intense week in Barcelona, showcasing the best of Swiss mobile technology!#VLeadersMobilepic.twitter.com/5clDhtVDU8
After a close race that led to a tie, the teams returned to the Real Club Náutico for a networking lunch with partners and investors. End of afternoon, the Swiss National Startup Team pitched their solutions to the investors and discussed the possibilities of technology innovation and building sustainable businesses
On Monday morning, the team joined the 4YFN conference, startup hotspot integrated in the Mobile World Congress (MWC) for an intense four days in the largest international conference on Mobile technologies and businesses. The immense sight of 400,000 m2 attracted over 61,000 attendants. The entire central hall #6 was exclusively reserved for the 4YFN fair with startups, proving the crucial importance of startups to the thriving mobile technology industry after the COVID crisis.
The Venture Leaders, joined by the extended Swiss startup delegation, enjoyed a convenient placement close to the hall’s center, leading to significant traffic to the startups’ booths. What’s more, the founders had been busy responding to the many meeting requests established through the MWC networking app. Those meetings led to important contacts with investors and international corporations in the mobile industry. “The number of new contacts in such a short time was impressive,” said Julian Studer, CEO and co-founder of Loriot.io.
A grand reception by the Consulate General of Switzerland in Barcelona: Ambassador Hanspeter Mock and Consul General Beat Kaser welcome entrepreneurs showcasing Swiss innovation at the Mobile World Congress.#SwissStartups#MWC22@embsuizaespanapic.twitter.com/3xGcGqNiyR
On Tuesday, the Swiss booths had the honor to welcome the Swiss Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Hanspeter Mock. The Ambassador and the General Consul to Barcelona, Beat Kaser, are interested in supporting Swiss startups that want to expand internationally.
The Swiss officials invested the time to learn about the products and needs of Switzerland’s startups, and they also opened the Swiss Night at the Real Club Nautico. Ambassador Mock and General Consul Kaser emphasized how happy they were to personally meet for business and personal exchange after the COVID crisis. “We are happy tonight,” agreed both Ambassador Mock and General Consul when they addressed the more than 120 international guests.
Wednesday highlight was the International Mobile Startup Pitchfest 2022 where 10 Venture Leaders took on a friendly pitch competition with a selection of 10 Spanish mobile startups. The Spanish startup were selected by by of red.es and ICEX - the Spanish export and investment entity. The event took place at the upper floor of the Tech Barcelona headquarter of Pier 01, the major startup hub of the Catalonian capital.
The International Mobile Startup Pitchfest was supported by Innovaud - The innovation agency of Vaud, its CEO Patrick Barbey giving the welcome word opening to the audience. Facing international investors in the room and an over 120-strong online audience, the 20 founders presented their companies and investment opportunities.
Thursday was the final day of the Mobile World Congress. The startups used the opportunity to finalize discussions in private meetings at the trade show. Closing an intense and fruitful four days at the congress, the participants left the halls, heading toward the harbor, where the General Consulate of Switzerland welcomed the Venture Leaders and the startup delegation for the Swiss Startup Night.
In his speech celebrating the 175th anniversary of the consulate, marking friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and the Catalonian capital, Ambassador Mock pointed out: “Switzerland, lacking natural resources, is a country condemned to excellence and innovation. Barcelona is also a place of excellence, innovation, and talent. It is only logical to put these strengths together, to join forces, to share talents, and do something together.”
Venturelab thanks all participants and supporters. This year’s Venture Leaders Mobile program is supported by Huawei, Swisscom, and VISCHER. We are looking forward to coming back to Barcelona in 2023!
For more information and updates on the Venture Leaders Mobile, follow the Venture Leaders Mobile team with #VleadersMobile and subscribe to our newsletter.
