Venture Leaders Technology 2025: Roadshow takeaways with Mohsen Falahi, team captain & DAAV Co-Founder

In early April, the ten Venture Leaders Technology 2025 traveled to San Francisco to meet investors and learn from industry experts in Silicon Valley. We spoke with Team Captain Mohsen Falahi about what stood out the most during the roadshow and how the experience influenced his outlook.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining the Venture Leaders Technology 2025 program, a week-long deep dive into the heart of Silicon Valley alongside 9 of Switzerland’s top tech entrepreneurs. What unfolded was a transformative experience filled with insight, inspiration, and invaluable connections.

A cohort that embodies the future
What stood out immediately was the quality of the cohort. Each founder brought not just an innovative product, but a clear sense of mission. The startups ranged from AI-driven platforms to next-generation computing and space technologies, representing some of the most promising companies shaping our future. The energy was contagious! Every conversation left me more convinced that Swiss tech has what it takes to lead on the global stage.

Business, the Silicon Valley way
Spending time in the Valley reinforced just how different the business culture is here. Investors and entrepreneurs operate at a rapid pace, with sharp, direct interactions that cut to the core of what matters. The emphasis isn’t just on ideas, it’s on the people behind them. There’s a genuine belief that people drive ventures, and this perspective creates room for bold thinking, resilience, and reinvention.

What struck me most was how failure is not stigmatized, but seen as part of a larger learning arc. Here, experience, good or bad, adds depth and value to your journey. That mindset fosters a level of openness and innovation that is hard to replicate elsewhere. You could see this from all the amazing experiences a seasoned investor, Benjamin Narasin, told us during our visit to his home. 
 

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"Venture Leaders reminded me
that Swiss innovation
is global-ready."

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A program designed for real impact
The Venture Leaders program itself was flawlessly executed. From pitching to firms like Intel Capital, Tenacity Venture, NGP Capital, Cota Capital, Partech Partners, Fyrfly Ventures and Five Arrows, to workshops on pricing, scaling, and legal strategies, every element was crafted to push us forward.

Highlights included:
• The “Race of AI” workshop at NVIDIA with Vanessa Ching
• A memorable pitch & BBQ at Swisscom Outpost
• An inspiring scale-up session with Gabor Cselle
• Legal advice in Silicon Valley by Silicon Legal Strategy



Connections that will last
Beyond the formal sessions, what I’ll carry forward are the deep connections formed with fellow founders, investors, and mentors. From sharing stories during pitch breaks to sailing along the San Francisco coast as a group, these are bonds built on shared ambition and mutual respect.



Inspired and ready
As I return home, I do so inspired! Not just by what we saw in Silicon Valley, but by what we brought to it. This program reminded me that Swiss innovation is global-ready, and that with the right mindset and network, we can build companies that truly make a difference.

A heartfelt thank you to Venturelab, sponsors, and everyone who made this journey possible. Let's keep building the future together!