Swiss Startup Group Graduate Program: “I jumped in at the deep end with a life vest on”

09.02.2022Linus Joos

The Swiss Startup Group offers a unique graduate program in Switzerland across its whole venture platform. José Maria Toti is one of the first participants.

How did you end up here?

I am originally from Lugano and decided to pursue my bachelors degree in Business and Administration at the University of St. Gallen. During my studies, I completed a semester abroad in Madrid through an exchange program, which gave me a very welcome change of scenery. In my time there, I had my first opportunity to familiarize myself with ventures through the IE Venture Lab and the exciting project we launched, as part of the curriculum. In the project, we aimed to democratize data ownership by allowing users to sell their online data anonymously and profit by charging a fee per transaction. It was a great introduction to the venture world but unfortunately, we couldn’t commit as much time to the idea as we would have liked to. Since then, I was sure that I wanted to be involved in and get to know the startup environment, as the lively dynamics and innovative impact inspired me. Therefore, the Swiss Start Up Group graduate program seemed like the perfect fit to gain more of the hands-on experience and exposure to the Swiss and European venture ecosystem that I was looking for. Especially as the structure and diversified exposure of the program make it unique in Switzerland.

Where did you start?

The first company I got the chance to work with was BV4 Venture Intelligence Boutique, where I was an analyst for three months. The company’s focus is to assess, scout and value startups, and bridge financing rounds for venture capitals and startups.

How long did it take you to get into the real business, then?

I had my first client meeting on my second day at 7 in the morning, so you can say I jumped into the deep end with my life vest on. Luckily I had a welcoming and agile team with very lean operations, who were extremely supportive, whenever needed. Through the fast and intensive onboarding process I was able to hold responsibilities and have my impact on projects early on.

So what did your typical day look like at BV4?

Mainly, I was staffed on client-facing projects regarding financial modeling, market analysis, screening, pitch deck preparation and so on. I enjoyed the exposure to various startups from different sectors we were working with, always facing different challenges. It is fascinating to talk to founders with many different backgrounds and dig deeper into how and why people work on innovative projects. In general, I appreciated how BV4 shapes a startup’s journey and is a part of its success.

After three comprehensive months, you changed the company, right?

Correct. The second company I am working with as a part of the program is the Swiss Startup Factory, a company builder. I have been finding the work really interesting as I get to experience the process behind creating a successful venture, from the smallest marketing trick for an Instagram campaign to defining fundraising strategies, new business models, and digging deep into specific market trends and customer needs. I am learning how to test the potential of products and services, structure successful PoC/MVPs, and experience the struggle behind transforming an idea into an operative venture. It is a valuable combination of skills applicable to what a founder does, boosted with the helpful experience of the team forged on many prior ventures and with an iterative lean process.

In March, you will start at Serpentine Ventures, the next company in the graduate program. What do you expect?

I expect it to be an additional learning experience that builds upon the two previous rotations, allowing me to gain further insights to the venture ecosystem. I am looking forward to analyzing many different startups from a VC perspective and supporting them, not only financially, but also conceptually on their growth journey. In addition, I am looking forward to gaining understanding of Serpentine Venture’s innovative push on venture as an asset class.

By the end of your program, you will have seen many different aspects of the venture ecosystem. What will the future hold for you?

I do not know, yet. After my 10-months program, I will be equipped with extremely valuable know-how from all perspectives and a very strong network in the Swiss startup ecosystem. I am sure this experience will provide me with a solid base to decide which path to pursue in the venture business, as the more I do and learn through the Swiss Startup Group Graduate Program the more I am fascinated with it. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow within the ecosystem and eager to enjoy, at fullest, the remaining months of my graduate program.

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Swiss Startup Group Graduate Program

Our 9-12 months long program offers a unique view into the following entities:

  • Swiss Startup Group: leading Swiss venture platform governing its business units
  • Serpentine Ventures: multi-funds Venture Capital firm with currently five different funds in the market
  • Swiss Startup Factory: venture studio to build and scale high-growth ventures
  • BV4: venture intelligence boutique supporting private, institutional and corporate investors and ventures in their deals and funding
  • Code Law: innovative law firm with a founder-centric focus

In our program, you will see and experience the venture ecosystem from the different perspectives of at least 3 of Swiss Startup Group's business units. You will gain valuable insights of the venture ecosystem and the different players from startup founders, VC fund, corporate investors, etc. You will have direct contact to founders of startups from different industries and be able to go to various startup and network events for our company. If your output, drive and ambition suit the company, we are open to offer you a permanent position.

You can apply for the program here.

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