A body remains in motion unless an external force stops it. And for Juanfe Cifuentes (Colombia, 1990), nothing and no one stops him. Inertia has led this industrial engineer to study an MBA, project management programs and a bootcamp in emerging technologies; to spend 10 years developing talent and creativity in a major company like Apple; and, since 2019, to create his own project.

As co-founder and CTO of Siverus, Juanfe develops technological solutions to address security challenges in companies. And his principles, will continue to keep him in a constant movement towards innovation.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

JC: The purpose of Siverus is to turn workplace safety on its head. We want to use IoT technology to ensure that PPE is being used correctly in real time, whether it’s a hard hat, boots, goggles or a harness. Workplace accidents are not just measured in money, they also have a huge impact on people and their families, and that’s what we want to avoid. We want to get ahead of the accident, to make sure that employees are well protected, to reduce the risk and the consequences. It’s not just about complying with regulations, it’s about optimizing safety resources and, above all, protecting lives in high-risk environments.

TB: Where are you at and where do you see it in two years?

JC: Right now, Siverus is in a growth phase and we are expanding our market in Catalonia. We already have clients in high-risk sectors such as the manufacturing industry and the electrical sector. In two years, I imagine a bigger team, consolidated and growing even more. The exciting thing is to see that companies really want to protect their employees and not just comply with regulations. Our next step is to open the product to more markets, starting with Asia and Latin America. We want to be a reference in intelligent security.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

JC: To take the plunge and take the risk. It wasn’t easy. You don’t always have a clear head, but you have to do it even with fear and always with courage. This project has made me grow and has taken me to my own limits, and therefore I have been able to decide where I want to place them. Besides, everything that has to work has to be tested. Fortunately, I was able to take the idea to an MVP and prove that it worked. The truth is that entrepreneurship is not an innovative idea, but if you find the ecosystem where you fit and that becomes your support and fuel, then that is the idea that can make a difference, both for you and for all those that your project can impact.

TB: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

JC: Without a doubt, the biggest challenges are in the people. Managing expectations and maintaining good communication is something I try to get better at every day. With a project as demanding as Siverus, this challenge is getting bigger and bigger. Working in a company that integrates customers and people with hardware and software means leading a diverse team, full of people with their own dreams and expectations. Leading them only makes you the one who helps them find their place and achieve their goals. Not easy, but rewarding.

Technologically? My challenge has been to learn not to rush. I have had to understand that it is better to wait for the client to request new functions. My technical side always wants to keep moving forward, looking for improvements and solutions, but the hardest and most important thing sometimes is to know how to listen and give space for the real needs to be expressed.

TB: The best advice you have been given.

JC: Without a doubt, the best advice I’ve received is “shut up, listen, ask, listen, shut up and listen again.” It’s about understanding that every interaction is a unique moment and it’s important to let go of all preconceived ideas to be ready to learn again, whether it’s from your environment, your family, or your clients. Only then, you can ask questions that bring value, and perhaps, you can contribute in a meaningful way. In the case of Siverus, this approach has been key for us to create a stable, scalable and truly useful solution that brings real value on a day-to-day basis. In the end, it’s about being there, listening carefully and responding with solutions that make a positive impact.

TB: A role-model.

JC: Joan. I met him at school. He didn’t finish it, but he always showed incredible perseverance. He didn’t fit into the system, but that didn’t stop him. He started as a salesman and worked his way up, always with the goal of really helping his customers and his company. He has always been able to find what is really important, and now he leads a whole area in a multinational company. He has a great position, and he got there by genuinely caring for his customers and his co-workers. I think that’s the key. That thing really matter to you. She inspires me to keep going even when it seems too hard, to learn, to fit in when it doesn’t seem possible, to wait for the right time, and to pursue what I want. Joan taught me that sometimes being a little intense and believing in what you do makes all the difference.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

JC: Information technology will be key in defining the type of content we consume and what we consider important in the world. This will influence people’s decisions in the future, especially with the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). I envision a future where screens as we know them disappear, and our interaction with technology becomes much more natural and immersive, allowing us to connect in completely new ways with our surroundings. Beyond this, what I really hope for is a technology that allows us to generate energy in a sustainable way. I recently read an article that talked about transforming waste to build on the Moon and Mars, and that got me thinking about how information technologies can make us think that it is crucial to recycle on the Moon, but not yet a priority to do so on Earth. I think these kinds of paradoxes and how we approach our priorities will profoundly shape the future.

TB: Face-to-face or remote?

JC: Mixed and on demand! I believe in the value of face-to-face teamwork, in the connections that are created and in the dynamics that emerge when we live together. Even so, in our company we work mostly remotely and asynchronously, as several of our members are out of the country, and this has worked perfectly. I believe that the mixed environment is fundamental to promote work-life balance and keep people motivated. The combination of both ways of working allows us to be efficient without losing the human contact that we value so much.

TB: A startup or company.

JC: Bubuclean.eco. They work with a lot of dedication repairing and cleaning baby accessories: strollers, bags, clothes, clips, and many other things. I believe that many families need baby products that are top quality, but also with that touch of care and safety that the second-hand market doesn’t always offer. And that is exactly what Bubu brings: a commitment to quality and to the little details.

TB: What makes you disconnect?

JC: Spending time with my son Bruno, he’s always in a good mood and is a super fun person. He’s lovely, so we take the opportunity to go for a walk in the woods with our dog Coco. The two of them are what really allow me to disconnect and enjoy the moment with mindfulness. Before, my way of disconnecting was to go out on a motorcycle, but times change and now this is what I enjoy the most.

TB: A book to recommend.

JC: There is a book that really impacted me: “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss. He was an FBI negotiator in hostage situations, and the way he shares his experience is a blast. It teaches you how to handle high-pressure scenarios, with negotiation techniques that not only work in the workplace, but also in everyday life. I highly recommend it, because beyond learning to negotiate, you learn to communicate better, to listen, and to find creative solutions even in situations that seem impossible. It is a book that changes the way you see conflicts.

TB: A series, movie or song that defines your moment in life.

JC: “Ted Lasso.” The series has something very special to me, I love how it addresses leadership and empathy in an environment as competitive as sports. I think it reflects a lot of what I try to apply in my day to day life, especially the idea that leadership is not just about winning, but how to motivate your team, support them and bring out the best in everyone. Ted inspires me to connect and care about people, and that’s the energy I want to carry in me.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

JC: Kyoto Restaurant in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, they have brutal Japanese food, also the bravas at “ErreKa” in Sant Cugat del Vallès. And as a recipe, the poke we prepare at home.

TB: A place in the world.

JC: For me, the ideal place is the driver’s seat. I love the feeling of being on the move of going somewhere, even if I don’t have a fixed destination. If I had to pick one place in the world, it would be any road, because what I really enjoy is the journey itself, that freedom of being able to go anywhere.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

JC: I would invest in education, especially in the training of the new generations. I believe that the key to a better future lies in preparing young people with skills and knowledge that will enable them to face the challenges of tomorrow. In fact, our project is also about educating people to work, to protect themselves better and to work more safely.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

JC: I think, if I wasn’t an entrepreneur, I’d like to go into manual labor for a while. I love the idea of building, sanding, painting… maybe working in a woodshop. In fact, one of the projects I’m most proud of is the shoe rack we have at home. I love being able to create something with my own hands, it’s something that fulfills me and allows me to disconnect.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

JC: For me, Tech Barcelona is a community that connects you with people who are passionate about innovation. It’s where you can learn, collaborate and share experiences. As a new member, I am very excited to learn more about the ecosystem and connect with inspiring people. Also, I think the AfterWork is an excellent opportunity to establish good relationships in a more relaxed environment.

Born and raised in Russia, Elena Tairova (Kaluga, 1989) has lived and worked all over the place, including London and Beijing, but has been calling Barcelona home for the past seven years. From working in investment banking, marketing and communications, to now being an entrepreneur – Elena has co-founded Kelp.Digital, a software lab for creators. “Your content, your rules”.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

ET: We build software to help creators of original content (visual art, photography, music) protect their rights, receive the appreciation they deserve, and be able to monetize their work on their terms. Unfortunately, over 90% of creative content shared online is freebooted or stolen, and “it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than to get permission” has become the unspoken rule for online content usage.

We’re working to change that with our state-of-the-art tech that enables creators to easily track and manage their content, protect it from unauthorized use, and open opportunities for monetizations that has previously been overseen.

TB: What stage is it currently at, and where do you see it in two years?

ET: We’ve launched two core products so far: Macula.Link and the Anagolay Network. Anagolay, launched in 2022, is an open-source framework for content ownership and transparent rights management. It lets creators assert their rights and set the rules for how their work can be used. But, right now, we’re putting all our energy into Macula.Link a SaaS also for creators and rightholders that allows you to transform your content library into real-time APIs.

In two years time our goal is to become a market standard for ensuring fair compensation for creative work. We want a future where creators are in charge of their content and also set their own rules for how it’s used, no matter what platform it’s on. Basically, it’s all about making the principle “your content, your rules” a reality for everyone.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

ET: The first thing that comes to mind is relocating to Barcelona. It heated up the change process in all aspects of my life.

TB: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

ET: Finding motivation when everything falls apart. I’ve experienced my fair share of ups and downs on my startup journey. They say we learn more from our mistakes, and I could probably teach a 3-week Coursera course about mine. So, the most challenging thing for me was not to dwell on my mistakes for too long, but to take the valuable lessons without letting them shake my self-esteem. I had to find my anchor, focus, and move forward.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever received.

ET: Do not do things out of fear but out of love. It may sound a bit hippy, but to me, this principle has a brilliant application in all aspects of life, including business. If you make decisions out of fear of missing out on an opportunity, being outcompeted, or losing in comparison, they are likely to be the wrong ones. Focusing on doing what you enjoy and working towards a purpose you’d love to see realized will give you much better guidance.

TB: A role model.

ET: Meredith Whittaker, current CEO of Signal. She’s a great example of female leadership in tech that stands out in terms of both vision and results achieved. Her recent strategy at Signal is evidence that surveillance capitalism is not the only path forward for the future of technology.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

ET: In the first place, ClimateTech and Renewable Energy. Innovation and the speed of its adoption in this area will determine the advancement of other sectors, which are becoming increasingly energy-consuming, as well as our overall well-being. Then there’s Quantum Computing, which is still in the early stages of the innovation cycle, but once that breakthrough happens, it will open up possibilities that are now unthinkable. Ultimately, Applied AI. As for GenAI, though initially is way more impressive, its transformative potential will primarily be focused on entertainment and media, which we can only hope it won’t be too devastating for the creative industry as we know it.

TB: Face-to-face or remote?

ET: A mix, with a heavy tilt towards the remote. I’d say 85% remote and 15% in-person. Flexibility, freedom, and self-motivation are key priorities for me and my team. While I value the benefits of remote work, I also believe that occasional face-to-face meetings are essential for connecting, aligning, and building chemistry with the people you’re working with (which is really important to me too).

TB: A startup or company.

ET: Gumroad. They embody the same idea that lies at the core of what we build: empowering thousands of creators to earn a living doing what they love. Not only their software, but Gumroad’s entire company culture and business model is aligned with this idea. I also love the ups and downs of their founders story, which demonstrates resilience and dedication to their core purpose. Now, they have a few million creators earning with their platform, which has allowed them to generate over twenty million dollars in revenue last year.

TB: What makes you disconnect?

ET: Physical activity is the only thing that works for me to either disconnect or focus. I do yoga, go for a jog, or, and when time allows, do water sports. The sea is my absolute love and it always makes me disconnect.

TB: A book to recommend.

ET: ‘¡Silencio!’ by Pedro Bravo. I stumbled upon this book completely by chance in a bookshop in Madrid, and it turned out to be a brilliant find at the right time. I believe it’s a must-read for people in tech. You might agree or disagree with some of the ideas, but it’s a perfect starting point for an important thought process: how do we want technology to shape our future society? In what way?

And an all-time favorite – the ‘Culture Series’ by Iain M. Banks. I love science fiction, because, in order to create something, we need to image it first. In this series, Iain M. Banks did a fantastic job of imagining what human coexistence with self-aware AI could be like.

TB: A series, movie or song that defines your moment in life.

ET: It’s impossible for me to choose just one, as there’s only one constant: change. This week, it’s ‘Till the Sun Comes Up’ by Jack and the Weatherman and ‘Steampunk Pixie’ by Frenchy and the Punk.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

ET: ‘Can Mario’ in Badalona. Their specialty is rice, and they truly do magic with it whether it’s paella or risotto. Even if you think you don’t like paella, after trying theirs, you’ll change your mind.

TB: A place in the world.

ET: Fuerteventura. That’s the place that changed my life, setting off a chain of events that led me to move to Spain, start my own business, change and grow in every possible sense. It’s also a paradise for water sports, offering four distinct landscapes within just one hour drive: from white dunes to Martian craters. Every time I visit, I feel light, super-energized and free. It’s an unmatched feeling.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

ET: In people who believe in what they do and genuinely try to make our world better, what they actually do is less important than their passion, skill and determination.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

ET: The thing I love the most is learning: by reading, listening, or by doing. I enjoy absorbing new knowledge and experiences, and then sharing my curiosity and findings with the world. So, I’d choose any occupation that allows me to do this. Being an entrepreneur means constant learning, and sometimes the hard way, that’s why I enjoy it so much. But maybe I could be a traveling scholar or an artist. Given my recent discoveries, I might even consider becoming a yoga or free-breath diving instructor. Or, perhaps, the best option would be a combination of all these.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

ET: A place to connect. It’s a vibrant community that brings together tech talent, entrepreneurs, and everyone involved in supporting the tech startup ecosystem. I also love the mix of local Catalan and Spanish companies with international ones. I’d say, compared to some other European hubs, Barcelona’s startup scene overall still seems a bit more closed and localized, so I appreciate the work Tech Barcelona does to bridge the local startup scene with the global tech community. They’re doing an amazing job of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone.

I’m just joining the community, so I’m excited to discover more about what Tech Barcelona has to offer.

It’s never too late if the outcome is good. After more than 30 years in the advertising industry, María Rivas (Barcelona, 1971) co-founded a tech company… and believe me, it’s packed with technology.

Zentinel DMS has developed an integrated solution for the digital collection of operating data from any machine: the ZentNode adapters read data such as energy consumption or temperature sending it straight to the customer’s information systems, while the ZentEdge server visualizes the collected information in real time to solve possible anomalies and improve machine performance.

For María, venturing into the creation of a hardware and software company has been, and continues to be, “a fascinating challenge.” “I step out of my comfort zone, without limits or fears.”

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

MR: We offer a disruptive technology for gathering data in order to convert it into qualified information in a reliable, sustainable and cybersecure way. We provide reliable data for mainly industrial algorithms.

TB: Where are you at now and where do you see it in two years?

MR: We were born in 2022 in Barcelona and we are currently in an expansion phase. We have opened an office in Brazil and we want to put the focus and energy in Latin America, since in Spain we see that there is a lack of interest in knowing how to produce to improve, at least in the industrial sector. In one year we will begin to address the presence in Europe, and in two years we see ourselves established in at least six countries in Latin America.

TB: A good idea you had.

MR: Putting our technology at the service of a social problem. The entire founding team decided to create SPASM (Multiple Sexual Assault Prevention System) using sensor technology. It was born with this purpose and then we saw that it had potential and that we could expand its prevention and alert service to other social problems such as transphobic aggressions, bullying or drug trafficking, among others.

TB: What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

MR: Starting a technology company, without being an engineer, but being an openly practicing analogist with a background in communication and advertising. The ‘sub-challenge’ has been to create a technology company as a woman.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

MR: My father, Jaime Rivas, told me, “Maria, if you decide to do it, do it right. If you don’t, don’t do it.”

TB: A role model.

MR: Carmen Gamazo, my grandmother. She fought against established norms, both social and family, and was one of the first women to study pediatrics outside Spain. Her determination has always been a reference for me.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

MR: Any technology that has reliable data as a source of development.

TB: Face-to-face or remote?

MR: Hybrid and flexible. Minimum three face-to-face days in the office. Human relations are a must.

TB: A startup or company.

MR: SOM-HI, a platform that contacts companies and individuals to help them with sustainability policies.

TB: What makes you disconnect?

MR: Until the end of August, I went out to oxygenate with my faithful friend Keco to the beach in the Maresme, but in general I like to read and enjoy quality time with my partner and family. I also don’t say no to a trip or a cultural or gastronomic plan. And I would like to go horseback riding again.

TB: A book to recommend.

MR: The dictionary. I try to look up a word every day. I recommend it.

TB: A series, movie or song that defines your moment in life.

MR: “Nessun Dorma”and Pavarotti. Sublime.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

MR: Fried eggs with ‘puntilla’ and french fries at Casa Feli (my mother’s). We always say that the best restaurant in the world is in our house. There is always a table, delicious food cooked with love and you pay with a kiss.

TB: A place in the world.

MR: Family home. I know it’s surprising that I have such a connection with my parents, but really, when you’re at an age like mine you realize a lot of things, to value what you have. That bond of security and reassurance is the best thing you can have: an advice, a conversation, a caress, a “don’t worry”, a “are you okay?”, a message of support, a “we are proud of you”, a “you are an awesome boss”, a “congratulations”, a “don’t worry, it will be fine”…. All that love is priceless, it’s what really defines you and where you want to be. I want to give importance to emotional balance and my balance, my beacon, is my family.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

MR: In a circular economy project. I already have one on the radar.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

MR: First a meeting place, to become an ecosystem of creation and organic technological development. Tech Barcelona puts at your disposal a wide range of resources, both human and technical, that separately you may need to spend a year of investment to identify, contact and activate. It is a highly creative environment, within a context with a Mediterranean identity, very fresh and dynamic, intercultural talent, highly competitive, but above all professional support in the phases of projection and consolidation.

Very interesting projects are emerging from Tech Barcelona and the presence of world reference companies with your DNA will surely increase. The support, which sometimes we do not see or do not value enough, and the dissemination made by the communication team is of high quality. If you want to be, you have to be in Tech Barcelona.

MundoSeat (Seat), YoLeoGas (Naturgy), Mediacoach (Mediapro)… are all creations of Roger Vilanou (Barcelona, 1979) who heads Doonamis, a leading app development company in Spain. With over 20 years in the IT sector, this computer engineer from UPC and UOC decided in 2010 to leave his job as a software development manager to live his own adventure as an entrepreneur. An adventure he has shared with more than 100 clients and thousands of users who rely on his apps every day.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

RV: We put technology at the service of people through innovative solutions, using the potential of apps, and combining them with cutting-edge technologies such as AI.

TB: Where are you at and where do you see yourself in two years?

RV: I founded Doonamis in 2010 with two partners, and thanks to the constant effort and drive to excel, we are now a team of 30 people committed to helping companies create their innovative apps. We have important clients such as MotoGP, Baqueira Beret or the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona. Our goal is to grow organically, both nationally and internationally.

TB: A good idea.

RV: Leaving a demotivating job and creating my company.

TB: What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

RV: The beginnings of entrepreneurship are very challenging due to limited resources and fear of failure. This, undoubtedly, has been the biggest challenge. But the excitement of creating something that will be yours is enough motivation to overcome the obstacles and achieve your goals.

TB: The best advice you’ve been given.

RV: If you try hard and give it your all, you are not required to do more.

TB: A role model.

RV: I have many, such as Elon Musk. But my father, Conrad Vilanou, Professor of Pedagogy at the University of Barcelona, has been a role model for turning his hobby into his job.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

RV: Without a doubt, Artificial Intelligence. It is already shaping the present.

TB: Face-to-face or remote?

RV: Both. The combination is the ideal balance.

TB: A startup or company.

RV: Tesla.

TB: What makes you disconnect?

RV: Running at six in the morning about 10km every 2 or 3 days.

TB: A book to recommend.

RV: “El libro negro del emprendedor: No digas que nunca te lo advirtieron”, by Fernando Trias de Bes.

TB: A series, movie or song that defines your moment in life.

RV: “Show must go on”, by Queen.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

RV: The ‘arroz negro del senyoret con calamares y gambas’, which is a regular on Sundays. And the restaurant ‘L’Home dels Nassos’, in the neighborhood of Sants.

TB: A place in the world.

RV: New York.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

RV: In a new startup based on AI.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

RV: I would like to be the innovation director of a company that is strongly committed to new technologies.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

RV: An excellent meeting point for all the actors that have an interest in the multiple technological initiatives of our beautiful city.

More than 20 years of experience in Fortune 100 companies weigh on the resume of María José Martí (Valderrobres, 1976), a UPC engineer who flew to the United States as a technology consultant and consolidated her position as CFO of the largest American Express business and CRO of MetLife for Latin America.

Until one day she decided to quit her job and create a startup.

From New York, the entrepreneurial bug led her to create ZeroError, an AI platform that analyzes data and helps detect possible anomalies. And after presenting her project on bigger stages such as Mobile, and other more familiar ones such as Tech Barcelona’s Afterwork, María José has recently been awarded as the best entrepreneur at the DonaTIC awards.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

MM: ZeroError is the tool I always needed when I was an executive on Wall Street, but it didn’t exist yet. An artificial intelligence platform for data analytics that detects errors using complex anomaly detection techniques. It’s aimed at data-driven organizations and leaders who have to make decisions and need to know if they can trust them.

TB: Where are you at and where do you see it in two years?

MM: We are scaling, with a lot of traction in Operations and Supply Chain areas, where we can get tangible results in a few weeks. In two years ZeroError will become the standard for data quality in any industry.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

MM: Launching ZeroError.

TB: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

MM: Well, several. But each one of them helps you grow and forge your character: from moving to the United States, staying there, balancing family life while accepting promotions and positions of greater responsibility… Not to mention that my latest challenge has been to leave a ‘steady’ job to start a startup.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

MM: Years ago, at the beginning of my career, I was very shy in meetings and had a lot of accent speaking English. But my boss told me, “If you don’t speak in the first five minutes of a meeting, chances are you won’t speak for the whole meeting. No matter how good your analysis is, people have to notice you, or else you’re not relevant. You have to decide if you want to sit at the big boys’ table.”

TB: A role model.

MM: Elon Musk is very controversial and does not inspire me on a personal level. In fact, we couldn’t have more different values. But professionally he takes the bull by the horns. He always says that he is ultimately responsible for engineering decisions, and he says it while sending rockets into space. And this is totally what I have been doing all my life and continue to do with ZeroError. I have a great team of advisors and experts, but the ultimate responsibility for critical decisions, both technology and business, is mine.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

MM: Definitely Artificial Intelligence (and how well we use it).

TB: Face-to-face or remote?

MM: There are advantages to both models. The important thing is to be productive.

TB: A startup or company.

MM: American Express. I spent most of my career at the New York headquarters and it helped me develop, especially as a leader. I had great mentors and made a lot of friends there.

TB: What makes you disconnect?

MM: 3 things: spending quality time with my kids at home, having dinner with my husband or friends, and doing pilates, several times a week, because without disconnecting you don’t follow the class.

TB: A book to recommend.

MM: “De la Sabana a Marte” by Professor Xavier Sala i Martín. It is an indispensable book for understanding Artificial Intelligence…. and in a few months the second part is coming out!

TB: A series, movie or song that defines your moment in life.

MM: “No Surrender”, by Bruce Springsteen, and “Atento”, by my friend and singer-songwriter Rafa Pons.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

MM: If it’s in Barcelona, “Hisop” and “Bodega Sepúlveda”.

TB: A place in the world.

MM: Valderrobres, Barcelona and New York.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

MM: In the person. I have never made a mistake by investing in the person, in their startup, in their passion to move the project forward and knowledge of the problem.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

MM: Now it’s hard to think about having another profession. It seems that everything I have done in my professional and personal life has been to get to this point.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

MM: Incredible partners! The work they do to foster relationships between business, startups and research are fundamental. I’m their number one fan and the proof of that is that we don’t stop doing things together.

In addition to the most ‘British’ English, Spanish, Catalan, French and Italian, Christopher Morton (Alicante, 1971) also speaks the language of the entrepreneur and the engineer, adapting with ease to any register, from the most scientific-technical to the most commercial. This aeronautical engineer attended Imperial College of London and delved into research of numerical methods at CIMNE-UPC before embarking on his business career that has taken him to Italy, France, the United Kingdom and Spain. Altair France (2001), Samtech UK (2005), and, since 2018, ELEM Biotech, “the virtual humans factory”.

From the heart of Barcelona, at Pier07, a team of biomedical engineers developers and computational modeling experts works under the direction of Chris creating virtual simulations of human organs to predict and cure diseases. That’s how ELEM operates. And that’s how Chris thinks…

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

CM: We create virtual human populations with which we can predict the outcome of pharmacological therapies and medical devices. In other words, we provide the biomedical industry with a powerful supercomputing-based platform so they can test their products, from pacemakers and ventricular pumps to drugs. These are the clinical trials and personalized medicine of the future.

TB: Where is your project at and where do you see it in two years’ time?

CM: We are just starting now with the commercialization of our first cardiac safety assay platform ‘V.HEART’. In two years, we anticipate inorganic growth, having demonstrated the impact and economic value our technology will have on the therapeutics industry.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

CM: Very few [laughs].

TB: What is the greatest challenge you have faced? 

CM: At a business level, raising funds is always a challenge. And getting the first customers, too.

TB: Best advice you’ve been given. 

CM: No one knows your business better than you, but listen to your customers. Also, when someone gives you money, take it.

TB: A professional role model that inspires you.

CM: Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Mariano Vázquez [co-founder and CTO of Elem Biotech] and I met Larry in San Francisco, shortly after joining the Oracle Accelerator program for startups. More than a decade ago, Oracle was a traditional company, focused on mainframes and software licensing, with not very exciting databases. Today Oracle is a leader in Saas, PaaS, Cloud and AI technology.  What impresses me most is how Larry at some point, decided that the company culture had to change. And he made it happen.

In addition, as a sailing enthusiast, I was also impressed by his participation in Australia’s toughest offshore race, the Hobart Yacht Race. Imagine how tough it must have been for him to say he would never do it again.

TB: A technology that will shape the future. 

CM: Virtual Flavour.

TB: In-person or remote?

CM: In-person, at least with a certain frequency.

TB: A startup or a company.

CM: My friend Jeremy O’Brien‘s company, PsiQuantum, which aims to produce the first viable quantum computer to address the grand challenges facing our planet. His vision and determination are admirable.

TB: How do you unwind?

CM: I don’t do anything in particular.

TB: A book to recommend. 

CM: I recommend: “Thinking, Fast and Slow”, by Daniel Kahneman; “The Unbearable Lightness of Being”, by Milan Kundera; or “Le fusil de Chasse”, by Yasushi Inoué.

TB: A series, movie or song that defines your life right now.

CM: “Porque te vas” and “Y viva España”.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant. 

CM:  The ‘insalata fior di zucca’. And the Ćatovića restaurant, in Montenegro.

TB: A place in the world.

CM: Fujiyama, in Japan.

TB: Where would you invest 100k? 

CM: In my company.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur… 

CM: I would invest in a sailboat and in the stock market.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

CM: It’s the best startup association I know. If the working environment or the location are already fantastic, the Tech Barcelona team is even more so. They understand the needs of startups and their difficulties, accompany you, learn about your project, include you in their network of contacts and companies, and give you all the visibility and support you need.

Quique Llaudet (Barcelona, 1975) quiere “contribuir al bien común con ciencia y tecnología”.

Tras estudiar Química Orgánica, doctorarse en Ciencias Biológicas y ejercer de investigador, complementó su formación con un MBA para maximizar el impacto de su conocimiento en la sociedad. Un camino que le ha llevado a emprender con cuatro startups: Sarissa Biomedical, NLAB Bioscience, Leukos Biotech y, más recientemente, Ephion Health, una empresa de salud digital que utiliza inteligencia artificial para detectar biomarcadores y evaluar la salud de pacientes crónicos.

TB: ¿Cuál es el propósito de tu proyecto?

QL: Ofrecer nuevas herramientas digitales que ayuden al paciente y al médico durante todo el proceso, desde la diagnosis, pasando por el monitoreo, hasta llegar a la terapia personalizada.

TB: ¿En qué momento se encuentra y dónde lo ves dentro de dos años?

QL: Tenemos un primer producto en el mercado y estamos empezando a facturar con dos tipos de clientes: hospitales y empresas farmacéuticas. En dos años, tendremos presencia a nivel internacional.

TB: Una buena idea que has tenido.

QL: Subcontratar las tareas que no son esenciales y estratégicas.

TB: ¿Cúal es el mayor desafío al que te has enfrentado?

QL: El proceso de certificación de nuestro software como Dispositivo Médico según la normativa MDR.

TB: El mejor consejo que te han dado.

QL: No hay enemigo pequeño. A veces tendemos a subestimar los desafíos más pequeños, pero la realidad es que todo puede tener impacto.

TB: Un referente.

QL: Luis Ruiz Ávila, con quien coincidí en Leukos Biotech. Además de tener una amplia experiencia en el sector de la salud, es una persona que siempre piensa en los demás y está dispuesta a ayudar.

TB: Una tecnología que marcará el futuro.

QL: La biología sintética (SynBio). La capacidad de diseñar y modificar en Biología tiene mucho potencial.

TB: ¿Presencial o remoto?

QL: Híbrido. 50-50.

TB: Una startup o compañía.

QL: Ginkgo Bioworks.

TB: ¿Qué te hace desconectar?

QL: Leer si tengo un momento. Salir en bici si tengo más tiempo.

TB: Una serie, película o canción que defina tu momento vital.

QL: “Something New”, de John Mayall.

TB: Una receta, un restaurante.

QL: Los guisantes con chocolate de mi abuela.

TB: Un lugar del mundo.

QL: Palau, en Oceanía.

TB: ¿Dónde invertirías 100k?

QL: Ephion Health.

TB: Si no fueras emprendedor…

QL: Sería científico. La ciencia siempre ha sido mi pasión y lo que me mueve.

TB: ¿Qué es para ti Tech Barcelona?

QL: Es el punto de encuentro y cooperación para todos los emprendedores de la ciudad.

Daniil Khanin (Ulaanbator, 1980) used to study the electronic structure of nanomaterials during his Master’s degree in Physics in the early 2000s. Paradoxically, he soon developed an interest in programming and entrepreneurship, applying similar concepts about small units and their capabilities to this new field. With over 20 years in startups and IT, selling five companies and achieving one exit as a business angel, Daniil has become a reference in Unit Economics, demonstrating how each unit generated by a business is crucial for making data-driven decisions. ueCalc.com is one of his latest projects.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

DK: ueCalc, the flagship service of d2decisions, is designed to empower entrepreneurs and startups by enabling them to build robust financial models based on product unit economics, using Goldratt’s theory of constraints. We aim to revolutionise financial modeling for businesses, making it easy and clear.

TB: The project is currently in what stage?

DK: We have just begun our first sales and have over 8,800 users and 20 paying customers.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

DK: One of our boldest ideas is the belief that ueCalc can supplant Excel in the financial modeling market.

TB: What is the greatest challenge you have faced?

DK: The greatest challenge we’re working with is to compete with and potentially surpass Excel.

TB: The best advice you’ve been given.

DK: A lot, a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot of work and a little luck, by Mark Rich.

TB: A professional role model who inspires you.

DK: Best-seller author Ash Maurya, for his data-driven vision. He wrote “Running Lean” and “Scaling Lean,” as well as the foreword to my book “Unit Economics.”

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

DK: Artificial Intelligence, coupled with advanced Data Analysis.

TB: In-person or remote?

DK: It doesn’t matter, but in-person is more comfortable.

TB: How do you unwind?

DK: By traveling.

TB: A book to recommend.

DK: “Unit Economics”, by me 🙂

TB: A series, movie, or song that defines your life right now.

DK: Twin Peaks.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

DK: Okroshka, a cold Russian soup.

TB: A place in the world.

DK: Istambul.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

DK: I would invest it in my own project, ueCalc.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

DK: I would likely remain true to my origin, and be a scientist.

“Somos un laboratorio de aprendizaje radical.” Berta Lázaro (Bilbao, 1978) cofundó TeamLabs con una visión clara de futuro: capacitar a jóvenes emprendedores a través de la acción para que puedan enfrentarse cualquier desafío que se les presente.

Arquitecta por la Universidad de Navarra y con un Máster en Diseño Urbano por la Universidad de Berkeley, así como un Máster en Team Academy y otro en LIT Facilitación y Aprendizaje, Berta ha construido y diseñado los “laboratorios” de TeamLabs, espacios innovadores donde los diferentes equipo de emprendedores desarrollan sus propios proyectos, enfrentándose a todo lo que ello implica.

TB: ¿Cuál es el propósito de tu proyecto?

BL: Nuestro propósito como equipo y como comunidad emprendedora es desarrollar proyectos que nos permitan enfrentarnos al futuro y solucionar los problemas de nuestra sociedad o, como los llamamos en TeamLabs/, los Big F*cking Problems.

TB: ¿En qué momento se encuentra y dónde lo ves dentro de dos años?

BL: Tenemos 13 años y 3 laboratorios en España: Málaga, Barcelona y Madrid. Ahora estamos desarrollando dos nuevos laboratorios en Málaga y Barcelona con foco en la economía circular y la industria 4.0. El laboratorio de Madrid representa las nueva economías y por eso ahí estamos trabajando para crear nuestro Venture, para crecer más y dar oportunidades a los proyectos emprendedores de nuestra comunidad.

TB: Una buena idea que has tenido.

BL: Incontables. “Busco problemas a la altura de mis soluciones”, que diría la micropoetisa Ajo.

TB: El mejor consejo que te han dado.

BL: Las fechas especiales no las marca el calendario.

TB: Una tecnología que marcará el futuro.

BL: En TeamLabs/ y en LEINN, el grado universitario que llevamos a cabo con la Universidad de Mondragón, creemos que la tecnología más poderosa es el diálogo y creemos que marcará el futuro y el presente.

TB: ¿Presencial o remoto?

BL: Presencial.

TB: Una startup o compañía.

BL: Husk Ventures.

TB: ¿Qué te hace desconectar?

BL: El mar.

TB: Un libro para recomendar.

BL: “Las ciudades invisibles”, de Italo Calvino.

TB: Una receta, un restaurante.

BL: Gazpacho; con un kilo de tomates, un pimiento, un pepino, medio ajo y dos rodajas de pan. Y el noodle bar Red Ant en Barcelona.

TB: Un lugar del mundo.

BL: Pompeya.

TB: ¿Dónde invertirías 100k?

BL: En la educación de mis hijxs y en empresas del sector agrícola.

TB: ¿Qué es para ti Tech Barcelona?

BL: Un ecosistema tecnológico importante a la hora de conectar nuestra comunidad emprendedora con startups y empresas del sector. Hace posible que nazcan siempre nuevas alianzas.

Robyn Marino (New Jersey, 1979) attended university and law school in the USA, eventually becoming a licensed attorney practicing law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She then served as the Head of Procurement Legal for The Cigna Group, a Global Fortune 15 company specializing in healthcare insurance, where she worked with digital solution providers in all stages for the benefit of 165 million customers.

And since 2024, Robyn has also been based in Barcelona, working as the founder of Global Link Law, a law firm and legal advisory business.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

RM: Our project is designed to help businesses in overcoming the challenges of entering new markets, negotiating contracts with Fortune 500 companies, and finding compliant ways to add revenue and strategize on new products. With insights from someone who has been on the inside while providing access to a global network from C-Suite executives to value driven legal experts.

Many companies see hiring legal counsel as a pain point and miss the value the right legal partner can provide. I’ve seen contracts delay for 18 months for lack of understanding on a contract that takes other companies 3 months to get done.

TB: Where do you see yourself and your projects in two years?

RM: We currently are in Barcelona and Philadelphia, and expanding into Asia. Many companies, facing expense pressure, are offshoring functions to places like India, which are a haven for compliance issues that can result in heavy fines and even criminal actions for executives. We have solutions in place to help protect these companies.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

RM: Expand globally, with the right perspective. It’s a global world made small.

TB: What is the greatest challenge you have faced?

RM: Starting a business in new country surely comes with its challenges – understanding cultural differences and learning a new language are obvious– but you also have to understand how people do business and think. There is a learning curve no matter what your background and experience is.

TB: The best advice you’ve been given.

RM: Invest in youserlf.

TB: A professional role model who inspires you.

RM: While I’ve been lucky to have many role models along the way, I recently interviewed Mary Ann Boccolini on LinkedIn who shares her journey from Nurse to CEO. Mary Ann is a retired CEO of a U.S. health care company. As CEO, she created a company culture where employees wanted to be their best self and bring their best skills forward every day. Mary Ann leveraged her skills and learnings from her days as a nurse to do this during times of tremendous growth for the company over 25 years. I found her story to be very powerful.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

RM: There’s only one right answer in the foreseeable future – AI.

TB: In-person or remote?

RM: Mix.

TB: A startup or company (other than your own).

RM: Sword Health started as a small company in Portugal. They expanded to the U.S. and as of this week are valued at $ 3 Billion.

TB: How do you unwind?

RM: Taking my dog to our local park. Plus, taking in the views of Barcelona and the sea never gets old.

TB: A book to recommend.

RM: “The Obstacle is the Way”, by Ryan Holiday.

TB: A series, movie, or song that defines your life right now.

RM: Acapulco on Apple TV – everyone has had their first job which prepares you for something bigger– it’s a good mix of Spanish and English. This means I can work on my Spanish while enjoying the show.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

RM: Jara Sushi in Barcelona. Some of the best sushi I’ve had, ever!

TB: A place in the world.

RM: The Ocean City Boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey. I grew up working on the boardwalk during the summer, and then later in life was able to bring my kids there as a mom. If you get the chance to go, try Manco’s pizza, Johnson’s caramel popcorn and sof-serve ice cream, and don’t forget to bring back some fudge and saltwater taffies for your family and friends.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

RM: Split among a group of starts up that I think have the best chance for success.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

RM: I would be a general counsel for a company. Right now, I want to help as many companies as possible. In the long term future, I can see myself investing my time and expertise in one company I believe strongly in.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

RM: It’s a blessing. I get to help businesses understand that expanding to new markets is critical for their success and that perceived obstacles – whether it is the U.S. regulatory framework or class action lawsuits – is just a cost of doing business in the largest economy in the world.