Celebrating Women in Fintech: Trailblazers of Switzerland
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, the Fintech News Network shines a spotlight on the remarkable female founders who are transforming Switzerland’s fintech landscape. These visionary leaders are not only driving innovation but are also champions of diversity and inclusion within the industry. Their journeys reflect resilience, leadership, and a commitment to shaping the future of fintech.
Brigitte Baumann: Pioneering Angel Investing
Brigitte Baumann is the founder of Go Beyond Investing, a platform that democratizes angel investing for both novice and experienced investors in Switzerland. With over 30 years of experience, Baumann has a rich history of introducing new technologies to markets across the US and Europe. Before launching Go Beyond, she held significant roles, including CEO of iWORLD Group and senior vice president at American Express, where she played a pivotal role in launching Expedia.com.
Baumann’s accolades include the European Investor of the Year award from EBAN in 2015 and recognition as one of Europe’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in the startup and VC space. Her dedication to educating and empowering investors continues to inspire many in the fintech community.
Cecilia Mueller-Chen: Compliance Innovator
Cecilia Mueller-Chen is the founder of Comply Now, a regulatory compliance advisory firm tailored for the crypto and fintech sectors. Recognized as a thought leader in compliance, she has held key positions at institutions like China Construction Bank Zurich and Deutsche Boerse. Mueller-Chen’s expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments has been instrumental in shaping industry standards.
Her contributions include developing regulatory strategies for major cryptocurrencies and authoring the Crypto Valley Association’s Code of Conduct. With an impressive educational background, including an E-MBA from the University of St. Gallen, Mueller-Chen is dedicated to driving innovation in compliance.
Dr. Lidia Kurt: Bridging Finance and Technology
Dr. Lidia Kurt is the founder of Vision&, a digital asset business studio in Switzerland. With extensive experience in traditional finance and new technologies, Kurt is dedicated to building innovative products in the digital asset space. She is also a co-founder of the Swiss Stablecoin, aimed at creating a regulated digital Swiss franc.
Kurt’s previous roles include managing partner at a consulting boutique and positions at JP Morgan and Swiss Re. Her academic achievements include a PhD in asset management from the University of St. Gallen, showcasing her commitment to merging finance with technology.
Zulma Prieto: Insurtech Visionary
Zulma Prieto serves as the co-founder, chief product officer, and chief marketing officer at Emilian, an insurtech-as-a-service provider based in Zurich. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Prieto has a deep understanding of the insurance value chain, having worked with leading firms like Marsh and Zurich.
A Colombian and Swiss citizen, Prieto is passionate about technology and UX design, striving to democratize insurance distribution. Her commitment to innovation is evident in her approach to creating user-friendly insurance solutions.
Dr. Luba Schoenig: Empowering Investment Decisions
Dr. Luba Schoenig is the co-founder of UMushroom, a digital platform designed to help users make informed investment decisions. With a career spanning over two decades in finance, Schoenig has held prominent roles at institutions like Julius Baer and Credit Suisse.
Her academic background includes a doctorate in quantitative finance from the University of Zurich. At UMushroom, Schoenig aims to democratize access to financial information, empowering users with professional insights and research.
Sandra Tobler: Championing Cybersecurity
Sandra Tobler is the co-founder, chief customer officer, and chairwoman of Futurae Technologies, a Swiss cybersecurity firm specializing in seamless authentication solutions. Tobler’s leadership has been pivotal in driving customer growth and enhancing the user experience.
With a background at IBM and experience in the economic representation of Switzerland in the US, Tobler is a respected figure in fintech. Her commitment to cybersecurity is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
Stephanie Feigt: Sustainable Investing Advocate
Stephanie Feigt is the founder and CEO of 3rd-eyes, a wealthtech and insurtech provider focused on sustainable investing. With over 20 years of experience, Feigt has held key roles in asset management and strategic investment.
Her journey began as chief investment officer at RobecoSAM Zurich, and she has since co-founded Contrast Capital, specializing in sustainable investing. Feigt’s academic credentials include a master’s degree in economics, underscoring her expertise in capital markets.
Yoko Spirig: Innovating Equity Management
Yoko Spirig is the co-founder and CEO of Ledgy, a Swiss equity management platform for scaleups. Under her leadership, Ledgy has become a significant player in the equity management space, streamlining processes for startups.
Spirig’s background includes leading Swissloop, Switzerland’s first Hyperloop research initiative. Her academic journey in physics at the University of Oxford and ETH Zurich reflects her commitment to innovation and technology.
Olga Miler: Financial Wellness Advocate
Olga Miler is the co-founder and CEO of SmartPurse, a financial wellness platform aimed at empowering individuals, particularly women, to achieve financial abundance. Miler is recognized for her work in gender-smart investing and has been featured in major media outlets.
With a 12-year career at UBS, Miler developed programs focused on women in finance. Her role at SmartPurse emphasizes her dedication to transforming the financial services industry for greater gender equality.
Isabella Brom: Blockchain Innovator
Isabella Brom is the co-founder of Kore Technologies, a Swiss tech company specializing in blockchain certificates. With a focus on enterprise architecture and blockchain technology, Brom combines her extensive experience in tech and financial advisory.
In addition to her role at Kore Technologies, Brom is a managing consultant at Vision& and a lead lecturer at HWZ University. Her previous work at Ernst & Young involved pioneering blockchain projects, showcasing her leadership in the fintech space.
These women exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership in Switzerland’s fintech sector. Their contributions not only advance their respective companies but also inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs in the industry.