Five years of SFNV: Meet the faces behind the Valley

Innovation in food systems requires lots of different ingredients – from startups and corporates to academia, investors and government. The core SFNV operational team can help to find the right recipe, one that brings those ingredients together in the right order, making sure the result is greater than the sum of its parts.

The Valley has evolved since it was founded — as has the team behind it. As SFNV celebrates five years of collaboration, innovation, and growth, it seems like a good time to reintroduce the faces steering our projects, partnerships and impact today. 

So let’s find out what drew our team members to the SFNV mission, and who you should contact to move your next big food innovation idea forward. Click on the links below to jump to the relevant team member. 

Christina | Anna |  Maëlle | Marta | Franziska | Laura | Lucine

About me

I’m SFNV’s lead connector and strategist. I shape the Valley’s vision and mission, drive fundraising and financial growth, and represent the community in its governance bodies – the Executive Committee and Steering Committee. Alongside steering strategic partnerships with cantons, family offices, philanthropies and investors, I focus on growing and nurturing a thriving and high-performing team. 

My Valley journey

I joined SFNV in January 2021 after being recommended to the board by one of the founding partners. I love the challenge of building something from scratch and ensuring its work is purpose-driven.

Fun fact

My favourite flavour is yuzu! 

Reach out to me if you…

• represent a canton, family office or philanthropic organisation exploring food system innovation
• are interested in discussing investment opportunities in the Valley
• want to explore high-level partnerships with SFNV

About me

I’m responsible for driving operational excellence and building strong partnerships across the Valley. I help large enterprises and SMEs get the most out of their membership, set the strategy for partner value generation, and ensure SFNV’s offer evolves through tools like the Navigator. With a background in procurement at Valley partners Nestlé and Givaudan, and as a founder of a circular startup, I am passionate about blending strategy with pragmatism. 

My Valley journey

A friend introduced me to Christina at just the right time. We clicked immediately and the rest, as they say, is history!

Fun fact

My favourite flavour is bergamot and I also love seasonal fruits and veggies.

Reach out to me if you…

• work for a large enterprise or SME and would be interested in joining the Valley
• are a Valley partner and have an idea about how the Valley could add more value to your work 
• would like to be featured in the SFNV Navigator 

About me

I keep the Valley running smoothly behind the scenes, wearing many hats across partner administration, finances, and back-office operations. I also lead the Talent4Food initiative, including projects like Ecotrophelia, and build partnerships with academia. My focus is on making sure the team has the tools and processes to deliver impact.

My Valley journey

I joined the Valley straight after graduating in 2021, looking for a role where I could take responsibility from day one and support global impact. Watching the Valley – and myself – grow over the years has been truly fulfilling.

Fun fact

You’ll always know when I enjoy my food, I can’t help but do a happy wiggle.

Reach out to me if you…

• are an academic institution looking to collaborate with SFNV
• want to know more about the Talent4Food initiative
• need support on partner administration or financial processes

About me

I lead SFNV’s work on funded projects and philanthropy engagement. I identify and co-write project applications, manage successful grants, and connect the right partners to opportunities. I also network nationally and internationally to build bridges between science, innovation and action, ensuring SFNV stays at the forefront of impact-driven collaborations.

My Valley journey

I joined as an Angel in 2022 and stepped into my current role in 2023.

Fun fact

As an Italian, pizza Margherita is my ultimate comfort food.

Reach out to me if you…

• want to collaborate on a funded project or joint grant application
• are a philanthropic organisation looking to match with impactful SFNV projects
• are building networks at the national or international level and want to connect with SFNV

About me

I lead two of SFNV’s strategic flagships: the Future Food Initiative where we work together on piloting healthier nutrition solutions across the food system and the FAO Global Impact Project, which is about bringing the world-famous power of Swiss innovation to the Global South. I am keen on increasing value for and engaging with our startups and scaleups. Bringing the corporate and the startup world together is where the magic happens. 

My Valley journey

I joined the team in September 2024, but have been connected to SFNV since 2020/21 through my former role as Lead for Food & Retail at Kickstart Innovation.

Fun fact

I am a (vegan) sushi fan – I used to support the founders of takeaway TinyFish on sales and marketing events, and even worked in the kitchen. 

Reach out to me if you…

• are a startup or scaleup interested in engaging with SFNV
• want to learn more about the Future Food Initiative
• are exploring collaboration opportunities in the Global South 

About me

I lead SFNV’s communications, inspiring and connecting the Valley’s community of Swiss and global stakeholders shaping future-proof food systems. I make sure SFNV’s voice is clear and consistent, position Switzerland as a global hub for food innovation, and drive impact by supporting the communication of SFNV events and projects. I also provide strategic and operational support for funded projects, helping partners share their results and scale their reach.

My Valley journey

The Valley felt like the perfect fit for everything I care about – food, innovation, collaboration, and impact. Happily, Christina agreed, and in 2022 I joined the team.

Fun fact

As a child, I founded the Green Adventure Club – an exclusive network of eco-warrior school kids, powered by informative newsletters and connected by bouncy castle meet-ups. 

Reach out to me if you…

• would like to feature your work on SFNV channels
• want to help us position Switzerland as a Food Nation by sharing your impact through our global PR ambassadors’ programme
• develop a strategic communication partnership with the Valley

About me

I am the point of contact for all things events – from intimate partner gatherings to milestone celebrations like SFNV’s 5th anniversary. I make sure events run smoothly and create meaningful opportunities for connection across the ecosystem.

My Valley journey

My journey with The Valley began in June 2025, after being recommended by one of the executive committee members. From the very start, it felt like the right fit. I love bringing people together to drive impact and change, especially when it comes to collaborating with startups and helping them shine.

Fun fact

I secretly love planning more than partying, which is why I’m always the calmest person in the room on event day.

Reach out to me to…

• host or co-host an event with SFNV
• explore creative formats to engage our community
• celebrate milestones that matter

Collaboration is everything

At SFNV, we believe collaboration is the key to building a more sustainable and resilient food system. We’re here to support our members, partners, and the broader community every step of the way. Please do reach out – we look forward to hearing from you!

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