Olivier Laplace: "The TOP 100 Investor Summit is an unmissable event for Vi Partners"

Every September, startup investors from around the world attend the TOP 100 Investor Summit, where they can meet with the most promising and relevant startups that are looking for funding. National and international super angels, venture capitalists, corporate investors, and family office representatives attend the invitation-only event to listen to startup pitches, meet entrepreneurs one-on-one, and watch presentations to identify the best gems that have what it takes to join Switzerland’s high-flying TOP 100 alumni. One of the investors who attended the first TOP 100 Investor Summits was Olivier Laplace. The co-managing director at Vi Partners represented the longest-established Swiss VC which arranged 65 investments over the last two decades.

Venture capitalists from around the world come to Switzerland every September to discover the most promising startups in the number-one country in innovation. The invitation-only TOP 100 Investor Summit offers world-class investors trusted access to the most relevant startups seeking funding. One of those investors was Olivier Laplace from Vi Partners—his Investor Summit in 2023 was a success: He met Sebastian Beetschen, Co-Founder and CEO of Almer Technologies, and ended up investing in the Bern-based startup that leverages AR to create a seamless service ecosystem.

Olivier has 18 years of experience as a tech entrepreneur, investment banker, and venture capital investor. He spearheaded investments in 14 early-stage startups including TestingTime (Zurich, acquired by Norstat Group), Metaco (Lausanne, acquired for USD 250 million by Ripple), Bring! (Zurich, acquired by Swiss Post), Beekeeper (Zurich), and Hacknowledge (Lausanne, acquired by Swiss Post). We asked Olivier about his experience at the Investor Summit, Vi Partners’ focus, and the recent Almer investment.


Olivier, how did you experience the Investor Summit 2024?
I was pleased to see the event held in Romandie. Hosting it every three years in Lausanne would be an excellent initiative, tapping into the city’s lively startup scene and contributing to the region's economic growth. The Investor Summit, held at SICPA and the unlimitrust campus, featured excellent hosts and a constructive, collaborative atmosphere. Investors engaged actively, providing insightful feedback to early-stage founders.

"Through the TOP 100 investor event, we facilitate a high-density, selective environment where local and international investors can meet the most promising Swiss startups. This exposure helps startups gain the crucial connections they need to 'get a foot on the ladder.' For our firm, Vi Partners, the longest-established Swiss VC, this is an unmissable event."

Let’s talk about Vi Partners' investment scope. What do you mainly focus on?
Vi Partners invests in two main verticals: Healthcare and Technology. In Healthcare, we focus on healthtech, medical devices, and biotech. Recently, we've invested significantly in AI applications for healthcare, such as cancer detection and drug discovery. On the Technology side, we emphasize the acceleration of digital transformation in industries, particularly Industry 4.0, cybersecurity, fintech, and AI. Our investment in Almer isn’t AR-focused, but it involves using AR and related software to enhance maintenance in the manufacturing space.

Why did you invest in Almer?
We were impressed by the drive and agility of the Almer team, which we discovered during the TOP 100 Investor Summit in 2023. They are transforming the use of Augmented Reality in industries through their extensive knowledge of both hardware and software. They stand out in their space and this expertise enables them to deliver an exceptional user experience for frontline workers requiring remote assistance. We’re excited to support this talented team in its journey.

So, will you be attending the Investor Summit 2025?
Absolutely! I am looking forward to it. The Investor Summit is a great opportunity to engage with fellow investors and learn about emerging trends and startups. Participating in this event is important for staying informed about the market and identifying potential investment opportunities. I look forward to contributing to the discussions and insights that will arise during the summit.