Sandro Schmid

University of Zurich spin-off AAAccell is offering a superior AI algorithm for investment management.

CEO Sandro Schmid founded the company alongside Prof. Dr. Walter Farkas, and the team also includes two former bank CEOs, 11 professors and several PhDs and Master’s graduates from University of Zurich, ETH, Columbia NY and others.

This is the second part of the Fintech Startup Interview serial powered by Venturelab.

Venturelab brings this autumn 10 Swiss Fintech Startups to New York

Can you briefly introduce your project?

AAAccell has developed a technology that is superior to the market standard. It is completely new and based on the highest level of mathematics and artificial intelligence/machine learning. It reduces the risk and increases returns of any investment portfolio, without changing the individual composition of the selected portfolio positions.

Where do you see the biggest opportunities in fintech over the next five years? What problems urgently need to be solved?

The banking industry must save costs through automation, but many processes can only be digitized if there is a smart algorithm underneath the process. We focus on asset and risk management, where there is still a large amount of manual work that can be automatized and enhanced in quality, output and efficiency. It can even offer new client services.

What is pushing you towards international expansion?

Switzerland is a great market, since it is the leading wealth management market worldwide with global champions. Nevertheless, we want to push abroad to grow faster and enhance our technology and client base.

What do you see as the greatest obstacle to expansion into the global market?

Expansion needs a very well-defined strategy, a strong network and a smart approach. Otherwise, one will just burn cash. To find the best approach, one needs to understand the local culture, market demands and competition, and above all how Swiss companies are valued and how they can play to their strengths.

What attracts you to New York as a business development destination?

It is a global hub of fintech – a huge market, a great place for co-operation, collaboration and technical IT expertise.

What do you hope to achieve on the trip? What are you most looking forward to?

Meeting the right people who share our vision and can support us on our way forward, whether through partnering, connections, or expertise.

And what are you nervous about?

Honestly, I am rarely nervous, but if I had to state something it would be managing my jetlag with the many deadlines and meetings.

How is the Venture Leaders program beneficial for your startup?

I think in Venture Leaders we have a great partner who can help us touch base in the US with our company and solution. It will be a fabulous opportunity to enter the US fintech market. I am thrilled to get there!

Featured image via www.venturelab.ch. Interview from venturelab.ch