Behind the Jury: Perspectives from Venture Kick Jury Member Jim Pulcrano
06.10.2025
Venture Kick is instrumental in transforming the startup ecosystem in Switzerland by providing essential support to ambitious entrepreneurs and driving the acceleration of high-potential ventures. Central to this initiative is a diverse jury of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, who offer their expertise, insights, and unwavering commitment at every stage of the selection process. In this interview series, we engage with members of the Venture Kick jury to delve into their motivations, the criteria they employ to pinpoint promising startups, and their bold vision for the future of innovation in Switzerland. Meet Jim Pulcrano, Adjunct Professor at IMD, directing programs for Scaleups and VCs.
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A brief introduction of Jim Pulcrano
Jim Pulcrano is an engineer by training who, many years ago, recognized that he was not particularly suited for a traditional engineering role. After spending five years working for a French multinational in the USA and Africa, he discovered a preference for collaborating with small teams. This realization led him to pursue an MBA, relocate to Switzerland, and embark on his first of seven startups, three of which he co-founded. He also initiated the IMD Startup Competition, made numerous visits to Silicon Valley, and now directs IMD programs for scaleups and venture capitalists.
Jim Pulcrano is an engineer by training who, many years ago, recognized that he was not particularly suited for a traditional engineering role. After spending five years working for a French multinational in the USA and Africa, he discovered a preference for collaborating with small teams. This realization led him to pursue an MBA, relocate to Switzerland, and embark on his first of seven startups, three of which he co-founded. He also initiated the IMD Startup Competition, made numerous visits to Silicon Valley, and now directs IMD programs for scaleups and venture capitalists.
One of his key advantages in this environment, aside from his operational experience with startups, is that his work at IMD enables him to connect with the multinational sphere. This experience allows him to bridge the gap between startups, scaleups, venture capitalists, and large corporations, benefiting all parties involved.
Jim, what brought you to the Venture Kick jury, and what has kept you engaged over the years?
I knew Jordi Montserrat from his last startup and was impressed by him. I realized that working with him would be interesting, enjoyable, and beneficial. Additionally, I wanted to help as many Swiss startups as possible and recognized that Venture Kick was offering the kind of support I wished I had in my previous ventures.
What makes the Venture Kick program stand out in the Swiss startup ecosystem?
It is both practical and compassionate. While we certainly aim to provide financial support to the startups we have the most faith in, I believe that most jury members go above and beyond to assist even those who are not selected in some way.
What do you enjoy most when interacting with founders during the jury sessions?
It is enjoyable to see ventures or ideas in their early stages and watch them progress through the process. I also appreciate the dialogue with the other jury members, as each one offers something unique.
In your opinion, what are the three key success factors a startup should fulfill?
To effectively address a real issue that users and buyers will eventually acknowledge.
Jim, what brought you to the Venture Kick jury, and what has kept you engaged over the years?
I knew Jordi Montserrat from his last startup and was impressed by him. I realized that working with him would be interesting, enjoyable, and beneficial. Additionally, I wanted to help as many Swiss startups as possible and recognized that Venture Kick was offering the kind of support I wished I had in my previous ventures.
What makes the Venture Kick program stand out in the Swiss startup ecosystem?
It is both practical and compassionate. While we certainly aim to provide financial support to the startups we have the most faith in, I believe that most jury members go above and beyond to assist even those who are not selected in some way.
What do you enjoy most when interacting with founders during the jury sessions?
It is enjoyable to see ventures or ideas in their early stages and watch them progress through the process. I also appreciate the dialogue with the other jury members, as each one offers something unique.
In your opinion, what are the three key success factors a startup should fulfill?
To effectively address a real issue that users and buyers will eventually acknowledge.
Perseverance is essential. The journey is filled with significant ups and downs, particularly during the low points. It requires both courage and determination to push through.
Ambition matters. While incremental ideas can be acceptable, they are not particularly engaging and may not capture the attention of the jury. Present us with concepts that have the potential to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Which global developments do you believe offer the most opportunities for Swiss startups today?
The main opportunities seem to lie in the fields of AI and defense, or a combination of both, along with energy. This is driven by advancements in technology, the frustrations stemming from global issues, and the need to power the new technologies being developed. However, I believe that every sector presents opportunities for improvements and solutions to the common frustrations we all experience.
What are some of the most pressing challenges that Swiss founders face today?
Fundraising will always be a challenge, and it should be. However, regulations and bureaucracy in Switzerland and the EU need to be streamlined. Governments often fail to understand that their desire for control is obstructing startups and hindering the overall economy.
What keeps you optimistic about the next generation of startups?
They face various challenges, including building technology and finding great colleagues. Despite the daily issues that arise, they continue to smile and push forward, as they are driven to solve these problems.
If you could add one thing to the Swiss startup ecosystem, what would it be?
It would be a reduction in the uncertainty of the Swiss options taxation issues.
Which global developments do you believe offer the most opportunities for Swiss startups today?
The main opportunities seem to lie in the fields of AI and defense, or a combination of both, along with energy. This is driven by advancements in technology, the frustrations stemming from global issues, and the need to power the new technologies being developed. However, I believe that every sector presents opportunities for improvements and solutions to the common frustrations we all experience.
What are some of the most pressing challenges that Swiss founders face today?
Fundraising will always be a challenge, and it should be. However, regulations and bureaucracy in Switzerland and the EU need to be streamlined. Governments often fail to understand that their desire for control is obstructing startups and hindering the overall economy.
What keeps you optimistic about the next generation of startups?
They face various challenges, including building technology and finding great colleagues. Despite the daily issues that arise, they continue to smile and push forward, as they are driven to solve these problems.
If you could add one thing to the Swiss startup ecosystem, what would it be?
It would be a reduction in the uncertainty of the Swiss options taxation issues.
Additional Links
- Behind the Jury: Perspectives from Venture Kick Jury Member Dr. Bettina Ernst
- Behind the Jury: Perspectives from Venture Kick Jury Member Christer Bergstroem
- Behind the Jury: Perspectives from the Venture Kick Jury Member David Kurmann
- Behind the Jury: Perspectives from the Venture Kick Jury Member Luca Bolliger