A 3-minute pitch in front of a 7-member jury is no easy task. Jury member Nicole Loeb, owner & Board Member of Loeb AG, is well aware of this. In this interview, we talk about the STAGE UP competition, about entrepreneurial requirements and about a start-up that Nicole Loeb particularly remembers.
Mirjam Viviani: Looking back at the previous versions of the Stage up competition, can you see any changes over the years?
Nicole Loeb: “The number of applicants has increased, and as a result the selection of exciting projects is also more varied. As a member of the jury, I am very pleased that this competition is becoming more and more popular.”
MV: What three skills do you think young entrepreneurs should definitely have?
NL: “First and foremost, it is important to have a clear vision and enough passion for your idea/project. My experience shows that a diversified team can be the key to success. However, it also takes a dose of perseverance.”
MV: What advice do you give to startups?
NL: “Most of the time, the ideas were not fully developed or not sufficiently focused and sharpened. That means the start-ups have to go back over the books and check the focus and feasibility. Moreover, a pitch of three minutes is a short time to sell one’s idea credibly. Unfortunately, this time is sometimes not used properly. But I have incredible respect for all the teams that have the courage to present themselves to us.”
MV: With a bit of time behind you, which business idea has particularly stuck in your mind and why?
NL: “It’s certainly the winner of the first execution, Swiss Shrimp. Today, you can buy this Swiss product at various retailers and also purchase it online. It’s wonderful when an idea, i.e. vision, is finally successfully implemented and succeeds in the market.”
MV: Thank you, Nicole Loeb.
Related topics and more start-ups of the current STAGE UP execution:
