Sebastian, who is originally from Argentina, grew up in Geneva. After earning a bachelor’s degree in management and an eMBA, he founded his first company, Sponsorize, in 2007. An interview with an entrepreneur who has successfully adapted to the digital transformation of professional interactions.
What services do you offer?
Our company, Epwise S.A., offers two tools designed to streamline and save time when organizing in-person and virtual events with Eventwise, and to manage requests and make decisions in record time using Partnerwise’s RoboAdvisor.
The first tool enables centralized event management on a single platform. An InnoSuisse project is currently underway with HE-Arc Neuchâtel to integrate artificial intelligence into Eventwise. This will create a virtual event assistant to organize the various tasks required for a successful event and to recommend suitable vendors. We are in the process of creating a sort of “Booking.com” for the events industry.
Our second tool assists investors in evaluating startups as well as all types of requests (grants, patronage, sponsorship). The tool weighs various factors and thus aids in decision-making.
In April of this year, we plan to launch Immowise, a platform dedicated to the digital management of homeowners’ association meetings—both in-person and remote.
Who are your main clients right now?
We position ourselves as a software company targeting the business-to-business (B2B) market, including cantons, the federal government, universities and colleges, as well as banks, real estate management companies, and municipal utilities.
Our value lies in a user-friendly interface and highly personalized support.
You are currently based in Zurich, but have decided to relocate your company to the Canton of Neuchâtel. Why?
The long-standing partnership with HE-Arc to develop intelligent agents and the results-oriented, pragmatic approach of the Department of Economic Affairs were the two key factors that convinced me to settle in the canton. Overall, Switzerland’s regulatory framework and its economic and political stability are major assets for entrepreneurship.
What is your five-year growth strategy?
We want to expand our client base in Switzerland. Since we’re based in Neuchâtel, we’re just as close to French-speaking Switzerland as we are to German-speaking Switzerland. IT positions will be based in Neuchâtel, while our sales teams will be based primarily in major urban centers.
How do you see events unfolding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Digital interactions via apps like Zoom have shown their limitations when it comes to social interaction. People need real-life encounters. For my part, I see future meetings taking a hybrid form. Guests will have the choice between in-person and/or digital participation. We’re already being asked to provide additional features, such as immersion, 3D makeup, and the ability to interact more with the room and other participants.