What was your first job and what is your actual job?
First job: Product Intern at Maje (SMCP Group)
Actual job: Investment Associate at Sucden Ventures
Do you believe entrepreneurs are born with innate qualities or made through experiences and learning?
👶🏻 Born
🏋️♀️ Made
In the classic debate, which came first for you: the egg or the chicken?
🍳 Egg
🐔 Chicken
In the realm of technology, which do you think will have the greatest impact on the food system in the next 10 years?
In the realm of technology, I believe advancements in computational protein design (CPD) will have a transformative impact on the food system over the next decade. Innovations like DeepMind’s AlphaFold, which has significantly advanced protein structure prediction, are enabling new possibilities in protein engineering. As consumer demand shifts towards healthier, nutrient-dense, flavorful, and sustainable products, these technologies are reshaping how proteins are designed and optimized. Startups in our portfolio, such as Arzeda and Amai Proteins, are leveraging these breakthroughs to develop next-generation sugar reduction solutions.
Which skill do you believe will be more useful in the future of work?
Adaptability and curiosity will be key skills for the future of work. The rise of AI and other technological innovations is fundamentally reshaping both our daily lives and how we work. Tools like ChatGPT, now essential for many, demonstrate how rapidly technology can become integrated into our routines. To stay competitive and fully capitalize on these changes, it is vital to embrace innovation, stay open to new possibilities, and seize emerging opportunities as they arise.
Describe the most surprising culinary experience you’ve ever had
At Sucden Ventures, we focus on sugar reduction technologies, and as part of our due diligence process for startups, I often have the opportunity to test their products. Each tasting is a surprise, as these innovations manage to preserve the sweet flavors we love while eliminating the blood sugar spikes and harmful effects associated with traditional sugar. It is both exciting and inspiring to witness how these breakthroughs are shaping the future of healthier food options.
Name a professional you think we should interview
Julie Pereira de Rezende – Marketing Manager at SWAP.