Combining technical expertise with strategic foresight, Jérôme has established himself as a key player in the dynamic landscape of technology-driven finance. His role as Entrepreneur in Residence at Fusion, followed by the successful launch of the InnoPeaks accelerator, highlights his ability to identify and nurture potential in emerging startups. His journey has been marked by significant roles, including driving sales for a B2B FinTech company and co-leading VC/Wealth Management activities at an external asset manager. These experiences have not only sharpened his skills but also reinforced his standing as a dynamic and visionary leader.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jérôme’s life is a testament to balance and fulfillment. An enthusiastic sports enthusiast, he finds joy and inspiration in the challenging outdoor activities of the Alps, while his role as a father of two keeps him grounded and motivated. His commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and his dedication to fostering meaningful relationships both in and out of the workplace reflect his core values of humanism, altruism, and gratitude. Jérôme’s journey is marked by relentless ambition, constant learning, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Tell us about yourself and your story. How did you end up where you are?
My name is Jérôme Vasamillet, a business engineer and a European at heart, based in Switzerland for over a decade now. This location perfectly combines my passion for WealthTech and outdoor sports in the Alps. My journey began in Belgium with my first startup experiences, but I soon realized the need to gain hands-on experience in Swiss wealth management to understand how private banks operate.
After acquiring this valuable knowledge, I returned to entrepreneurial pursuits, joining a FinTech accelerator as Entrepreneur in Residence (Fusion). This led to the launch of a HealthTech and InsurTech startup accelerator (InnoPeaks), where I worked alongside founders and invested in startups. I then drove sales for a B2B FinTech in Switzerland before joining an external asset manager to co-lead its VC/Wealth Management activities. Though this last experience was less than glorious, it opened the door to my current role at a FinTech and Blockchain startup focused on Real World Asset tokenization. Along this journey, I’ve enjoyed staying fit through challenging sports events and am a proud father of two.
What’s your biggest lesson learned in your journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to have a good time at work while ensuring it doesn’t cannibalize your precious time with family and friends. Enjoying your professional endeavors is crucial because it occupies a significant portion of your life. Don’t waste time with people who can’t appreciate your personality, skills, and ideas. Instead, surround yourself with those who can elevate you both personally and professionally.
What separates you from the competition or other companies?
As a person, my ability to be a generalist while diving deep into various technical, legal, compliance, and business dimensions sets me apart. My critical thinking skills and the humanist values I bring to work further distinguish me. At work, I strive to build scalable solutions with an early focus on UI/UX and compliance.
Any tips or advice for young professionals or entrepreneurs?
Stay in the driver’s seat while being open to feedback. Seek out and follow people who excel at what you aspire to do, and try to have them as mentors. There is no single “right” path; it’s about how you value and present your experiences. Don’t succumb to the pressure of starting with safe corporate jobs often recommended by older generations.
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself continuing to do what I enjoy, with more free time and money to support others, including entrepreneurs, charities, and nature preservation efforts. I also hope my smartwatch will still show my fitness age as being over five years younger than my actual age.
What keeps you motivated every day?
Family hugs keep me motivated every day.
What is your favorite quote of all time?
My favorite quote comes from my teenage gaming years, specifically from Diablo: “Break the bones and the body will heal, break the spirit and the body will die.”
What are the main factors that led you to where you are right now?
Constantly challenging myself, striving to learn new things, and never settling for mediocrity have been the main factors in my journey.
Who is your role model or inspiration in your life?
My inspirations include the spirit to fight for what I believe is right, like Rambo and Rocky; my mother for her hard work; my father for his joy; and my wife for her Sisu.
What are the top three core values in life?
Humanism, altruism, and gratitude are my top three core values.
What are the key moments or turning points in your life?
Key moments in my life seem to occur every nine years, such as changing countries or significant events like becoming a father. I anticipate another big change in about five years.
What personality traits make a good leader?
Resilience, integrity, and empathy are essential traits of a good leader, along with the ability to make clear-cut decisions when needed.
What is the best and the worst part of your job?
The best part of my job is the team and our mission to make wealth management products and strategies accessible to all. The worst part is dealing with the constraints of legal and compliance, though it also brings a certain structure that is beneficial.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge was ending a role I loved due to an unresolvable issue related to the personal and work ethics of my superior. Overcoming this taught me the importance of aligning with people who share your values.
What do you look for when outsourcing or hiring?
I look for individuals who have the credentials and referrals to deliver without needing micromanagement, as well as a dedication to their work over greed.
What strategies do you use to stay ahead of the curve in your industry?
I stay ahead by being a beta tester and maintaining a strong network.
In what ways do you foster innovation and creativity within your organization?
I foster innovation and creativity by providing autonomy and time, encouraging team diversity, and accepting failures when they result from trying to work or set up tools in a smarter, more scalable way.
How do you balance the pursuit of wealth and success with personal fulfillment and happiness?
I actively manage my time and money allocation with yearly and quarterly OKRs (Objectives and Key Results).
Name three books that changed your life and what did you learn from them?
1.”Journey to the Center of the Earth” by Jules Verne: Taught me the value of curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the wonders of nature.
2.”Latitude Zero” and “Conquering the Impossible” by Mike Horn: Showed me the importance of perseverance and the strength of the mind.
3.”Les Emotions de la Terre” (Earth’s Emotions) by Glenn Albrecht: Introduced the concept of the Symbionese, a period where humans reintegrate into nature symbiotically, emotionally, psychologically, and technologically.
www.techboat.ch
www.linkedin.com/in/jvasa
BY Egli HAXHIRAJ, Anamaria MESHKURTI and Jonida GJUZI
© All Rights Reserved Moneys Media Ltd Geneva, Switzerland.
