We support our clients in transforming existing businesses and successfully building new ones. By combining excellent consulting quality with hands-on implementation, we take full responsibility for entrepreneurial success. With Blackbeard, innovation initiatives are systematized to structurally guide market-driven and customer-focused solutions from problem identification or initial idea to realization.
We infuse your company with startup mindset, structure and skills, transforming innovation into a real organizational capability.
Venture Building
We team up with companies to de-risk the process of creating and scaling new future-proof businesses.
Venture Clienting
We connect companies with startup innovations that solve real problems – de-risked, aligned, and ready to scale.
Strategic Foresight
We explore the ever-changing innovation and business landscape with you to identify, validate, and seize opportunities through active user involvement.
Business Experiments
We empower you to embrace the power of experimentation, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence
Together, we take your AI initiatives from idea to reality and success.
We embrace the spirit of piracy in our pursuit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Our crew of seasoned entrepreneurs brings a wealth of experience from the startup and corporate worlds. With a diverse range of backgrounds in engineering, software development, economics, marketing, and more, we set sail together with you on daring innovation initiatives and ventures.
Introducing the latest updates from the Seven Seas, where exciting tales unfold.
56° 56' 57.832'' N, 24° 6' 1.664'' E
Jul 13, 2026
|
14:00
Blackbeard @ GEN-E 2026
47° 21' 55.462'' N, 8° 31' 59.744'' E
Jul 1, 2026
|
16:00
Happy Birthday: 4 Years Blackbeard
47° 22.829' N, 8° 32.214' E
May 19, 2026
|
14:30
Blackbeard Community Ride #3
47° 22.829' N, 8° 32.214' E
Apr 30, 2026
|
14:00
Blackbeard @ FHGR EMBA Digital Transformation
47° 24' 17.39'' N, 8° 37' 46.845'' E
Apr 16, 2026
|
14:00
Blackbeard @ Innovation Zurich Event
47° 22' 42.978'' N, 8° 31' 53.656'' E
Apr 01, 2026
|
10:30
Blackbeard AdVenture Series - Session 8
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Mar 03, 2026
|
10:00
Welcome Aboard, Chiara!
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Mar 03, 2026
|
10:30
Welcome Aboard, Joëlle!
49° 25' 9.29'' N, 11° 7' 6.748'' E
Jan 30, 2026
|
15:30
Blackbeard @ Spielwarenmesse 2026
46° 57.138' N, 7° 36.975' E
Dec 11, 2025
|
18:00
Blackbeard @ VTNR
47° 22.829' N, 8° 32.214' E
Dec 12, 2025
|
14:00
Blackbeard @ FHGR EMBA Digital Transformation
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Oct 3, 2025
|
16:30
Blackbeard AdVenture Series - Session 7
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Sep 17, 2025
|
10:00
On Board of the Scaleup Cruise 2025
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Sep 10, 2025
|
10:00
ZHAW Studytrip @ Blackbeard
50° 56.598' N, 6° 58.699' E
Jul 04, 2025
|
10:00
Blackbeard @ Gamescom 2025
47° 21.916' N, 9° 31.986' E
June 25, 2025
|
08:00
Blackbeard Coffee Ride #2
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Jul 04, 2024
|
11:00
Happy Birthday: 2 Years Blackbeard
47° 22.829' N, 8° 32.215' E
Dec 01, 2023
|
18:00
FHGR x Blackbeard Input Session EMBA
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Jul 04, 2025
|
11:00
Happy Birthday: 3 Years Blackbeard
47° 24.409' N, 8° 38.023' E
Jun 13, 2025
|
17:30
Innovation meets Space & Sustainability
46° 51.216' N, 9° 31.035' E
Apr 25, 2025
|
18:00
Blackbeard @ FHGR
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Mar 13, 2025
|
08:00
Welcome Aboard, Peter!
47° 22.480' N, 8° 31.909' E
Feb 26, 2025
|
09:00
Innovation Roundtable - Zurich Edition
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Feb 01, 2025
|
08:00
Welcome Aboard, Lars!
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Jan 09, 2025
|
10:30
Powering Swiss E-Mobility
47° 17.237' N, 8° 29.896' E
Sep 19, 2024
|
17:00
Blackbeard Evening Ride #1
47° 22.302' N, 8° 31.240' E
Nov 28, 2024
|
17:30
Blackbeard AdVenture Series – Session 6
48° 12.517' N, 16° 22.847' E
Nov 10, 2024
|
08:00
Strudel & Strategy
47° 22.328' N, 8° 32.224' E
Sep 12, 2024
|
18:00
Sailing Forward with Swisspreneur
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Sep 5, 2024
|
17:30
Blackbeard AdVenture Series – Session 5
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Jun 27, 2024
|
17:30
Blackbeard AdVenture Series – Session 4
51° 12.947' N, 4° 24.097' E
Jun 05, 2024
|
13:00
Autonomous Innovation Summit 2024
47° 33.097' N, 7° 35.506' E
Apr 30, 2024
|
09:00
Blackbeard x Gebert Rüf Stiftung
47° 22.269' N, 8° 32.416' E
Apr 24, 2024
|
20:00
Eisgenoss Launch
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Mar 14, 2024
|
1630
Aboard the MS Etzel
47° 29.244' N, 8° 43.404' E
Feb 27, 2024
|
17:30
Rocket List @ AXA Innovation Day
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Feb 12, 2024
|
10:00
Launch of AI in a Box
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Jan 18, 2024
|
17:30
Blackbeard AdVenture Series – Session 3
47° 03.169' N, 8° 18.290' E
Dez 07, 2023
|
10:00
Strategy Retreat – A Fresh Outlook for 2024
47° 33.397' N, 7° 36.679' E
Nov 30, 2023
|
12:00
Swiss Innovation Forum 2023
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Nov 02, 2023
|
17:30
Blackbeard AdVenture Series – Session 2
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Nov 01, 2023
|
07:00
Welcome on board, Dimitri
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Oct 9, 2023
|
15:00
Welcome aboard, Simon!
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Sep 27, 2023
|
08:20
Blackbeard AdVenture Series
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Sep 20, 2023
|
14:00
Blackbeard x 3ap
47° 22.425’ N, 8° 32.261’ E
Aug 30, 2023
|
09:00
OYU Digital
52° 25.265’ N, 4° 50.067’ E
Jun 20, 2023
|
08:26
TNW Conference
47° 21.806 N, 8° 30.794 E
May 17, 2023
|
13:18
NERVES x BLACKBEARD VENTURE STUDIO
47° 21.584' N, 8° 32.926' E
Apr 6, 2023
|
09:37
Foundera moves out.
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Apr 4, 2023
|
16:08
Ahoy LinkedIn
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Mar 1, 2023
|
09:00
Marketing buccaneer joins Blackbeard’s crew.
47° 22.585’ N, 8° 32.860’ E
Jan 10, 2023
|
12:00
Venture Building Framework
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Jan 1, 2023
|
00:00
2023
47° 22.420’ N, 8° 32.115’ E
Dec 15, 2022
|
15:00
Pirate’s feast.
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Sep 1, 2022
|
08:16
New headquarters.
47° 22.851’ N, 8° 31.144’ E
Jul 1, 2022
|
07:30
Blackbeard Venture Studio sets its sails.
47° 21.916' N, 8° 31.986' E
Jul 17, 2022
|
10:00
The crew grows.
32° 46.380’ N, 79° 56.501’ W
Nov 22, 1718
|
17:18
Blackbeard’s Last Battle.
51° 27.270' N, 2° 35.274' W
May 23, 1680
|
16:08
Blackbeard’s Birth.
56° 56' 57.832'' N, 24° 6' 1.664'' E
Jul 13, 2026
|
14:00
Blackbeard @ GEN-E 2026
Over 1,000 young entrepreneurs from more than 40 countries, one competition, plenty of bold ideas. François joined Christian at GEN-E 2026 in Riga, Europe's largest youth entrepreneurship competition hosted by JA Europe, gaining insights into the business models of the participating teams.
4 years of Blackbeard. A look back at a year of growth: new faces on the team with Joëlle and Chiara, projects built together with clients and partners and plenty of moments that go beyond the work itself.
The Blackbeard Community Rides season is open. Around 40 km, a few climbs and an unplanned tube change, starting from Enge Zurich, with good conversations along the way and tapas to wrap up the evening.
What makes new-business initiatives in corporates succeed? Our partner François Glur was invited to speak at the EMBA in Disruptive Business Development at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons, sharing insights from our daily work: hypothesis-based working, the role of people who bridge startup and corporate logic, and the power of good expectation management. More on LinkedIn.
Over 250 guests, fifth edition: we attended the Innovation Zurich event and gained exciting insights into the future of Zurich as an innovation hub. Martina Kühne outlined possible scenarios for the future of work, Oliver Ullrich spoke about the New Space Economy. Read the full recap on LinkedIn.
AI is great at generating ideas, but which ones do you actually pursue and when do you stop? At our event with ZHAW School of Management and Law in Zurich, we explored exactly that with Dr. Martin Feuz, a live fireside chat with David Bland from California and a hands-on panel discussion. More on LinkedIn.
Time to reveal the next Pirate. Chiara Trueeb became part of our team in January. Her experience across business innovation, corporate venture capital, insurance and startups complements our crew well.
Time to reveal the next Pirate. In February, we welcomed Joëlle Büchel to the team. With experience in innovation & entrepreneurship, the media industry and banking, she is a great addition.
We spent two days at Spielwarenmesse 2026 in Nuremberg gathering insights on the "Value of Play" and exploring how gamification can transform engagement in the workplace. From creative development to resilience, the event provided fresh energy and high-level connections that we are excited to integrate into our current client projects.
At the VNTR annual event, our team member François Glur shared our hands-on experiences and lessons learned regarding the complexities of achieving Product-Market Fit. It was a great opportunity to discuss how to maintain momentum and navigate sudden changes within venture teams, and we are already looking forward to the 2026 edition.
Our partner Simon Kindle shared practical insights on corporate innovation at the FHGR EMBA program focusing on how companies can increase their chances of success. The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning innovation with strategy cycles and maintaining agility during management changes or market shifts.
Our annual Blackbeard Ad(Venture) event at Kunsthaus Zürich combined hands-on painting with a fascinating keynote from Airbus on the future of space exploration. It was a unique evening that highlighted how both art and innovation require the courage to start and the power of cross-industry collaboration.
We joined the Swisspreneur Scaleup Cruise 2025 for an evening of inspiring fireside chats and deep dives into topics like AI and B2B sales. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Swiss startup scene and gather fresh impulses while sailing across Lake Zurich.
We kicked off the ZHAW study week by hosting MSc students for a hands-on workshop at our office. It was a great day of turning theory into practice with fresh perspectives on our current cases and we loved the creative energy everyone brought to the table.
Our trip to Gamescom 2025 was all about gathering fresh inspiration and connecting with the right people for an exciting client project. We returned with valuable insights and unexpected new leads that we’re now ready to turn into reality!
Our second Blackbeard Coffee Ride saw us tackling steep climbs and 30-degree heat before cooling off with a well-earned Apéro. It was a perfect afternoon of cycling and great conversation. Check out the highlights and join us for the next one!
We’re celebrating two years of Blackbeard Venture Studio and looking back on highlights like our AI journey, the launch of OYU, and our growing crew. A huge thank you to our team and partners for being part of this adventure - we can’t wait for what’s next!
The journey of Blackbeard began three years ago - not with a traditional business model, but with a shared conviction: That it takes more than consulting, more courage than business plans and more attitude than buzzwords. Today, we are the address for entrepreneurial innovation. We develop new business models, test market potential and take bold ideas to where they have an impact: to reality.
On Thursday, we had the opportunity to attend the Innovation Zurich event at the Innovation Park Zurich and it was well worth it! Space travel and sustainability, two areas that at first glance seem to have little in common and yet have a great deal of potential when they work together.
What does it take to develop businesses that challenge the status quo? In a keynote session at FHGR’s EMBA program, our partner Simon Kindle shared Blackbeard’s approach to test-driven innovation and disruptive business development. The focus: how to move fast without guessing.
Time to reveal the next Pirate. Since February, Peter Michaelis has brought his entrepreneurial mindset, international perspective, and hands-on energy to our crew.
300 minds, two days, and a city buzzing with innovation energy. We joined the Innovation Roundtable® in Zurich to take the pulse of the corporate-innovation ecosystem – and hosted two deep dives of our own. From venture building to AI, bold strategy and curiosity stood out. Thanks to Zurich Insurance and all who made it happen.
Lars joins the crew with a deep track record in consulting and innovation strategy. From helping global companies rethink product portfolios to launching innovations at speed, he brings a rare mix of structure, clarity, and creative edge.
What does it take to drive the future of e-mobility in Switzerland? Together with AVIA VOLT, we conducted a nationwide study with over 1,000 participants to better understand how users charge, move, and think electric.
No stage, no slides – just altitude and attitude. For our first Evening Ride, we brought together a group of innovators and management minds for a climb over the Albis Pass. What started with a shared push up the hill turned into sharp, open conversations once we hit the top.
For the sixth session of our AdVenture Series, we welcomed Arno Del Curto – a man who doesn’t just talk leadership, but lives it. In a no-nonsense fireside chat, Arno shared sharp, honest reflections on what it takes to build trust and lead teams through uncertainty. His energy was infectious, his lessons clear: lead with intensity, humility, and belief.
Sometimes a client project takes you to the right place at the right time. While in Vienna, we took the opportunity to carve out space for our own strategy work – using the city's elegance and quiet intensity to reflect, realign, and sharpen our focus. Between meetings and museums, coffeehouses and conversations, we found clarity in motion and purpose in pause.
We were honored to join our friends at Swisspreneur for the 2024 Scaleup Cruise aboard the Panta Rhei on Lake Zurich. The evening brought together over 160 founders, investors, and ecosystem builders for an inspiring panel, meaningful conversations, and a shared commitment to scaling Swiss innovation. See you next time!
When work feels like play, magic happens. In the fifth edition of our AdVenture Series, we dove into the world of gamification – not as a gimmick, but as a strategic tool to drive engagement, learning, and innovation. With brilliant inputs from our community and hands-on activities, the session blurred the lines between serious business and serious fun. Thanks to everyone who played along.
A glimpse into the future of Spatial Computing. For the 4th edition of our (Ad)Venture Series, we hosted a small but sharp crowd of clients, partners, and friends to explore the revolutionary Apple Vision Pro. With live demos led by René Vogel and Bedo Hamza, we dove into immersive use cases – from dinosaurs and F1 cars to jet engines. Curiosity was sparked!
Innovation doesn’t scale by accident. At the Autonomous Innovation Summit 2024, hosted by Board of Innovation, we explored what it takes to build systems that empower teams to move faster, smarter, and with more ownership. From operating models to org design, the conversations were sharp, global, and grounded in real-world execution.
When smart science meets entrepreneurial ambition, we show up. As part of the First Ventures program by Gebert Rüf Stiftung, we support funded founders in validating their business models. Our role: challenge assumptions, sharpen value propositions, and help translate deep tech into market-ready solutions.
Invited by Vivents, we joined the launch moment of Eisgenoss to witness how a ticket becomes something more. With blockchain-backed digital twins, access transforms into experience, memory, and future potential. A bold step for digital ownership – and a great example of Web3 applied with purpose.
A change of scenery with a breeze of inspiration. We took to the waters of Lake Zurich with clients and partners aboard the legendary MS Etzel for an evening of sharp minds, shared ambition, and open conversation. As the lake shimmered and ideas flowed, we charted the next stretch of our journey together.
We had the opportunity to present Rocket List at AXA's Innovation Day, showcasing how our app simplifies the journey for new parents by curating essential baby products. The session was filled with insightful discussions on innovation in the insurance sector and the role of startups in driving change.
Deploy AI, without the drama. With AI in a Box, we’ve bundled everything you need to move from use case to working prototype in just 10 days. No need to start from scratch or fight through complex stacks - just pick your use case, and we’ll deliver a tailored AI experience that fits your organization like a glove.
Navigating change in healthcare. In the third edition of our AdVenture Series, we explored how producers and distributors are rethinking their roles within evolving health ecosystems. From product-centric suppliers to solution-oriented partners. With sharp minds, we discussed opportunities, challenges, and bold visions for collaborative value creation.
Now we know why the pirates of old preferred the Caribbean. Last year's Blackbeard retreat was kicked off with the Wim Hof Method, also known as Cold Water Immersion, setting the stage for a refreshing dive into a new strategy for 2024. Thank you to our incredible clients, partners, and friends for being part of 2023 – here’s to more in 2024!
An inspiring day immersed in Switzerland's innovation ecosystem! We were energized by the open-minded atmosphere and thought-provoking discussions, especially Prof. Dr. Gregor Hasler's keynote on unconventional approaches to innovation. Congratulations to all the Swiss Technology Award winners.
Another great session in the books! Episode 2 of our AdVenture Series was a resounding success, with brilliant minds converging to explore the future of document handling for SMEs and the use of #GenerativeAI.
Dimitri joins us as a Senior Venture Builder, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the insurance and tech industries. His profound insights, passion for innovation, and a track record of driving transformative projects are just a few reasons why we're over the moon to have him onboard.
Blackbeard's crew is growing and we are more than excited to have Simon as a managing partner for this journey. Simon brings a ton of invaluable experience with him through his previous roles with a strong focus on innovation and venture building.
The inaugural Blackbeard AdVenture Session brought together like-minded individuals to tackle challenges in venture building, featuring diverse experts. The event started with discussions on their latest stealth venture and continued with social interactions at Garibaldi Bar.
We have some thrilling news to share! Blackbeard Venture Studio is proud to announce a strategic partnership with 3AP, a leader in digitalization and scalable digital solutions.
Not just a go-live of a website, but a first step on a greenfield digital customer experience for our client. We are proud to have accompanied Oyu not only as the lead venture builder but also in the role of product owner for the completely integrated customer journey.
Our team attended the TNW Conference in Amsterdam, a remarkable platform for exchanging ideas. Highlights included time with advisor Gian Reto à Porta and the innovative team at Norm, deepening collaboration. Let's push tech boundaries together!
We're thrilled to announce a joint venture with Nerves, a creative agency renowned for its service-driven excellence and innovative prowess. This week marks the beginning of our collaborative journey, with a freshly inked contract paving the way for this exciting new endeavor.
It's been an amazing adventure, and we're thrilled to have been part of it. We wish Foundera smooth sailing on the open seas ahead, and we can't wait to raise a beer together in their new quarters. Fair winds and following seas!
Blackbeard has boldly hoisted anchor and claimed a new pirate's den at Bodmerstrasse 9 in Zurich Enge. A haven for both daring adventurers and cunning ventures. Exciting times ahead.
With the mission of building new businesses for enterprises in sight, Blackbeard Venture Studio hoisted the sail. We launch forward with full power and love for what we do!
Despite his notoriety, Blackbeard's demise marked a turning point in the fight against piracy. His menacing legacy, combined with his capture and subsequent beheading, served as a stern warning to all who dared follow in his footsteps.
Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, was a notorious pirate who roamed the seas during the early 18th century. Born around 1680 in Bristol, England, Blackbeard's life remains shrouded in mystery. However, his formidable reputation as a fearsome pirate has endured through the ages.
Over 1,000 young entrepreneurs from more than 40 countries, one competition, plenty of bold ideas. François joined Christian at GEN-E 2026 in Riga, Europe's largest youth entrepreneurship competition hosted by JA Europe, gaining insights into the business models of the participating teams.
4 years of Blackbeard. A look back at a year of growth: new faces on the team with Joëlle and Chiara, projects built together with clients and partners and plenty of moments that go beyond the work itself.
The Blackbeard Community Rides season is open. Around 40 km, a few climbs and an unplanned tube change, starting from Enge Zurich, with good conversations along the way and tapas to wrap up the evening.
Time to reveal the next Pirate. Chiara Trueeb became part of our team in January. Her experience across business innovation, corporate venture capital, insurance and startups complements our crew well.
What makes new-business initiatives in corporates succeed? Our partner François Glur was invited to speak at the EMBA in Disruptive Business Development at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons, sharing insights from our daily work: hypothesis-based working, the role of people who bridge startup and corporate logic, and the power of good expectation management. More on LinkedIn.
Over 250 guests, fifth edition: we attended the Innovation Zurich event and gained exciting insights into the future of Zurich as an innovation hub. Martina Kühne outlined possible scenarios for the future of work, Oliver Ullrich spoke about the New Space Economy. Read the full recap on LinkedIn.
AI is great at generating ideas, but which ones do you actually pursue and when do you stop? At our event with ZHAW School of Management and Law in Zurich, we explored exactly that with Dr. Martin Feuz, a live fireside chat with David Bland from California and a hands-on panel discussion. More on LinkedIn.
Time to reveal the next Pirate. In February, we welcomed Joëlle Büchel to the team. With experience in innovation & entrepreneurship, the media industry and banking, she is a great addition.
We spent two days at Spielwarenmesse 2026 in Nuremberg gathering insights on the "Value of Play" and exploring how gamification can transform engagement in the workplace. From creative development to resilience, the event provided fresh energy and high-level connections that we are excited to integrate into our current client projects.
At the VNTR annual event, our team member François Glur shared our hands-on experiences and lessons learned regarding the complexities of achieving Product-Market Fit. It was a great opportunity to discuss how to maintain momentum and navigate sudden changes within venture teams, and we are already looking forward to the 2026 edition.
Our partner Simon Kindle shared practical insights on corporate innovation at the FHGR EMBA program focusing on how companies can increase their chances of success. The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning innovation with strategy cycles and maintaining agility during management changes or market shifts.
Our annual Blackbeard Ad(Venture) event at Kunsthaus Zürich combined hands-on painting with a fascinating keynote from Airbus on the future of space exploration. It was a unique evening that highlighted how both art and innovation require the courage to start and the power of cross-industry collaboration.
We joined the Swisspreneur Scaleup Cruise 2025 for an evening of inspiring fireside chats and deep dives into topics like AI and B2B sales. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Swiss startup scene and gather fresh impulses while sailing across Lake Zurich.
We kicked off the ZHAW study week by hosting MSc students for a hands-on workshop at our office. It was a great day of turning theory into practice with fresh perspectives on our current cases and we loved the creative energy everyone brought to the table.
Our trip to Gamescom 2025 was all about gathering fresh inspiration and connecting with the right people for an exciting client project. We returned with valuable insights and unexpected new leads that we’re now ready to turn into reality!
The journey of Blackbeard began three years ago - not with a traditional business model, but with a shared conviction: That it takes more than consulting, more courage than business plans and more attitude than buzzwords. Today, we are the address for entrepreneurial innovation. We develop new business models, test market potential and take bold ideas to where they have an impact: to reality.
Our second Blackbeard Coffee Ride saw us tackling steep climbs and 30-degree heat before cooling off with a well-earned Apéro. It was a perfect afternoon of cycling and great conversation. Check out the highlights and join us for the next one!
On Thursday, we had the opportunity to attend the Innovation Zurich event at the Innovation Park Zurich and it was well worth it! Space travel and sustainability, two areas that at first glance seem to have little in common and yet have a great deal of potential when they work together.
What does it take to develop businesses that challenge the status quo? In a keynote session at FHGR’s EMBA program, our partner Simon Kindle shared Blackbeard’s approach to test-driven innovation and disruptive business development. The focus: how to move fast without guessing.
Time to reveal the next Pirate. Since February, Peter Michaelis has brought his entrepreneurial mindset, international perspective, and hands-on energy to our crew.
300 minds, two days, and a city buzzing with innovation energy. We joined the Innovation Roundtable® in Zurich to take the pulse of the corporate-innovation ecosystem – and hosted two deep dives of our own. From venture building to AI, bold strategy and curiosity stood out. Thanks to Zurich Insurance and all who made it happen.
Lars joins the crew with a deep track record in consulting and innovation strategy. From helping global companies rethink product portfolios to launching innovations at speed, he brings a rare mix of structure, clarity, and creative edge.
What does it take to drive the future of e-mobility in Switzerland? Together with AVIA VOLT, we conducted a nationwide study with over 1,000 participants to better understand how users charge, move, and think electric.
For the sixth session of our AdVenture Series, we welcomed Arno Del Curto – a man who doesn’t just talk leadership, but lives it. In a no-nonsense fireside chat, Arno shared sharp, honest reflections on what it takes to build trust and lead teams through uncertainty. His energy was infectious, his lessons clear: lead with intensity, humility, and belief.
Sometimes a client project takes you to the right place at the right time. While in Vienna, we took the opportunity to carve out space for our own strategy work – using the city's elegance and quiet intensity to reflect, realign, and sharpen our focus. Between meetings and museums, coffeehouses and conversations, we found clarity in motion and purpose in pause.
No stage, no slides – just altitude and attitude. For our first Evening Ride, we brought together a group of innovators and management minds for a climb over the Albis Pass. What started with a shared push up the hill turned into sharp, open conversations once we hit the top.
We were honored to join our friends at Swisspreneur for the 2024 Scaleup Cruise aboard the Panta Rhei on Lake Zurich. The evening brought together over 160 founders, investors, and ecosystem builders for an inspiring panel, meaningful conversations, and a shared commitment to scaling Swiss innovation. See you next time!
When work feels like play, magic happens. In the fifth edition of our AdVenture Series, we dove into the world of gamification – not as a gimmick, but as a strategic tool to drive engagement, learning, and innovation. With brilliant inputs from our community and hands-on activities, the session blurred the lines between serious business and serious fun. Thanks to everyone who played along.
We’re celebrating two years of Blackbeard Venture Studio and looking back on highlights like our AI journey, the launch of OYU, and our growing crew. A huge thank you to our team and partners for being part of this adventure - we can’t wait for what’s next!
A glimpse into the future of Spatial Computing. For the 4th edition of our (Ad)Venture Series, we hosted a small but sharp crowd of clients, partners, and friends to explore the revolutionary Apple Vision Pro. With live demos led by René Vogel and Bedo Hamza, we dove into immersive use cases – from dinosaurs and F1 cars to jet engines. Curiosity was sparked!
Innovation doesn’t scale by accident. At the Autonomous Innovation Summit 2024, hosted by Board of Innovation, we explored what it takes to build systems that empower teams to move faster, smarter, and with more ownership. From operating models to org design, the conversations were sharp, global, and grounded in real-world execution.
When smart science meets entrepreneurial ambition, we show up. As part of the First Ventures program by Gebert Rüf Stiftung, we support funded founders in validating their business models. Our role: challenge assumptions, sharpen value propositions, and help translate deep tech into market-ready solutions.
Invited by Vivents, we joined the launch moment of Eisgenoss to witness how a ticket becomes something more. With blockchain-backed digital twins, access transforms into experience, memory, and future potential. A bold step for digital ownership – and a great example of Web3 applied with purpose.
A change of scenery with a breeze of inspiration. We took to the waters of Lake Zurich with clients and partners aboard the legendary MS Etzel for an evening of sharp minds, shared ambition, and open conversation. As the lake shimmered and ideas flowed, we charted the next stretch of our journey together.
We had the opportunity to present Rocket List at AXA's Innovation Day, showcasing how our app simplifies the journey for new parents by curating essential baby products. The session was filled with insightful discussions on innovation in the insurance sector and the role of startups in driving change.
Deploy AI, without the drama. With AI in a Box, we’ve bundled everything you need to move from use case to working prototype in just 10 days. No need to start from scratch or fight through complex stacks - just pick your use case, and we’ll deliver a tailored AI experience that fits your organization like a glove.
Navigating change in healthcare. In the third edition of our AdVenture Series, we explored how producers and distributors are rethinking their roles within evolving health ecosystems. From product-centric suppliers to solution-oriented partners. With sharp minds, we discussed opportunities, challenges, and bold visions for collaborative value creation.
Now we know why the pirates of old preferred the Caribbean. Last year's Blackbeard retreat was kicked off with the Wim Hof Method, also known as Cold Water Immersion, setting the stage for a refreshing dive into a new strategy for 2024. Thank you to our incredible clients, partners, and friends for being part of 2023 – here’s to more in 2024!
An inspiring day immersed in Switzerland's innovation ecosystem! We were energized by the open-minded atmosphere and thought-provoking discussions, especially Prof. Dr. Gregor Hasler's keynote on unconventional approaches to innovation. Congratulations to all the Swiss Technology Award winners.
Another great session in the books! Episode 2 of our AdVenture Series was a resounding success, with brilliant minds converging to explore the future of document handling for SMEs and the use of #GenerativeAI.
Dimitri joins us as a Senior Venture Builder, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the insurance and tech industries. His profound insights, passion for innovation, and a track record of driving transformative projects are just a few reasons why we're over the moon to have him onboard.
Blackbeard's crew is growing and we are more than excited to have Simon as a managing partner for this journey. Simon brings a ton of invaluable experience with him through his previous roles with a strong focus on innovation and venture building.
The inaugural Blackbeard AdVenture Session brought together like-minded individuals to tackle challenges in venture building, featuring diverse experts. The event started with discussions on their latest stealth venture and continued with social interactions at Garibaldi Bar.
We have some thrilling news to share! Blackbeard Venture Studio is proud to announce a strategic partnership with 3AP, a leader in digitalization and scalable digital solutions.
Not just a go-live of a website, but a first step on a greenfield digital customer experience for our client. We are proud to have accompanied Oyu not only as the lead venture builder but also in the role of product owner for the completely integrated customer journey.
Our team attended the TNW Conference in Amsterdam, a remarkable platform for exchanging ideas. Highlights included time with advisor Gian Reto à Porta and the innovative team at Norm, deepening collaboration. Let's push tech boundaries together!
We're thrilled to announce a joint venture with Nerves, a creative agency renowned for its service-driven excellence and innovative prowess. This week marks the beginning of our collaborative journey, with a freshly inked contract paving the way for this exciting new endeavor.
It's been an amazing adventure, and we're thrilled to have been part of it. We wish Foundera smooth sailing on the open seas ahead, and we can't wait to raise a beer together in their new quarters. Fair winds and following seas!
Blackbeard has boldly hoisted anchor and claimed a new pirate's den at Bodmerstrasse 9 in Zurich Enge. A haven for both daring adventurers and cunning ventures. Exciting times ahead.
With the mission of building new businesses for enterprises in sight, Blackbeard Venture Studio hoisted the sail. We launch forward with full power and love for what we do!
Despite his notoriety, Blackbeard's demise marked a turning point in the fight against piracy. His menacing legacy, combined with his capture and subsequent beheading, served as a stern warning to all who dared follow in his footsteps.
Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, was a notorious pirate who roamed the seas during the early 18th century. Born around 1680 in Bristol, England, Blackbeard's life remains shrouded in mystery. However, his formidable reputation as a fearsome pirate has endured through the ages.
Like the pirates of the old, we embrace our own codex. These principles are a compass for our actions, shaping our journey and anchoring us to our roots. They are the wind in our sails, propelling us forward as we chart new territories and seize untapped opportunities.
01
Outcome over output
We measure success in impact, not activity.
02
Strategy & execution belong together
We don’t hand over decks and walk away.
03
Customer truth wins
We validate early and learn. fast
04
Entrepreneurial ownership
We take responsibility end-to-end.
05
Pragmatic collaboration
We are agile orchestrators who turn uncertainty into progress.
06
Repeatable innovation
We build capabilities, not one-off projects.
Cookie Settings
We use cookies to enhance browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All",you consent to our use of cookies. "Cookie Policy" for more information.
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
