Montserrat Vendrell (1964)

Montserrat Vendrell, PhD in Biology from the UB, is a key figure in the development of the Catalan ecosystem of scientific innovation. She has been general director of the Barcelona Science Park, Biocat and the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, and vice-president of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation. She is now also involved in the investment world as a partner and executive of Alta Life Sciences, a venture capital fund specialising in life sciences.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

MV: It helps to bring health innovations to the patient. There is excellent science in our country’s research centres. Our role is to participate in translating this science into solutions for patients by providing access to capital, but mainly through strategic and operational support.

TB: A good idea you have had.

MV: Prioritise what makes me feel good about myself. Ideas have value, of course, but success is in their execution. A good idea for me is one that, by carrying it out, allows me to enjoy the day to day, but also to visualise the future impact of my contribution.

TB: A bad professional experience.

MV: Those where decision-making capacity is affected by external interests.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

MV: The one who works has the knowledge. A bit like the Anglo-Saxon concept of “take the scenic route”. More than arriving, the objective is what you learn along the way. I have tried to look for paths where I could learn, perhaps that is why I have always been involved in projects from the beginning.

TB: An inspiration.

MV: My father. A doctor born into a humble family, with a great vocation, he forged his future with enormous effort and ability. His values are an inspiration to me: integrity, on a personal and professional level; effort, as an indispensable component for success; and passion for work and knowledge.

TB: A book to recommend.

MV: “Les veus del Pamano”, by Jaume Cabré.

TB: A series or film or song that defines your moment in life.

MV: The Durrells.

TB: A recipe, a meal, a restaurant.

MV: Lo Paller del Coc, in Surp (Alt Pirineu).

TB: A city, a journey.

MV: To New York, a journey to my youth. I lived there during my postdoctoral research.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

MV: In our next investment fund.

TB: And a million euros?

MV: Idem.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

MV: A networking and visibility platform for the startup sector.