After spending time as a consultant focused on a broad range of industries, I found myself back in Lausanne with my former lab colleague and close friend, Prof. Jean-Eric Wegrowe. Jean Eric and I met while I was a student of Physics at the EPFL under the talented team of Prof. Graetzel (father of the dye sensitive nanocrystalline solar cell) and Prof. Chatelain (father of the field emission of carbon nanotubes). Our discussion that day led us to conclude that nanotechnology was becoming a reality which would impact a broad range of industries over the next several decades. We wanted to be a part of that growth.  We had tremendous respect for the challenge and knew it would take a special group of talented people to navigate these waters. A solid team of experts of the nanoscale would be required as well as those who understood the constantly changing markets and how to capture them. Scaling up quantum physics requires cutting edge science and engineering prowess which only exists within a very select community of experts who can differentiate between Science and “science fiction”.

 

By January of 2002 the business plan was ready and NanoDimension opened the doors located in Zurich, Switzerland. With a serious dose of naivety, passion and perseverance, I started to assemble the team and to contact investors, learning the main function of a CEO. Years and investments later, I am still assembling the team and in close contacts with investors and will always do as we need to evolve and get the best expertise. We apply the key learning of my first company (managing professional snowboarders (12 world titles between 96 and 98)): working with world champions is much easier than with small fishes. In order to become world champion, you need the passion and perseverance to overcome injuries, injustice, tight budget and the glory. Passion drives your life and not your ego or a short term greedy interest.

 

Without the support of ambitious investors trusting our enthusiasm for the nanotech we would not exist. We are committed to them and to our passion. We own them our story.

 

In a few words, NanoDimension is a team of passionate techies with no fear for hard work, we are frugal, honest, eager to learn about new ideas and do not compromise on our investment approach. We are chefs, not critics.

Aymeric Sallin

NanoDimension Founder & Managing Director