Our Team

Partners in Innovation, Builders of the Future

A Multidisciplinary Team with Decades of Experience, Dedicated to Empowering Founders and Scaling Innovation.

Mark Kavelaars

Founder & Managing Partner

28+ years of international managerial experience in tech, banking and Venture Capital investments. Founder of Swanlaab, actively involved in its Tech and Agri-Food Funds and Investment Committee member since inception. Venture Partner at Crescendo VP and former owner of International Venture Consultants (IVC).

Verónica Trapa

Partner

10+ years of Venture Capital experience in Spain, serving as an Investment Committee member across its Tech and Agri-Food Tech Funds since inception. 10+ years former entrepreneur (Life & Colors, Tu Chef) with a passion for startup creation. Previously held executive roles in consulting and industrial companies.

Juan Revuelta

Partner

17+ years of Venture Capital experience in Spain. General Partner at Swanlaab, serving as an Investment Committee member across its Tech and Search Funds since inception. Former engineer at LSI Logic (Germany) and Texas Instruments (France).

Jaime Gil-Delgado

Principal

7+ years of Venture Capital experience, specializing in deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management, and transaction execution for the Tech Funds. Previously worked in Investment Banking at Credit Agricole, focusing on M&A and ECM transactions, and later joined Amazon’s Retail Division, gaining experience in market dynamics and operational efficiency.

Yuval Avni

Venture Partner

18+ years of Venture Capital experience in Israel (Crecendo VP & Giza Venture Capital), Poland (Giza Polish Ventures) & Spain (Swanlaab). Extensive background in high-tech and innovation, with experience as an entrepreneur, executive, and investor. Former CEO of Beta-O2 Technologies. Previously a general and vascular surgeon and an officer in an elite Israeli intelligence unit.

Zvi Schechter

Venture Partner

35+ years of Venture Capital experience in Israel in Israel (Crecendo VP and Co-founder of Giza Venture Capital (1992), managing over $600M in AUM, investing in 110+ high-tech companies, with $15B in total exits ) & Spain (Swanlaab). Extensive background in technology investments, research, valuations, and due diligence. Former Investment Manager at Leumi & Co.

Tal Mizrahi

Venture Partner

20+ years of Venture Capital experience in Israel (Crecendo VP & Giza Venture Capital), Poland (Giza Polish Ventures) & Spain (Swanlaab). Extensive background in investments, finance, and legal aspects of funds and high-tech companies. Previously Financial Manager at PortAuthority Technologies (acquired by Websense, Nasdaq: WBSN) and Senior Auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Zeev Holtzman

Venture Partner

35+ years of Venture Capital experience in Israel (Founder of Giza Venture Capital (1992), one of Israel’s pioneering VC funds, managing $600M investing in 110+ high-tech companies, with $15B in total exits) Poland (Giza Polish Ventures) & Spain (Swanlaab). Extensive background in private equity and investment banking. Founder of IVC Research Center. Advisor to Target Global Ventures, JVP Agri-Food Tech Fund, and Colosseum Sports Tech.

Mariluz Santos

COO

30+ years of experience in finance, compliance, and internal operations optimizing financial performance and ensuring structured, sustainable growth. Extensive background in regulatory compliance, tax optimization, and international market expansion. Her diverse background spans legal services, M&A advisory, audiovisual production, retail, digital distribution, and payment methods, including 8 years in regulated financial entities.

Angel Santos

Partner

18+ years of Venture Capital experience in Spain investing in scientific technology-based innovation both as founder CRB Inverbio & Partner at Swanlaab. Extensive background in strategy, M&A, business development, financing strategies, and innovation. Previously VP at SC Johnson North America, with a career that began at Lilly in R&D, marketing, and business development.

Nora Alonso

Partner

20+ years of executive, management, and business development experience in the biotech and agri-food sectors. Extensive background in managing cross-functional teams, securing partnerships, and navigating complex market environments. Former Co-founder & CEO of an Agri-Tech company Iden Biotechnology & Strategic Advisor at consulting agri-food companies.

Xana Belástegui

Partner

18+ years of experience in the biotech and agri-food sectors, spanning both public research and private enterprise. Extensive background in R&D, intellectual property, regulatory, product development and business and operations functions. Former Co-founder of an Agri-Tech company Iden Biotechnology & Strategic Advisor at consulting agri-food companies.

Claudia Jimenez

Partner

25+ years of experience in business development, corporate growth, and investor relations. Former CEO of Algenex, biotech startup acquired by Insud Pharma. Proven track record in scaling companies and leading successful exits, including the acquisitions of TiGenix and Algenex. Extensive background in investment banking and M&A.

Roger Salameh

Venture Partner

30+ years of experience in agribusiness and biotechnology sector, leading cross-functional teams to drive growth and create significant shareholder value. Extensive background in business development, strategic collaborations, and joint ventures in the agri-food sector. Previously worked at Arcadia Bioscience, Monsanto and Calgene.

Natalia Alvarez

Analyst

Natalia is an Analyst at Swanlaab Venture Factory. Actively participated in Women for Science and Technology seminars and bio-entrepreneurship workshops. Committed to innovation in the biotech and agri-food sectors, bringing a scientific perspective to investment and business growth opportunities.

Monte Davis

Partner

25+ years as serial Entrepreneur leading both early stage and multinational companies in US, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Seasoned in growth through acquisition and post-merger integrations.

Aitor Sancho

Partner

15+ years investing in micro-caps and tech startups. Fund Manager with a long background analyzing companies and supporting entrepreneurs. Extensive background in entrepreneurship and board leadership.

Alejandro Moya

Partner

5+ years of experience in Management Roles in S&S distribution businesses and PMI activities. During 7+ has lived a full cycle in succession and management of a SME. Co Founder of a Startup.

Sara Perez

Operations Manager

10+ years experience as Commercial Banking Relationship Manager in Banks and Insurance Companies, and back-office operations in Prevention of Money Laundering and Investment Companies. MBA.

Verónica Benito

Legal Councel

10+ years of legal experience across various sectors, specializing in commercial law, real estate investments, urban planning, intellectual property, and investment regulation.

Mark Kavelaars

Founder & Managing Partner

28+ years of international managerial experience in tech, banking and Venture Capital investments. Founder of Swanlaab, actively involved in its Tech and Agri-Food Funds and Investment Committee member since inception. Venture Partner at Crescendo VP and former owner of International Venture Consultants (IVC).

Verónica Trapa

Partner

10+ years of Venture Capital experience in Spain, serving as an Investment Committee member across its Tech and Agri-Food Tech Funds since inception. 10+ years former entrepreneur (Life & Colors, Tu Chef) with a passion for startup creation. Previously held executive roles in consulting and industrial companies.

Juan Revuelta

Partner

17+ years of Venture Capital experience in Spain. General Partner at Swanlaab, serving as an Investment Committee member across its Tech and Search Funds since inception. Former engineer at LSI Logic (Germany) and Texas Instruments (France).

Jaime Gil-Delgado

Principal

7+ years of Venture Capital experience, specializing in deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management, and transaction execution for the Tech Funds. Previously worked in Investment Banking at Credit Agricole, focusing on M&A and ECM transactions, and later joined Amazon’s Retail Division, gaining experience in market dynamics and operational efficiency.

Yuval Avni

Venture Partner

18+ years of Venture Capital experience in Israel (Crecendo VP & Giza Venture Capital), Poland (Giza Polish Ventures) & Spain (Swanlaab). Extensive background in high-tech and innovation, with experience as an entrepreneur, executive, and investor. Former CEO of Beta-O2 Technologies. Previously a general and vascular surgeon and an officer in an elite Israeli intelligence unit.

Zvi Schechter

Venture Partner

35+ years of Venture Capital experience in Israel in Israel (Crecendo VP and Co-founder of Giza Venture Capital (1992), managing over $600M in AUM, investing in 110+ high-tech companies, with $15B in total exits ) & Spain (Swanlaab). Extensive background in technology investments, research, valuations, and due diligence. Former Investment Manager at Leumi & Co.

Tal Mizrahi

Venture Partner

20+ years of Venture Capital experience in Israel (Crecendo VP & Giza Venture Capital), Poland (Giza Polish Ventures) & Spain (Swanlaab). Extensive background in investments, finance, and legal aspects of funds and high-tech companies. Previously Financial Manager at PortAuthority Technologies (acquired by Websense, Nasdaq: WBSN) and Senior Auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Zeev Holtzman

Venture Partner

35+ years of Venture Capital experience in Israel (Founder of Giza Venture Capital (1992), one of Israel’s pioneering VC funds, managing $600M investing in 110+ high-tech companies, with $15B in total exits) Poland (Giza Polish Ventures) & Spain (Swanlaab). Extensive background in private equity and investment banking. Founder of IVC Research Center. Advisor to Target Global Ventures, JVP Agri-Food Tech Fund, and Colosseum Sports Tech.

Mariluz Santos

COO

30+ years of experience in finance, compliance, and internal operations optimizing financial performance and ensuring structured, sustainable growth. Extensive background in regulatory compliance, tax optimization, and international market expansion. Her diverse background spans legal services, M&A advisory, audiovisual production, retail, digital distribution, and payment methods, including 8 years in regulated financial entities.

Mark Kavelaars

Founder & Managing Partner

28+ years of international managerial experience in tech, banking and Venture Capital investments. Founder of Swanlaab, actively involved in its Tech and Agri-Food Funds and Investment Committee member since inception. Venture Partner at Crescendo VP and former owner of International Venture Consultants (IVC).

Verónica Trapa

Partner

10+ years of Venture Capital experience in Spain, serving as an Investment Committee member across its Tech and Agri-Food Tech Funds since inception. 10+ years former entrepreneur (Life & Colors, Tu Chef) with a passion for startup creation. Previously held executive roles in consulting and industrial companies.

Mariluz Santos

COO

30+ years of experience in finance, compliance, and internal operations optimizing financial performance and ensuring structured, sustainable growth. Extensive background in regulatory compliance, tax optimization, and international market expansion. Her diverse background spans legal services, M&A advisory, audiovisual production, retail, digital distribution, and payment methods, including 8 years in regulated financial entities.

Angel Santos

Partner

18+ years of Venture Capital experience in Spain investing in scientific technology-based innovation both as founder CRB Inverbio & Partner at Swanlaab. Extensive background in strategy, M&A, business development, financing strategies, and innovation. Previously VP at SC Johnson North America, with a career that began at Lilly in R&D, marketing, and business development.

Nora Alonso

Partner

20+ years of executive, management, and business development experience in the biotech and agri-food sectors. Extensive background in managing cross-functional teams, securing partnerships, and navigating complex market environments. Former Co-founder & CEO of an Agri-Tech company Iden Biotechnology & Strategic Advisor at consulting agri-food companies.

Xana Belástegui

Partner

18+ years of experience in the biotech and agri-food sectors, spanning both public research and private enterprise. Extensive background in R&D, intellectual property, regulatory, product development and business and operations functions. Former Co-founder of an Agri-Tech company Iden Biotechnology & Strategic Advisor at consulting agri-food companies.

Claudia Jimenez

Partner

25+ years of experience in business development, corporate growth, and investor relations. Former CEO of Algenex, biotech startup acquired by Insud Pharma. Proven track record in scaling companies and leading successful exits, including the acquisitions of TiGenix and Algenex. Extensive background in investment banking and M&A.

Roger Salameh

Venture Partner

30+ years of experience in agribusiness and biotechnology sector, leading cross-functional teams to drive growth and create significant shareholder value. Extensive background in business development, strategic collaborations, and joint ventures in the agri-food sector. Previously worked at Arcadia Bioscience, Monsanto and Calgene.

Natalia Alvarez

Analyst

Natalia is an Analyst at Swanlaab Venture Factory. Actively participated in Women for Science and Technology seminars and bio-entrepreneurship workshops. Committed to innovation in the biotech and agri-food sectors, bringing a scientific perspective to investment and business growth opportunities.

Juan Revuelta

Partner

17+ years of Venture Capital experience in Spain. General Partner at Swanlaab, serving as an Investment Committee member across its Tech and Search Funds since inception. Former engineer at LSI Logic (Germany) and Texas Instruments (France).

Mariluz Santos

COO

30+ years of experience in finance, compliance, and internal operations optimizing financial performance and ensuring structured, sustainable growth. Extensive background in regulatory compliance, tax optimization, and international market expansion. Her diverse background spans legal services, M&A advisory, audiovisual production, retail, digital distribution, and payment methods, including 8 years in regulated financial entities.

Monte Davis

Partner

25+ years as serial Entrepreneur leading both early stage and multinational companies in US, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Seasoned in growth through acquisition and post-merger integrations.

Aitor Sancho

Partner

15+ years investing in micro-caps and tech startups. Fund Manager with a long background analyzing companies and supporting entrepreneurs. Extensive background in entrepreneurship and board leadership.

Alejandro Moya

Partner

5+ years of experience in Management Roles in S&S distribution businesses and PMI activities. During 7+ has lived a full cycle in succession and management of a SME. Co Founder of a Startup.

Sara Perez

Operations Manager

10+ years experience as Commercial Banking Relationship Manager in Banks and Insurance Companies, and back-office operations in Prevention of Money Laundering and Investment Companies. MBA.

Verónica Benito

Legal Councel

10+ years of legal experience across various sectors, specializing in commercial law, real estate investments, urban planning, intellectual property, and investment regulation.

What makes us proud

Our founders

We take pride in supporting visionary entrepreneurs, but rather than telling you ourselves, we’d rather let them share their journey.

We build lasting relationships based on trust, shared vision, and common values. We partner with entrepreneurs who share our commitment to innovation, resilience, and long-term growth.

Swanlaab has been a key part of our growth. They have accompanied us at key moments of the company, providing the value that a founder expects from its partners, starting with values and combining them with people, strategy and processes. They played a key role in our fundraising.

Stephen de Vries

- CEO IriusRisk

Swanlaab has been a key part of our growth. They have accompanied us at key moments of the company, providing the value that a founder expects from its partners, starting with values and combining them with people, strategy and processes. They played a key role in our fundraising.

Alvaro Verdoy

- CEO Sales Layer

Feeling that you have the ability to accelerate your company is a privilege. Having Swanlaab join Flowww on our journey has been exactly that. With full transparency in every process and an unwavering level of commitment, Swanlaab is a top-tier fund that has helped us better understand where we are and uncover growth levers we hadn’t even identified.

Natalia Villora

- CEO Flowww

Swanlaab has a strong B2B expertise, ambition and, throughout the process, they proved to be the perfect travel partner to scale a business.

Evaristo Babé

- CEO Pulpo

Swanlaab’s support has been pivotal to Nymiz’s growth, both financially and strategically. Their expertise in AI and B2B SaaS helped refine our value proposition, scale our model, and accelerate adoption of our data anonymization solution among enterprises and government institutions.

Julián Díaz-Santos

- CEO Unnax

Swanlaab’s support has been pivotal to Nymiz’s growth, both financially and strategically. Their expertise in AI and B2B SaaS helped refine our value proposition, scale our model, and accelerate adoption of our data anonymization solution among enterprises and government institutions.

Oscar Villanueva

- CEO Nymiz

Having the Swanlaab team by our side has been essential for KOA’s development. Their experience has helped us professionalize the company, optimize operations, and make hires aligned with each stage of the business. I value their broad perspective and expertise across different sectors, as they provide the support we need at every moment.”

Sira Mogas

- CEO KOA Biotech

Swanlaab has been really supportive and active in key moments and granted us access to an unavailable network of entrepreneurs in their portfolio

Pere Codina

- CEO Kompyte

At Weecover, it has always been crucial to have investors who truly understand our business model and, based on their team’s experience, can guide us through this journey while enriching us with insights from the ecosystem. Swanlaab has been particularly instrumental in helping us develop a systematic and industrialized sales process—the key factor that will enable us to scale the company.

Jordi Pages

- CEO Weecover

Swaanlab is the right investor because of their involvement with the company and their support to the founders in the achievement of our objectives, providing a great know-how from many different perspectives necessary to scale the company

Salvador Vera

- CEO MySphera

Choosing Swanlaab as a partner was the right choice. From day one, they proved their strong B2B sales expertise. Their knowledge to scale from ‘founder sales’ to a ‘sales engine machine’ was critical in our stage.

Victor Álvarez

- CEO Situm