Three Zurich-based companies are changing captains at the same time, each one approaching a new stage. According to Startupticker.ch, which relays the companies' press releases, Verity wants to roll out its warehouse intelligence technology internationally, AL-S Pharma is preparing to advance its lead antibody programme towards phase 3, and Muuvr is looking to continue its growth. Here is a look at the new arrivals.

Verity: a seasoned logistics executive for international growth

Verity, the Zurich-based warehouse intelligence specialist, has appointed Anders Martens as chief executive officer (CEO) to support its international growth. The company's technology tracks the physical movements of inventory on behalf of retailers, manufacturers and third-party logistics providers (3PL), and turns them into operational and financial insights. The platform integrates with warehouse management systems (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, so as to link physical warehouse activity to digital records.

According to the company, the solution is deployed at more than 200 sites around the world, including some operated by IKEA, Maersk, DSV and UPS.

Anders Martens has more than two decades of experience in logistics operations. He spent the last 12 years at the helm of Link Logistics, a Nordic express logistics company. Before that, he led express operations at DHL and TNT for a decade, most recently as managing director of DHL Hubs & Gateways for the Nordic countries.

He takes over operational leadership from Raffaello D'Andrea, co-founder of Verity, who is stepping back from management after 12 years but remains involved through the board of directors. Raffaello D'Andrea had led the company since its creation in 2014 as a spin-off of ETH Zurich.

AL-S Pharma: heading for phase 3

Based in Schlieren, AL-S Pharma is a clinical-stage biotech that discovers and develops human antibodies targeting misfolded proteins involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company has appointed Harry Welten as CEO with a specific mission: to steer the phase 3 programme for AP-101, and to secure the funding and strategic partnerships needed to take it through to regulatory approval, and then to patients.

Harry Welten succeeds Michael Salzmann, who led the company for ten years. The new CEO brings more than 25 years of experience as chief financial officer (CFO) and board chairman in the life sciences, in Europe and the United States. He has supported companies through phases of growth, restructuring, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and commercialisation. According to the press release relayed by Startupticker.ch, he has raised more than 500 million francs through venture capital, IPOs, follow-on capital increases, PIPE financings and convertible instruments.

With more than 15 years of board experience, he has sat on 14 boards of companies active in the life sciences, medtech and AI-based diagnostics. As chairman, he guided Biognosys, Aidence and Proteomedix through to their sale or merger with Nasdaq-listed companies.

Muuvr: the COO takes the helm

At Muuvr, the succession comes from within. The Zurich start-up has developed a loyalty programme that rewards physical activity: by connecting their wearables or fitness apps to the Muuvr app, users collect points for their activities, which they can then exchange for rewards on the company's online marketplace.

Tobias Schubert, who joined Muuvr as chief operating officer (COO) almost a year ago, becomes CEO to lead the company into its next phase of growth. He succeeds Michael Hartweg, who is leaving his operational role but continues to support the company as chairman of the board, focusing on strategy and long-term growth.

Tobias Schubert has more than 15 years of experience as a CEO, founder and entrepreneur. He was previously co-CEO for more than ten years of Farmy.ch, the online food marketplace he co-founded.

Three profiles, three stages

The three appointments come as each company prepares for a pivotal phase, and the profiles chosen match the stated objectives: an executive from express logistics for Verity's international expansion, a life sciences financing specialist for AL-S Pharma's phase 3, and an entrepreneur already working in-house for Muuvr's growth. At both Verity and Muuvr, the outgoing leaders remain tied to the company through the board of directors; for AL-S Pharma, the press release does not specify Michael Salzmann's future role.

Sources

  • Startupticker.ch: “Executive changes across deep tech, biotech and sports tech”