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Salvation through innovation

Our Manifesto


The Valery Foundation aspires to establish itself as a Philanthropic Venture Partner, championing an innovative blended finance model that stays true to the core values of philanthropy, with positive impact at its heart. Positioned at the intersection of philanthropy and venture capital, the foundation aims to accelerate the development of essential technological innovations and facilitate rapid scaling in the real economy, reducing reliance on continuous philanthropic support. Philanthropy often addresses market inefficiencies, stepping in when traditional finance fails to account for the intangible, yet vital positive impacts excluded from conventional financial frameworks. We believe technology has the power to usher in a new era of impact accounting, where impact itself becomes a tangible asset within our economies, compelling a re-evaluation of how we define value and structure financial systems.

Guided by the mantra “too small to change the world, but small enough to enter the rabbit hole,” the Valery Foundation leverages its modest size to act as a trailblazer in the ever-shifting landscape of sustainable innovation, whether technological or financial. This agility allows the foundation to explore opportunities often overlooked by larger, less flexible institutions, which are slow to adapt to rapid technological shifts. With a higher tolerance for risk, the foundation leads the charge on pioneering concepts, providing proof-of-concept for larger players to follow. We value action over endless discussions, recognizing that hands-on experience far outweighs theoretical debates.

While the saying goes that we can go faster alone, we believe we achieve more together. This belief drives the foundation to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem of partners, creating meaningful collaborations that amplify collective impact. By providing catalytic capital to visionary innovators, we aim to ignite transformative breakthroughs, driving profound social impact and fostering lasting, sustainable change.

Disrupt the status quo

Established in 2018, Fondation Valery emerged as a final testament to Arsan Valery’s deep reverence for the Earth. Through this foundation, the founder aspired to perpetuate his cherished principles of sustainability for the benefit of generations to come.

In the evolving landscape of the 21st century, the convergence of new technologies has sparked a wave of transformative potential across various facets of human existence.

From artificial intelligence (AI) to blockchain, robotics, new materials and beyond, these innovations have permeated industries, reshaped economies, and redefined the way we interact with the world around us.

Amidst this technological revolution, one of the most pressing imperatives is the integration of these advancements into the realm of sustainability. The profound impact of AI, blockchain, robotics, new materials and their counterparts on sustainable practices, environmental preservation, and socio-economic equity holds the promise of a future that is not only technologically advanced, but also harmoniously balanced with our planet's needs.

Our strategy delves into the symbiotic relationship between cutting-edge technologies and the pursuit of global sustainability, illuminating the potential for a more resilient, equitable, and ecologically responsible world.

Arsan Valery

Founder

Born in 1926 to a Turkish father and a Russian mother, Arsan Valery spent his life in Lausanne. As graduate of the University of Lausanne, he was passionate about sciences, progress, and scientific research. Beyond his scientific interests, Mr. Arsan had various passions such as classical music, photography, Egyptology, and traveling.

Despite his affluent background, Mr. Arsan lived his life with a simplicity that reflects honourably upon him. He spent his free time salvaging old electronic devices to give them a second life, as he despised wastefulness and cared about the environment. One could describe Mr. Arsan as cultured, highly respectful, humble, and somewhat solitary.

Mr. Arsan passed away on September 1st, 2018.

Portrait photo of Arsan Valery

Team

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Yannick Ritschel

Director
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Sébastien Cap

Board president
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Edouard Hegetschweiler

Board member
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Julie Cruz

Board member
Portrait photo of Robert Swan
Albert Einstein
Visionary
« We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. »
2018

Creation year of the Valery Foundation

10-15

Projects supported per year

4 pillars

Biodiversity, Circular Economy, Renewable Energies, Health

Do you possess an innovative strategy to tackle a challenge within one of our central pillars?
We will be glad to hear about it.
Apply for funding