MEET THE FOUNDERS
Zurich-based Anouk Hilti-Zingg (1991) and Nathalie Widmer (1990) are the duo behind Assarée, an advisory that offers purpose-driven investment opportunities & products to progressive peers & companies.
At Assarée, themes such as sustainability and desirability go hand-in-hand. Through shared knowledge & experiences around progressive investments & products, the Assarée community takes agency on their impact.
What is your nationality?
A: “I am Swiss-Senegalese”
N: “I am part Swiss, part Croatian”
What motivated you to work towards building Assarée?
A: “Recognizing that the Next Generation thinks differently and wants to know more. They demand more background information related to their investments as well as their purchasing decisions. That is why Assarée vision is to create a trustful, purpose-driven investment ecosystem at eye-level, enabling the global investor to take agency on impact. I am convinced that people who know more will start behaving in a more responsible way.”
N: “Realizing that investing didn’t have to feel abstract and that I didn’t need to be a financial expert to start taking agency on my investment decisions. Now I create a positive impact by aligning financial return with my values and sharing opportunities with peers.”
How have you personally advanced since the start of Assarée?
A: “I think there is no better learning curve than being part of an up-striving start-up. If you approach the right people with the right purpose, you can actually meet with anyone. Being the CEO brings me to an eye-to-eye level, even with CEOs of established companies. It is all a team effort, and having the right people support your idea is key.”
N: “I enjoy connecting with people through the Assarée offering because I believe that more purpose-driven mindsets create more value.”
Describe your Business partner in 3 words:
N: “Anouk is strategic, resourceful & fearless”
A: “Nathalie is sharp, conscientious & has unexpected/exquisite taste”
N: “<3”
What is your secret pleasure?
A: “I adore all miniature forms – (check out @tanaka_tatsuya on Instagram)”
N: “Anything umami”
If you could change something in the world with your business, what would that be?
A: “Make people realize that transparency is key when it comes to investment decisions. For example, there is only either sustainable gold or “dirty” gold. There are either transparent or hidden supply chain activities, the latter causing negative social and environmental impacts. Only by #KYS (know your source) can investors take ownership over the impact their investments have.
N: “Disrupt systems that no longer suit our Zeitgeist.”
