Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences in our section Backstage.

What do you do first in the morning?

Even though I know I shouldn’t, I usually catch myself checking my smartphone first thing in the morning… afterwards, I take our dog for a short walk.

What is the best thing about your job?

As an entrepreneur, I have the privilege of engaging every day with exciting topics and people - a passion I have pursued with conviction for more than 25 years.

A moment that changed your life?

When I was in high school in 1996, I bought a used computer from the U.S. that included a modem with an internet connection - without even knowing what I would use it for at the time.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

I'm not a car enthusiast, and I usually ride as a passenger in my wife's Mini.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

At 20, I started my first internet company (usgang.ch). Looking back, I should have been even bolder.

What are you particularly proud of?

That as an entrepreneur, I've often recognized future trends earlier than others and, despite many reservations, have never been deterred from pursuing my own path.

What do you do when you have doubts?

Doubts and setbacks are part of everyday life, and I find it helps to remember that they keep you agile and alert.

What is your favorite wine?

I'm not a big wine aficionado, but I do enjoy a good bottle of Aalto.

What projects are you currently working for?

Right now, I'm focused on our longevity startups, and at our Klinik Ayun in Zurich, we have just launched a news program dedicated to women's health. Over the past two weeks, I've also been in Singapore and Abu Dhabi, attending two conferences and discussing a new event format for investors. It is fascinating to see the developments in the future technologies taking place in these regions...

What do you admire in other people?

Honesty, humility, openness, and doing things with joy - whether in business or in everyday life.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to do your job for a day?

Since I work with many exciting entrepreneurs and investors, I get to see the latest technological developments at a very early stage. For an outsider, it would certainly be impressive to realize how many things still considered science fiction are already on the verge of transforming daily life.

What is your personal drive?

Doing things that positively impact the lives of many people and make a real difference in the world.

What are you afraid of?

Many people’s fear of new technologies often results in progress being slowed by unnecessary regulation. It is too easily forgotten how much technology has historically contributed to human prosperity.

Your favorite watch brand?

I've always been a big fan of Audemars Piguet, but for many years now, I've mostly worn smartwatches.

Do you have an unfulfilled dream you'd like to realize?

This summer I spent a month in Southeast Asia with my family, and I would like to do more of these extended trips in the future. Unfortunately, I haven't yet been able to convince any family member to join me on a trip to space ;-)

Your best investment?

Buying Bitcoin in 2012 certainly counts, but starting my own family remains the best decision of my life.

Marc P. Bernegger is a serial entrepreneur who has been involved with future technologies since his school days. Since 1999, he has founded and sold several tech companies (usgang.ch, amiando, Crypto Finance Group, …). Today, Bernegger focuses primarily on the field of longevity and has co-founded several companies in this area since 2020, including Maximon, Longevity Investors, Avea, Ayun.