Esther Austin in Basel, Switzerland at The Art Basel Investor Forum

On June 17th and 18th, 2025, I had an amazing experience in Basel, Switzerland, at an event I hadn't anticipated just a month earlier. This event became an opportunity that not only positively shifted my perspective on business opportunities, as I witnessed numerous individuals from diverse business backgrounds partnering and collaborating, but also highlighted the evolving nature of business. It emphasized the importance of relationship building and the core values of integrity and authenticity.

I had the pleasure of being invited to the Art Basel Investor Forum to assist in capturing audio feedback from attendees for their internal podcast. This was the inaugural Art Basel Investor Forum event, and I believe it was incredibly successful. It took place at the Museum der Kulturen in Basel, Switzerland—an iconic venue known for its world-class exhibitions celebrating cultural diversity, history, and humanity. The museum's unique blend of tradition and modernity offered a fitting backdrop for a gathering focused on innovation, longevity, and global impact.

Alain, Ella and Lidia

Organised by Alain D.G.G. Bindels, Founder & Managing Partner of the Basel Investor Forum a seasoned expert in venture building, health tech, and longevity, alongside

Co-Lead Dr. Ella Deghani, a dynamic pharma and medtech innovator, the Forum was far more than a conventional investor gathering—it marked the beginning of a global movement. One that bridges capital with purpose, and technology with ethical, human-centered design. The Speaker panels were facilitated by Co-organizer and speaker Sanja Tomovska. Co-organizer Operations Lead was Kaden Scoles, who is an Operational Change Management Lead at Roche, where he also plays a key role in the GeNext community and Lídia Bonet, a seasoned HR and people experience leader with 18+ years at the intersection of engineering and human capital was Co-organizer Guest experience Lead, Chris Campos, Scientist, Technology Utilization and Analytical Techniques and the wonderful Emelie Coutanson, Alain's wife.

With over 25 international speakers and participants from South Africa, the United States, Sweden, the Netherlands, India, and beyond, the event created a truly global ecosystem of thought leaders and investors united by a shared commitment to shaping a healthier, more sustainable future.

The expertly facilitated speaker panels offered deep, thought-provoking insights into frontier technologies, longevity science, ethical AI, and sustainable business models. These sessions were praised not only for their depth and relevance, but also for encouraging authentic, interdisciplinary dialogue rarely seen in traditional investment spaces and Start-ups had the opportunity to pitch to investors.

Ample networking opportunities were held which allowed for meaningful connection, reflection, and collaboration. Many attendees noted the refreshing non-transactional energy of the event, where relationship-building and purpose took precedence.

Adding to the success of the Forum was the exceptional hospitality provided by Alain's team. Their professionalism, warm welcome, and seamless support gave the event a polished yet personal edge—creating an environment that fostered both trust and inspiration. It was so nice to be part of a team whose authenticity was that added ingredient to make this first forum such a success and I'd like to thank each of them embracing me (a new comer). A huge thank you to Christopher, Lidia, Kaden and the ever smiling Emilie - Alain's wife. A huge thank you to Alain and Ella for inviting me to be part of something truly amazing.

Zee West, CIO Picnic Bank was one of the speakers, is a serial entrepreneur and creative strategist with experience across Fintech, Healthtech, Defi, and IoT Security. Zee was one of the speakers at the event.

"Authentic relationships aren’t built overnight—they’re nurtured through consistency, listening, and shared wins."

— Brené Brown https://www.baselinvestorforum.com/