Marlis Baurecht is a senior innovation and venture capital expert with over 15 years of experience across science, industry, and public funding, currently serving as Senior Investment Manager at Symbia VC. Her background includes leading major entrepreneurship and seed‑financing units at Austria Wirtschaftsservice, shaping national innovation policy at the Industriellenvereinigung, and driving innovation strategies at Greiner Innoventures. She has extensive leadership experience, manages multimillion‑euro budgets, and holds multiple advisory and board roles in the tech and startup ecosystem. Her academic foundation is in genetics and microbiology, complemented by international research experience and continuous executive training.