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Meet Luca Zaccagnino from London, England, a seasoned finance and venture capital leader with over 15 years of experience. As Head of UBS Next Connect and a founding member of Starseed Angels, Luca drives growth in startups and major financial institutions. His expertise spans governance, risk management, and financial innovation, consistently delivering results. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with an engineering background, Luca blends technical rigor with visionary leadership and is committed to empowering future founders and investors.
From Academia to Industry: The Early Foundations of Luca Zaccagnino
Imagine stepping into a world where technical knowledge meets financial acumen—a world where solutions aren’t just crafted, but engineered with precision. This is the journey Luca Zaccagnino has been on for more than 15 years. Born and raised in Italy, Luca’s early educational background laid the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career. He pursued a Master of Engineering from the renowned Politecnico di Torino, immersing himself in mechanical engineering. His passion for problem-solving began here, tackling complex systems with a keen eye for detail and precision.
However, Luca’s curiosity and ambition pushed him beyond the boundaries of engineering. He sought to explore how these technical skills could be applied to the dynamic world of finance. His interest led him to Università Bocconi, where he studied private equity and venture capital, merging his technical background with financial strategy. This combination of disciplines became the defining trait of Luca’s career: bridging the gap between technical excellence and financial innovation.
“Engineering taught me precision, but finance taught me vision—combining both has been the secret to my success,” Luca often says.
First Steps in the Professional World: The Evolution Begins
After completing his education, Luca began his professional journey with Stellantis in 2007 as a Supplier Quality Engineer. Here, he was entrusted with auditing suppliers and overseeing quality control processes. While his role involved the rigorous oversight of manufacturing systems, Luca’s talent for diagnosing problems early and his effective communication with senior stakeholders set him apart.
But Luca knew his true calling lay beyond the automotive industry. His hunger for growth led him to the financial sector, where he could combine his engineering precision with his burgeoning interest in finance. In 2007, Luca made a pivotal career move, joining Royal Bank of Scotland as Vice President of Sales and Business Development. It was here that his skills in structured products and multi-asset-class portfolios began to shine. Luca was instrumental in turning around the business’s P&L, achieving a 250% year-on-year growth. His knack for executing innovative business models and identifying market needs gained him a reputation as a visionary, capable of steering businesses through complex financial landscapes.
Reflecting on this period, Luca shares, “Growth is never accidental; it’s the product of clear strategy, precise execution, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.”
Expanding Expertise: From Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurial Ventures
Luca’s next significant chapter was at NatWest Markets Plc, where he took on the role of Structurer in the Capital Resolution Group. Working across multiple asset classes, Luca was responsible for developing global remediation projects, managing stakeholder relationships, and mitigating risk. His deep understanding of complex derivatives, coupled with his communication skills, made him a trusted advisor within the firm.
However, Luca’s entrepreneurial spirit was calling. In 2014, he co-founded Prime RES, a Luxembourg-based venture focused on identifying and evaluating investment opportunities. As General Partner, Luca was instrumental in portfolio management, financial analysis, and structuring investment cases. His strategic leadership helped set up global infrastructure for risk management and tax efficiency.
Reflecting on this time, Luca emphasizes the importance of building trust with stakeholders: “True leadership is about aligning interests and creating win-win situations, not just managing for short-term gains.”
Making an Impact: Leadership at UBS and Beyond
In 2018, Luca transitioned to UBS, where his career trajectory continued its upward ascent. Starting as a Consultant for Monitoring and Controls, Luca quickly made his mark by leading efforts in regulatory compliance, client price setting governance, and LIBOR transition. His work earned him recognition for his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring operational excellence.
By 2021, Luca had risen to Executive Director within UBS Next, the company’s venture and innovation unit. Here, Luca was able to apply his entrepreneurial mindset to the world of venture capital, fostering strategic partnerships, advising high-potential startups, and exploring cutting-edge business models. His role evolved into leading UBS Next Connect in 2024, a position where Luca is responsible for identifying and nurturing startups with high growth potential. He spearheads efforts in venture capital funding, ensuring that UBS is at the forefront of innovation.
Luca’s leadership is grounded in his belief that “Innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about mindset. It’s about questioning the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
His role at UBS reflects this philosophy as he continues to drive forward-thinking strategies in both finance and technology.
Founding Member of Starseed Angels: Bridging Finance and Innovation
Outside of UBS, Luca is also a Founding Member of Starseed Angels, a venture capital fund supporting startups in the technology and innovation space. This role allows him to combine his extensive knowledge of the financial sector with his passion for supporting emerging businesses. Luca believes in empowering entrepreneurs to realize their full potential, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and strategic guidance.
“Success is never a solo endeavor. It’s about surrounding yourself with the right people and knowing when to lead and when to support.” Luca shares.
The Road Ahead: A Visionary Leader in Finance and Innovation
Luca Zaccagnino’s career has been marked by a consistent drive to bridge the worlds of finance, technology, and innovation. With a deep understanding of governance, risk management, and venture capital, he continues to shape the future of both startups and established financial institutions. His journey from engineering to finance, and now to venture capital, highlights a unique ability to adapt, learn, and lead.
Luca’s story is far from over. As he continues to lead UBS Next Connect and support groundbreaking ventures through Starseed Angels, one thing is clear: his leadership and vision will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the world of finance and innovation.
“The key to lasting success,” Luca advises, “is never settling for good enough. Always push for more, because the future belongs to those who innovate.”
The Nectar of Wisdom from Luca Zaccagnino’s Journey
- Empower Through Collaboration: “True success is built with a team; surround yourself with diverse minds and skills.” Collaborative leadership fosters innovation and sustainable growth.
- Innovation is a Mindset: “Innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about constantly questioning the norm.” Always challenge the status quo to stay ahead.
- Trust is the Foundation of Leadership: “Strong relationships are built on trust, and trust is earned through integrity.” Lead with transparency to gain loyalty and respect.
- Strategic Adaptability: “The ability to pivot is often the difference between thriving and surviving.” Adapt to changes with foresight and resilience.
- Invest in Long-Term Value: “Success is not about quick wins—it’s about building something lasting.” Focus on sustainable growth over short-term gains.
Editorial Note
Luca Zaccagnino’s career exemplifies a blend of technical expertise and strategic vision, demonstrating how thoughtful leadership can shape industries and drive impactful change. His journey is a testament to effective adaptation, collaboration, and a commitment to innovation. As Luca continues to guide emerging ventures and financial institutions, his dedication to fostering growth remains inspiring, providing a blueprint for future leaders to follow.
