From Microbes to Megabytes: The Unconventional Journey of Jan Vallée from Biology PhD to co-founding oraya

What exciting developments and innovations can we expect from oraya in the near future? And what is it like to be one of the two co-founders of oraya? In today’s blog article, we explore the transformative journey of Jan Vallée from a biology enthusiast to co-founder of oraya. Discover how his diverse educational background and unwavering commitment to innovation has been shaping oraya's problem-solving strategies and drive its success in the competitive B2B market.

What inspired you to transition from pursuing a Ph.D. in biology to becoming a co-founder in the IT industry?

Jan Vallée: The decision to transition from pursuing a Ph.D. in biology to becoming a co-founder in the IT industry was driven by a series of events and thoughtful consideration of my future path. Initially, I had been on track to pursue my Ph.D. in biology at the University of Zurich, but circumstances took an unexpected turn. Due to insufficient funding, the university department was no longer able to cover the expenses associated with my Ph.D. studies.

In that uncertain period, I found myself at a crossroads, contemplating the best course of action. Together with my family, we created a mind map to explore various options for my next steps. We identified three potential paths: waiting for a year in Zurich to continue with the Ph.D. while working simultaneously, pursuing a career as a biologist, or starting fresh and pursuing a Bachelor's and Master's degree in international business in Maastricht.

During this introspective process, I realized that I didn't have the same level of passion and excitement for a career in biology as I had initially thought. I began to question whether it was the right path for me. It became clear that I desired something more dynamic and impactful, where I could combine my analytical skills and passion for innovation.

After careful consideration, I made the decision to embark on the journey of starting from scratch and pursuing a Bachelor's and Master's degree in international economics in Maastricht. This choice aligned better with my aspirations, allowing me to explore the world of business and technology. I recognized the potential for the IT industry to create meaningful change and drive innovation on a larger scale.

The realization that I didn't want to work solely as a biologist was pivotal in steering my trajectory towards the IT industry. It became evident that my passion lay in leveraging technology and innovation to make a broader impact. This decision ultimately led to accepting the offer from an IT-company in Bonn, where I started as a product manager. After successfully establishing a business unit that focused on developing SaaS-products for the retail sector, the foundation was laid for my entrepreneurial journey that culminated with founding oraya.

How has your background in biology and international economics influenced your approach to problem-solving and innovation in the B2B IT market?

Jan Vallée: My background in biology, combined with my studies in international economics, has greatly influenced my approach to problem-solving and innovation in the B2B IT market. 

In biology, my studies involved conducting numerous experiments, requiring a meticulous and analytical mindset. The field taught me the importance of precision, attention to detail, and the ability to derive meaningful insights from experimental results. These skills have translated seamlessly into the B2B IT market, where problem-solving often involves analyzing complex data sets and identifying patterns to drive innovation.

On the other hand, my studies in international economics provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the business world and the challenges faced by organizations. Through various case studies, I honed my ability to find practical solutions for business success. Collaborative group work was an integral part of my coursework, teaching me the value of teamwork and cooperation in achieving shared objectives.

Moreover, my courses in international economics nurtured an entrepreneurial mindset within me. They instilled the importance of taking calculated risks, exploring new ideas, and seeking innovative solutions to address market needs. This entrepreneurial spirit has been invaluable in the B2B IT market, where innovation and staying ahead of the curve are crucial for success.

Can you share any specific instances where your knowledge of biology has been valuable in the development of your IT startup?

Jan Vallée: Certainly! There have been specific instances where my knowledge of biology and economics has proven invaluable in the development of our IT startup.

In the early stages of oraya, we encountered a challenge related to data analysis and interpretation. Drawing upon my experience in biology, where I conducted experiments and derived future implications from the results, I was able to apply a similar analytical approach to our data-driven projects. This allowed us to extract meaningful insights, identify patterns, and make informed decisions to drive our product development and strategy.

Furthermore, my studies in international economics at the University of Maastricht exposed me to a wide range of real-world case studies. These case studies required us to analyze existing business problems and devise practical solutions. Through these exercises, I developed a skill set focused on planning, project management, and strategic thinking. This knowledge has contributed to guiding oraya's growth and development.

When faced with complex challenges within our startup, I draw upon the problem-solving methodologies I learned during my international business studies. I apply a systematic approach, carefully planning and preparing projects, considering different steps, and strategically determining where, when, and how to implement certain actions. This structured mindset has allowed us to tackle obstacles effectively and ensure that our solutions align with the needs of our target market.

What exciting developments or innovations can we expect from oraya in the near future?

Jan Vallée: At oraya, we are thrilled about the exciting developments and innovations that lie ahead in the near future. One major development we are eagerly preparing for is the launch of our new product in the next few months, named oraya compass.

oraya compass represents a significant step forward for oraya as it unifies and merges the features of our existing products. However, what sets this new offering apart is its self-service nature, designed to cater to the needs of our customers in the retail industry.

Specifically, oraya compass will focus on price monitoring, enabling users to efficiently track and analyze pricing trends in real-time. This innovative solution will provide valuable insights into market dynamics, allowing our clients to make informed pricing decisions and optimize their competitive positioning.

In addition to the exciting new product launch, oraya is also anticipating expansion in other aspects of our company. One notable development is the extension of our team and the addition of new colleagues in the near future. We will not only grow in the number of employees but also the number of departments.

As we continue to grow and innovate, we recognize the importance of having a talented and diverse team to drive our vision forward. We are actively seeking individuals who are passionate about the intersection of technology, data analytics, and the B2B market. These new colleagues will bring fresh perspectives, expertise, and skills that will contribute to the ongoing success of oraya.

As a co-founder of oraya, what are your primary responsibilities within the organization, and how do you balance your various roles and tasks?

Jan Vallée: As a co-founder of oraya, my primary responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas crucial to the success and growth of our company. Balancing these various roles and tasks requires effective time management, prioritization, and a clear understanding of the company's goals and objectives.

First and foremost, one of my core responsibilities as a co-founder is to provide strategic direction and leadership. Together with my fellow co-founder Martin Buske and our newly joined Chief of Sales and Marketing Tobias Zielke, I actively contribute to shaping oraya's vision, mission, and long-term strategy. This involves conducting market research, identifying growth opportunities, and making informed decisions to steer the company in the right direction.

Additionally, I am involved in overseeing customer support and operations. Ensuring our customers' satisfaction is of utmost importance, and I take pride in working closely with our support team to address their needs and concerns. This includes monitoring customer feedback, resolving issues, and continuously improving our products and services to meet and exceed their expectations.

In parallel, I play a key role in managing day-to-day operations within oraya. This involves coordinating with different teams across the organization, monitoring project timelines, and ensuring smooth workflow and efficient resource allocation. By overseeing operations, I strive to maintain high standards of productivity, collaboration, and overall organizational efficiency.

Balancing these responsibilities requires a strategic approach to time management and effective delegation. I work closely with our team members, empowering them to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities, and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. By leveraging the strengths and expertise of each team member, we are able to work together efficiently and effectively to achieve our shared goals.

As oraya continues to innovate and shape the future of the IT industry, this interview serves as a testament to the remarkable journey and collective expertise of its team members. We hope that this personal insight into the team of oraya has provided readers with a greater understanding of the company's values, ambitions, and commitment to excellence.