Interview with Vera Grablechner (VG) and Nadine Schratzberger (NS)
To start, could you introduce yourselves and your companies?
VG: I am Vera, founder and CEO of myCulture. With myCulture, we’re building a more inclusive art sector and making art accessible to everyone. Our app provides personalized recommendations for exhibitions, workshops, performances, and other cultural events, tailored to users’ interests. In this way, we democratize the art world and put small initiatives on the same level as major museums.
NS: My name is Nadine Schratzberger. I’m a circular economy expert, serial founder, speaker, and consultant with a passion for sustainable fashion and innovation. In 2018, I launched MONTREET, a Vienna-based outdoor label that combines functional design with circular principles. Alongside my consulting work for companies, start-ups, and educational institutions, I serve as an evaluator for the EIT Culture & Creativity programme in fashion and co-founded the Fashion Forward Collaborative, which promotes cooperation and transformation in the fashion industry. Recognition such as the “BEST OUTDOOR PIECE 2021” award from PETA Germany and my nomination as an “MIT Innovator Under 35” affirm my mission to develop sustainable solutions and help future-proof the textile industry.
What motivated you to join the MARC programme?
VG: We wanted to deepen our knowledge around financing and investor relations while also gaining fresh perspectives for our business model. The access to the network and the Impact Hub was also a big draw.
NS: For me, it was about figuring out how to take the next step—expanding from a fashion brand into a consulting and education platform—in a financially sustainable way. I was particularly interested in exploring different financing options, whether through investment, grants, or loans. The MARC programme provided the perfect opportunity to examine these pathways in a structured way.
What were your highlights?
VG: The networking event was a great opportunity to connect with new people. We also really valued working at the Impact Hub and being in such an inspiring environment.
NS: For me, the highlight was definitely the experts. They were matched to our individual needs, and Linda Vasilescu, in particular, really took the time to understand each of us. She connected me with excellent contacts who were perfectly aligned with my challenges. I felt truly heard and supported throughout the programme—that was incredibly valuable.
How did the programme impact your companies?
NS: The MARC programme brought a lot of structure to our work. We were able to refine our target groups and, based on that, create a solid plan for the future transformation of the company. The process helped us think more strategically and define concrete next steps.
VG: We gained valuable impulses that we were able to integrate into our ongoing business model transition. The programme was a supportive companion during a key transition phase.
How much time did it require, and how did you balance it with your other responsibilities?
VG: The time commitment was manageable, but we had to prioritize carefully since we were working on important strategic projects in parallel. We focused on the content that provided the most value for us.
NS: The workload was very reasonable and easy to fit in. We made a conscious effort to block out time for it, and there was still enough space for day-to-day operations. The programme’s flexibility made it easy to integrate into our routine.
Who would you recommend MARC to?
NS: We’d recommend MARC to founders who are facing a major financing decision or planning the next stage of their business development. It’s also a great fit for new founders who are dealing with financing, investments, or grants for the first time. On top of that, MARC offers a fantastic opportunity to expand your network and build valuable connections.
VG: Especially for founders at an early stage who want to get an overview of financing options, or for those who value being part of a community.
Any final thoughts on the MARC Impact Programme or the topic of financing in general?
VG: When it comes to financing, it’s important to clarify early on which path truly fits your business model. Programmes like MARC can provide initial guidance and open up new perspectives.
NS: My advice would be to use the MARC programme actively. Be clear about what you need and communicate it openly—only then can you be connected with the right tools and contacts. Think carefully about which financing strategies fit your business, and be mindful of the experts’ time. It’s a fantastic programme, and the more deliberately you use it, the more impact it will have.
Thank you both for the interview!
Further information
Vera and myCulture:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-grablechner
Nadine, Montreet,….
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-schratzberger-b90625142
https://fashionrevolutionaustria.com
https://fashionforwardcollab.wixsite.com/fashion-forward
Marc – Impact Programme
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