Meet Diego Del Coco, Co-Founder of Krila Consultancy & Recruitment

Please tell us about yourself

My name is Diego Del Coco and I’m the Co-Founder of Krila Consultancy & Recruitment with my business partner and wife Alkim. Krila was first founded by her in 2015 in Montenegro, until we decided to join forces together in this new adventure in Switzerland in 2022. I come from 18+ years of working mainly within Swiss Tech companies, first into IT Administration and then in Supply Chain Management. Alkim, who has almost 20 years in the HR and Recruitment domain, counts several experiences both in small and large international corporations.

“Krila” means “Wings” in Serbo-Croatian language, and it comes with the idea of “giving wings to people’s dreams”.

Could you tell us more about Krila

Krila Consultancy & Recruitment is a boutique recruitment agency founded in 2022 in our home city of Lausanne, in the french part of Switzerland. Our small, highly specialized team is made of just 3 people (me, Alkim, and Buket) and it’s finely tuned to the local and international job markets, covering in particular the domains of IT, Hardware and Software Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations and Finance. Each one of us comes from extensive careers within these domains in corporate (including startups) and we use our direct from-the-field experience to provide services to our clients.

What are your plans for 2023? What is your long-term vision?

We work internationally, but in 2023-2024 our plans are to increase the presence and client-base in Switzerland, the heart of Europe’s innovation. We believe in the contribution we can give to companies at the beginning of their story, helping them find the right people who will build their success. We believe in quality over quantity, ensuring a personalized approach for every client, especially when it comes to Small Business and Startups. We have a clear conviction in the transformative power of startups, and Switzerland, renowned for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, provides the perfect background. We recognize the vital role startups play in shaping the future and we are inspired to facilitate their growth.

Our mission is crystal clear: to assist our clients in building dynamic, resilient teams. We understand the pivotal role talent plays in their success and we are committed to being their trusted recruitment partner. We aim to simplify the hiring process and connect them with talent that seamlessly aligns with their unique vision. We’re more than a recruitment agency; we’re a strategic ally on the entrepreneurial journey. We build teams that build success!

What has been the biggest success that you have achieved in your startup?

The courage you need to perform that first jump, at the beginning of the story, together with the capacity of being resilient also in the negative moments. Personally, moving from many years as an employee and manager in well-known corporations, with also two experiences in Swiss-based startups, has been somehow like jumping from a 30m high cliff in a sea where you cannot see the bottom. You need inspiration, courage and believing in yourself and your ideas. As a team, while we may not quantify our achievements solely in terms of traditional business metrics, our proudest accomplishments are the contributions we’ve made to the growth and vitality of our clients. Our success is mirrored in the trust and lasting partnerships we’ve built with the clients we’ve served. We’ve become the go-to recruitment partner for these businesses, and this trust is a reflection of the quality of our services. We don’t want just to be a gear in the machine, we aim for a long-term relationship based on mutual trust and satisfaction.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?

Greater Networking: Building a broader and more robust network of industry experts and leaders would be a priority from the start. A wider network can provide valuable resources and connections which are critical at the beginning. While we have been able to reach innovative companies and valuable partners in several countries, from Europe to the Middle East and also the US, we’d expand faster to reach the network in Switzerland. The global perspective can bring diverse insights and opportunities, but our first objective is Switzerland and the growth of the business here.

What motivates you to continue your business every day?

Our job is not only giving a service and earning money: we are also changing people’s lives. We wake up every day excited to be part of a journey, connecting exceptional talent with innovative organizations. We aim to make a meaningful impact and this is what keeps us dedicated. We’re here to be a trusted partner in building teams that align with the aspirations and culture of our clients.

One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup?

Be resilient. Not every day of your journey will be a success and there will be some moments in which you will ask yourself “can I really make this happen”? Believe in your goals and trust the people that share your vision. The business landscape can change rapidly, and your initial ideas and plans might need adjustment. Being open to pivoting, adapting, and learning from early successes and failures is key. Stay responsive to feedback, trends, and opportunities. This will ultimately increase your chances of long-term success.

What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association? 

Professionally, it provides opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs and stakeholders within the Swiss startup ecosystem. This can lead to potential collaborations, partnerships, and business opportunities. Being a member of SSA will enhance our visibility, credibility, and reputation within the Swiss startup community and beyond, which can be beneficial for attracting talent, customers, and partners.

Personally, being a member of the Swiss Startup Association can offer a sense of belonging to a community of like-minded individuals who share the passion for entrepreneurship and innovation.

It can also provide personal growth opportunities, enabling you to learn from others, gain new skills, and stay informed about the latest industry trends.

Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? 

Definitely. I see great potential benefits both professionally and personally, as I have just explained. The Swiss Startup Association offers an open door to the exciting world of Startups in Switzerland, which is the most important innovation hub in Europe.

Is there anything that we haven’t asked you that you would like to share with us?

We are excited to be part of the SSA and we are sure it will give us the opportunity of growth and exchange we’re looking for. Don’t hesitate to contact us, drop us a line and let’s have a chat!