Cristina Ventura

44, founder of Ventura X Ventures

CRISTINA VENTURA IS a self-professed risktaker. “I love living on the edge and I always say yes to possibilities.” Naturally, when the chance came to leave Barcelona on a one-way ticket 25 years ago, she took it.

She admits to it being one of the biggest risks she has taken in her life, but it has also turned out to be one of the best decisions she has made. It was what opened doors to an illustrious career in luxury and technology. From being involved in Prada’s IPO in Hong Kong to opening Apple stores in Hong Kong and China, Ventura has been the woman behind some of the most important milestones in Asia’s retail scene.

Today, her focus is centred on finding and mentoring the next generation of talents in luxury retail and technology. She is the chief catalyst officer at Lane Crawford Joyce Group (LCJG), leading internal innovation, The Cage and Luxarity. The Cage is LCJG’s development programme for early-stage start-ups, while Luxarity is a pre-loved luxury shopping experience founded by Ventura, where every item’s provenance can be traced though blockchain-enabled technology. It has since been acquired by LCJG.

Ventura’s work doesn’t stop here. She is also the founder of Ventura X Ventures, which connects start-ups and entrepreneurs with corporations and investors. She shares: “Through my work, I hope to empower others to be the best versions of themselves by following their passion and purpose. I also hope to integrate human, financial and social capital to create value for all.”

Clearly a high-flyer, Ventura credits her drive to her friends from work, her professors and her grandmother, whom she calls a pioneer businesswoman. “They are an inspiration for possibility and abundance. They are the leading light who believe everything is possible.”