Photo: Ujima Foundation

About Rising Tide

Promote freedom to improve quality of life everywhere

Our Team

Our philanthropic work is organized in two entities – Rising Tide Foundation (RTF) and Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR). Both are charitable, non-profit organizations established in 2010. Rising Tide GmbH is the service company for both foundations; it is responsible for their financial prosperity and operative well-being, and for sustainable income generation.

Rising Tide Foundation Board Members

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Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research Board Members

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Our Values

Stewardship

We feel an unwavering commitment to nurture and grow personal freedom for others.

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Dignity

We see you and we respect your individual right to act, exchange, and choose what is best for you.

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Resourcefulness

We discover and enhance innovative solutions to disrupt (or to challenge) the status quo and to accelerate (positive) impact.

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Passionate Action

Every day is a big day – we are committed to inspiring and empowering positive change for individuals and societies around the globe.

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Collaboration

We believe that collaboration based on integrity and trust maximizes impact. This can be seen in the catalyst of great start-up initiatives we fund.

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Freedom

We encourage freedom. Freedom is the right to self-determination, individual choice, and peaceful voluntary cooperation in society.

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Annual Brochure

At Rising Tide, our vision is to be the partner that empowers individuals to live on their own terms. Our vision is our North Star, the unwavering definition of our purpose, providing guidance and direction for all our actions. Find out how we are living up to our vision at Rising Tide Foundation and Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research.

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Our History

Over the past decade, Rising Tide has supported projects around the globe, impacting thousands of individuals and patients. Both Freedom in Practice and Clinical Cancer Research have built networks of strategic partners around the world to magnify funding, individual empowerment, and transformational change.

The “SAKK 01/18: Reduced intensity radio-chemotherapy for stage IIA/B seminoma” trial, led by Dr. Alexandros Papachristofilou from the University Hospital Basel, has resulted in a significant change in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for seminoma treatment, sparing young men from higher doses of radiotherapy.

‘25

Rising Tide Foundation expanded its strategic funding remit and introduced two new focus areas: Free Speech, and Energy, Freedom, and Civilization.

‘24

Our webinar series, developed in partnership with the LUNGevity Foundation, explored the crucial role that cancer patients can play in clinical trials. These webinars highlighted flagship collaborations from both the patient partner’s and the researcher’s perspectives, underscoring the importance of patient involvement in advancing cancer research. 

Rising Tide hosted a New Year Apero and an Ambassador dinner to strengthen its local community and philanthropic network. 

In a milestone achievement, our 100th grant was awarded in collaboration with the Melanoma Research Alliance to Dr. Todd Fehniger from Washington University in St. Louis. This pioneering research focuses on engaging natural killer cells in patients with metastatic melanoma who have not responded to standard immunotherapies.

‘23

In collaboration with Universidad de las Hesperides, Rising Tide Foundation hosted the first Lanzarote Forum in October 2023. This annual co-creation event brings together innovators, creators, and leaders to accelerate exciting projects that offer tangible private sector solutions to society’s most pressing problems.

In 2023, Rising Tide Foundation launched the Spark Fund for Discovery. This grant program sought new and innovative projects that protect and enhance individual agency and responsibility, particularly in the areas of rule of law, freedom of speech, and access to abundant and affordable energy.

Rising Tide strategically evolved to meet the demands of a dynamic philanthropic and investment landscape. Organizational enhancements were designed to strengthen internal capabilities, ensure long-term continuity, and empower the next generation of leadership. The inclusion of new talent not only diversified perspectives but also strengthened Rising Tide’s capacity to innovate and adapt. 

Rising Tide Foundation (RTF) and Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR) celebrated their 10th Anniversary (Y10) of promoting individual freedom and improving quality of life. Celebrations were delayed by two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘22

In May 2022, Rising Tide Foundation hosted its first grantee summit. Nearly 40 grantees from ten countries gathered on the shores of Lake Constance to exchange ideas and spark collaboration. Meanwhile, the Grantee Summit became a bi–annual event.

The groundbreaking Geriatric Oncology Therapy Optimization program marked RTFCCR’s first clinical trial with patient involvement from the inception of the research question to protocol approval. This program encompassed five clinical trials, utilizing evidence-based assessments to develop superior treatment options. 

‘21

Rising Tide Holding AG was founded and is domiciled in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Rising Tide Holding invests and manages the assets of the Rising Tide Foundation with a specific focus on “alternative investments”. 

RTFCCR hosted a transformative workshop in Chicago, bringing together our core network with key opinion leaders in clinical cancer research and the Conquer Cancer Foundation. This collaborative effort aimed to pinpoint niche areas where our philanthropic initiatives can make the most significant impact for cancer patients. 

‘20

Rising Tide Foundation developed and launched its new funding approach with the aim to bridge classical liberal theory and practice to empower individuals to live on their own terms under the name of Freedom in Practice. 

Shaping the focus of its activities, the foundation emphasized a holistic, evidence-based approach, openness to unconventional methods, and a commitment to underserved areas. 

Rising Tide Foundation entered a new phase of purposeful evolution. Going forward, the Foundation solely focused on its philanthropic mission to promote freedom to improve quality of life everywhere.

‘18

After a decade of successful business operations, the Foundation fully transitioned out of the investment business and founded Alpha Leonis Partners AG in Zürich. Simultaneously, the Foundation’s intellectual property portfolio was acquired by a strategic partner, ensuring the continued growth and advancement of the legacy built by Rising Tide.

‘17

As part of its business diversification activities, Rising Tide expanded its scope by entering the medical technology and life sciences sectors. This diversification included a significant investment in oncology-focused biotechnology, culminating in the creation of Novintum Biotechnology. The initiative was designed to deliver strategic, financial, and business development expertise. Supporting this vision, Novintum Bioscience UK was established as its operational subsidiary, housing the corporate laboratory infrastructure essential for advancing its mission.

‘15

As part of its global expansion, Rising Tide has opened a regional office in Singapore—Rising Tide Asia (RTA)—to provide strategic investment advisory services and strengthen its international presence.

‘13

The Rising Tide intellectual property team took a pivotal step forward by onboarding its first specialists dedicated to advancing clinical innovation. Their mission: to translate cutting-edge developments into tangible improvements at the patient’s bedside, enhancing the quality and effectiveness of clinical practice. 

‘12

The Rising Tide Foundation (RTF) marked a significant milestone with its inaugural Board meeting, where it allocated funding to its first entrepreneurial initiative. In parallel, the Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR) awarded its first grant to support an integrative oncology intervention. RTF also made its initial cancer-focused contribution to the local cancer league of Schaffhausen, aimed at enhancing breast cancer screening efforts in the region. 

‘11

The Rising Tide Foundation (RTF) was established as an entrepreneurial, privately-endowed foundation with a dual mission: to advance both philanthropic and business initiatives. Its internationally oriented, impact-driven grantmaking program centers on three core areas: cancer research, libertarian values, and social and educational causes.

‘10

In parallel, the Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR) was founded as a charitable, non-profit organization. With a patient-centered approach, RTFCCR supports translational cancer research and pioneering clinical trials designed to improve survival rates and quality of life—delivering measurable impact within three years or less. 

Rising Tide was founded as a premier firm specializing in investment research, intellectual property, and innovation management. Based in the heart of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, the company managed and licensed a portfolio of healthcare-focused intellectual property on behalf of major U.S. healthcare clients. In addition, Rising Tide provided tailored investment research and reporting services to a select group of private clients. 

‘07

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Wendelin Zellmayer

CEO of Rising Tide Group


As CEO, Wendelin leads the management of both our foundations and our subsidiaries. He ensures that the Rising Tide Group maintains the highest standards of business ethics and good governance. Together with the Board of Directors, he is responsible for the management of business risks and the development of effective grant management strategies aligned with our vision. Additionally, he cultivates an ongoing dialogue with external communities.

Alexandre Costa Alencar

Head of Cancer Research Programs


As Head of Cancer Research Programs, Alexandre advises the Board of Directors in steering the Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research funding areas. Together with his team, he manages the portfolio of active grants, and the design and implementation of new programs and partnerships. Alexandre is passionate about patient engagement and impact measurement initiatives.

Isabelle Hirs-Schaller

Head of Freedom in Practice Programs


As Head of Freedom in Practice Programs, Isabelle works closely with the Rising Tide Foundation board and advisory board to shape the strategic direction of the Freedom in Practice funding area. She oversees the active grant portfolio and works closely with  existing and potential grantees and stakeholders to maximize the impact of the foundation’s grant making. Isabelle graduated with a master’s in international affairs & governance. She likes to spend her free time with her two kids, husband, and dog in the mountains – skiing, hiking, and enjoying nature. 

Paola Atzei

Senior Scientific Program Manager

As Senior Scientific Program Manager, Paola is responsible for developing the focus area of therapy optimization. She focuses on the areas of de-escalation and repurposing of drugs in pediatric and geriatric oncology to support better patient outcomes with minimal toxicity. Paola holds a Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD in neuroimmunology and a master’s degree in pharmaceutical biotechnology. Additionally, she completed a diploma in project management. In her free time, Paola likes to travel and spend time outdoors with her two kids and husband.

Patrick Oetting

Senior Program Manager in Freedom in Practice

As Senior Program Manager in Freedom in Practice, Patrick oversees a portfolio of grants that aim to bridge theory and practice, empowering individuals to live life on their own terms. Patrick previously worked in a variety of roles at the Acton Institute where he advanced enterprise solutions to poverty. Patrick has written for a variety of outlets and has spoken on topics related to economic development and local/global aid. Patrick loves spending time with his wife and three children, traveling, and reading history, philosophy, theology, and economics.

Zoraide Granchi

Senior Scientific Program Manager


As Senior Scientific Program Manager, Zoraide drives the implementation of the science of early detection and intervention focus area. Zoraide holds a master’s in biotechnologies and a PhD in Stem Cell Biology. She works closely with her colleagues and the Head of Cancer Research Programs in organizing the selection process for new applications, managing the active grants portfolio and supporting the many patient involvement initiatives of RTFCCR. Zoraide loves dancing, baking and having fun with her 3 kids and partner.

Karolina Werynska

Scientific Program Manager

As Scientific Program Manager, Karolina drives the active grant portfolio of clinical cancer research, supports development of new focus areas, and helps with many patient involvement initiatives of RTFCCR.  Karolina holds a PhD in drug discovery and a master’s degree in biomedicine. After completing her PhD, she worked in Global Medical Affairs in a pharmaceutical company in Basel. In her free time, Karolina likes to read indiscriminately all genres, Alpine hiking, and enjoy good food.

Sabine Hutter

Executive Assistant & Communication Manager

As Executive Assistant and Communication Manager, Sabine is managing the Chairman and CEO office and leads the communication activities of the Rising Tide Group. She steers administration and office management and serves as secretary on the boards of both Rising Tide Foundation and Rising Tide for Clinical Cancer Research Foundation. In her free time, she enjoys hikes with her husband and dog and is a passionate dancer.  

Richard Magnan

General Counsel

As General Counsel, Rick handles all legal, corporate governance, compliance, information technology, and cyber security aspects for the Rising Tide Group and the foundation boards of directors. He enjoys sports, especially ice hockey, outdoor activities, and travelling with his wife.

Alexander Hammond

Program Manager in Freedom in Practice

As a Program Manager in Freedom in Practice, Alexander oversees a portfolio of grants promoting moral agency, the rule of law, free markets, and limited government worldwide. Previously, Alexander was the founder and director of the Initiative for African Trade and Prosperity. He is also the author of Heroes of Progress: 65 People Who Changed the World. 

Alexander has a BA in history and politics, and a master’s degree by research in political economy. In his spare time, he enjoys writing  and spending time with his wife Maria and giant schnauzer Brunya.

Diana Troxler

Assistant

As an assistant, Diana supports our Team, handles daily administrative tasks, and serves as a point of contact for external providers. She enjoys spending time in nature and going camping with her family.