Hi,
I'm Raffael — Co-Founder of Downstream Intelligence, where we use AI to forecast geopolitical events. Finishing a dual Master's between The Fletcher School and the University of St.Gallen. Writing about geopolitics, AI, productivity, and the lessons learned along the way.
From co-founding an AI-powered geopolitical forecasting startup to speechwriting at the United Nations in New York, public diplomacy work in San Francisco, and military service as a Press Officer, my path has taken me across the world and across different fields.
Academically, I’ve completed all my coursework and walked with the Class of 2026, and I’m now finalizing the master’s thesis for my Dual Master’s in Law & Diplomacy and International Affairs & Governance. Outside the classroom, I'm a photographer, backcountry skier, runner, and former championship quarterback who's led international Model UN conferences.
At home, everywhere, I blend diplomatic expertise with creativity and leadership experience and a good bit of humor and nerdy insights.
Professional Experiences
I blend experience from the diplomatic and international affairs sector with that of the creative space — mainly video and photography, but also podcast production and journalism. I’ve been fortunate to work across many fields and gain invaluable experience around the world.
Today, I’m COO of Downstream Intelligence, an AI-powered geopolitical forecasting startup, where I lead marketing, business development, brand, communications, and user engagement. Alongside that, I serve as a Press & Communications Officer in the Swiss Armed Forces and as a Policy & Communications Associate with FDP.Die Liberalen St.Gallen. Earlier roles include speechwriting for the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the UN, public diplomacy at Swissnex San Francisco, and freelance videography.
Find out more about all my professional experiences here.