Who we are

We’re Mariel and Irene – engineers, entrepreneurs, and passionate believers in the power of innovation to change everything.

We met in the world of manufacturing, bonded over big ideas and even bigger ambitions, and took the leap into entrepreneurship together. Over seven years, we built and scaled a tech startup from the ground up – navigating the highs and lows, raising millions from international VCs, and growing our venture to a €20M valuation.

But Rocket Ventures was born from something deeper: a desire to help others innovate with purpose.

Through Rocket Ventures, we help companies – from global corporates to public institutions – lead innovation with agility and impact. Whether it's designing internal startups, scouting emerging technologies, or building entire ecosystems around entrepreneurship, we bring real, hands-on experience to every challenge.

We’re not consultants who talk from the sidelines. We’ve lived it. We’ve pitched, built, pivoted, failed, scaled, and learned – and now, we’re here to walk alongside others doing the same.

If you're looking for fresh thinking, fearless execution, and a team that believes in your boldest ideas – welcome.

Let’s build what’s next

rocket ventures cofounders

behind rocket ventures

It all started with two engineers who saw the opportunity to do things differently.
We're not just advisors — we've built from the ground up, raised funding, led teams, and lived through every stage of the startup rollercoaster. Here's a bit more about who we are:

mariel diaz

  • Co-Founder & CEO
    Industrial Engineer | Mechanical Engineer | Venture Builder

    Mariel brings a decade of experience at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. As the former CEO of a high-growth tech startup, she led it from zero to a €20M valuation, raising over €10M in funding from international venture capital firms.

    But her journey didn’t stop there. Mariel has been part of top-tier venture builders across Berlin, Madrid, and London, working hand-in-hand with startups, corporates, and accelerators to design and launch scalable tech ventures. She’s been through the trenches — pitching, failing, scaling, and winning — and now she helps others navigate that same path with clarity and strategy.

    She’s also served as President of the Spanish Association for Additive Manufacturing and is a regular speaker, author, and lecturer on 3D printing and industrial innovation.

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irene villafane


  • Design Director

    Co-Founder & COO
    Industrial Engineer | MSc in Environmental Technologies | Technology Transfer Expert

    Irene is a systems thinker with a strong foundation in engineering and sustainability. As co-founder and COO of a tech startup valued at €8M, she helped raise €1.5M from international VCs and led operations across every stage of growth — from product development to international expansion.

    With a background in technology transfer, Irene has worked closely with public institutions and universities to bring research and innovation into real-world application. Her ability to bridge science, strategy, and business makes her uniquely skilled at unlocking hidden value inside organisations.

    She’s passionate about building entrepreneurial ecosystems with long-term impact — not just helping companies innovate, but helping them innovate responsibly.

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🏆 Awards & Recognitions

    • Lecturer in master’s programmes on 3D Printing and Advanced Manufacturing (University of Oviedo, EDDM Madrid) — Mariel

    • Co-author of “Introducción a la Fabricación Aditiva en la Industria” — Mariel

    • Former President of the Spanish Association for Additive Manufacturing — Mariel

    • Technology Transfer Officer for XaRFA – Catalonia’s Additive Manufacturing Reference Network — Irene

    • Speaker at major industry events: CIM UPC, iTALKS, Food Summit Valencia, ftalks, and the European Commission’s Coal Regions in Transition — Mariel

    • €11.5M+ in VC funding raised across two high-growth startups

    • Scaled tech ventures to €20M and €8M valuations

    • Participants in Techstars ‘18 & ’19 — one of the world’s top startup accelerators

    • Multiple patents filed in additive manufacturing

    • Venture builder experience across Madrid, Berlin, and London

    • Co-hosts of Venus Founders podcast, sharing honest startup stories and insights

    • Mentors and advisors to founders, innovation teams, and entrepreneurship programmes

    • Advisors on innovation frameworks for governments, accelerators, and public agencies

    • Designed entrepreneurship and startup creation programmes for public institutions

    • Led collaborations connecting research, policy, and market application

    • Involved in regional transformation initiatives with the European Commission and innovation networks across Spain and Europe

  • Mariel

    • Best Entrepreneurial Woman – Spain (2018)

    • Finalist – Global Women in Tech Awards (2020)

    • Nova 111 Winner – Engineering & Energy

    • Engineer of the Year – Asturias (2022)

    • Women in 3D Printing – Asturias Ambassador

    Irene

    • 30 Under 30 Rising Business Stars – Ireland (2019)

    • Highly Commended – Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Irish Women Awards (2020)