Although he spent just one year at Leysin American School in 2009, Lucas Dzierwa de Lima says the experience left a lasting mark on him. Originally from Brazil, he joined LAS as a senior and quickly immersed himself in the school’s international community, embracing its culture of curiosity, independence, and leadership. What he didn’t anticipate was how profoundly that year would shape his worldview and create the foundation for an ambitious global career!

Since graduating, Lucas has returned to campus twice, reconnecting with the school and his Global Family, an experience that has left a strong and lasting impression on him. Now an accomplished entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Lucas credits LAS as one of the pivotal experiences that fueled his global mindset and inspired his desire to create a meaningful impact through business.

After LAS, Lucas earned a law degree from Universidade Positivo in Curitiba and later completed a master's in international business at Hult International Business School in London. He also participated in the VC Unlocked executive program at Stanford University and is a Kauffman Fellow, a prestigious global network of innovation leaders.

Lucas began his investment journey through angel investing, founding Curitiba Angels, a prominent investment group supporting high-potential startups in southern Brazil. Building on that success, he co-founded Caravela Capital in 2019, where he now serves as Managing Partner. Based in São Paulo, Caravela focuses on early-stage investments across Latin America, with a portfolio that spans fintech, health IT, proptech, and more.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Lucas remains grounded and values the relationships he’s built over time. He is now engaged and continues to build not just businesses, but communities of innovation and purpose. Reflecting on his journey from the mountains of Leysin to the intense but rewarding startup industry, Lucas says, “LAS taught me that leadership starts with curiosity, empathy, and the courage to take risks. That year opened my eyes to the world, gave me lifelong friendships, and planted the seed for everything I’ve built since; always with purpose at the core.”

We love staying connected with our alumni and celebrating their journeys around the world. Whether returning to campus or reconnecting at global events, LAS alumni will always have a home on the Magic Mountain, and we look forward to welcoming even more of you back soon and hearing more success stories like Lucas’!