«Barcelona, the Ideal Place to Build and Stay», by Andrea Carsetti
Andrea Carsetti, 30, is married and has two dogs. Born in Rome, he has lived in Rome and Milan, and has been based in Barcelona since June. He is the founder and CEO of Élite Strategic Consulting and Syneris Advisory, a strategic consulting, corporate finance and business incubation firm with offices in Milan, Barcelona and Zurich. After developing his business across Italy and other European markets, he chose the Catalan capital as the group’s next international hub, drawn by its entrepreneurial energy, young talent and startup ecosystem.
Why did you choose Barcelona?
I chose Barcelona because I have been coming here on holiday for the past 14 years and, for the last two, also for work through Élite. I feel a special connection to the city and I am excited to begin this new chapter. Its youthful energy, startup ecosystem and international outlook make it the ideal place to build and stay.
What are the city’s strengths?
I would highlight its international outlook, its ability to attract young talent and its increasingly strong ecosystem of startups, investors and professionals. Barcelona has something very special: it allows you to imagine, create and scale projects in a people-focused, dynamic and cosmopolitan environment, without losing its Mediterranean identity.
Which aspects of the city need to be improved? How?
As I am not yet living in Barcelona, I prefer to focus on its potential rather than on areas for improvement. I believe the city is on a very promising path when it comes to attracting companies, startups and innovative ideas. Its international reputation is growing significantly, including in Italy, and it should continue to build on this momentum.
What are your hopes for Barcelona in the coming years?
I hope Barcelona continues to be an open, international city that welcomes new ambitions. Personally, I hope my dream of staying in this wonderful city becomes a reality and that it gives us the opportunity to share the innovation, quality and vision we can bring through Syneris Advisory, especially with young people and new generations of entrepreneurs.
Which city feels most like home to you? What do you miss most?
I feel that my city is wherever I can build a future. Italy is part of my history and identity, but Barcelona represents a new chapter: more international, more open and more aligned with the vision of Syneris Advisory. What I miss about Italy are certain personal connections, but not the sense of limitation.
