Bertarelli is an Italian surname most prominently associated with a wealthy Swiss-Italian family known for their leadership of the biotechnology company Serono, their philanthropic foundation, and their achievements in competitive sailing.
Family Background
The Bertarelli family's business history began in the early 20th century. Pietro Bertarelli joined Serono, a pharmaceutical company founded in Rome in 1906, and became its managing director in 1935. His son, Fabio Bertarelli, succeeded him as CEO in 1965. The family fortune grew substantially under the third generation.
Key Family Members
Ernesto Bertarelli (born 22 September 1965) is an Italian-born Swiss billionaire businessman and philanthropist. He became CEO of Serono in 1996 at age 31, transforming the company from a pharmaceutical firm into a global biotechnology leader. Under his leadership, revenues grew from $809 million (1996) to $2.8 billion (2006). In 2007, the family sold Serono to Merck KGaA of Germany for $13.3 billion. He founded the yachting syndicate Team Alinghi, which won the America's Cup in 2003 (the first European victory in over 150 years) and successfully defended it in 2007. He holds a degree from Babson College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Dona Bertarelli (born 1968) is a Swiss entrepreneur, philanthropist, and ocean advocate. She co-chairs the Bertarelli Foundation with her brother. She was active in Serono from 1992 to 1997 as Executive Director of Public and Professional Affairs. She is an accomplished sailor who won the Bol d'Or Mirabaud in 2010 (first female helmswoman to do so) and 2014, and became the fastest woman to sail around the world during a Jules Verne Trophy attempt in 2016. She founded the professional sailing team Sails of Change (formerly Spindrift Racing). She has been a Special Adviser for the Blue Economy to UNCTAD and is a Patron of Nature of the IUCN.
Bertarelli Foundation
Founded in 1998 in memory of Fabio Bertarelli, the foundation focuses on three areas: marine science and conservation, translational research in human health, and community/educational projects. Through its marine conservation work, the foundation has helped protect over 3 million km² of ocean through partnerships with governments worldwide.
Business Interests
Following the sale of Serono, the family's wealth is managed through B-Flexion (formerly Waypoint Capital), which invests in asset management, real estate, healthcare, and technology. Holdings have included Stallergenes-Greer, Corium, Paratek Pharmaceuticals, and various investment partnerships.
Sailing
The Bertarelli name is closely tied to competitive sailing. Ernesto's Team Alinghi won the America's Cup in 2003 and 2007. The team returned for the 37th America's Cup in 2024 as Alinghi Red Bull Racing, reaching the semi-finals. In May 2025, the team announced it would not compete in the 38th America's Cup due to governance concerns. Dona Bertarelli's sailing achievements include multiple Bol d'Or victories, Fastnet Race wins, and record-setting ocean crossings.
