Bea Knecht: Small escapes
Bea Knecht, founder of the TV streaming platform Zattoo, loves talking about campers these days. She even has pet names for her own four.
Little escapes? Yes, she says with a smile. Escapes from the daily grind, from routine, from the business world. If I hadn’t already had the chance to interview Bea Knecht twice before—six years ago—this would be a portrait of Schoggi, Büsi, Schwan, and Coco. Who are they? Her four treasures: freedom on wheels, mobile dream homes.
But … I can also share some other details, since I know that Bea Knecht grew up in a rural area in Switzerland and went to the U.S. to study after graduating from high school. Back in Switzerland, she founded Zattoo—at the time still under the name Beat Knecht. Her desire to live as a woman in the future led her to take some time off. She flew to the U.S. and did what needed to be done. Her mind had been ready for a long time; her body followed suit, and after her time off, she stood before her colleagues as Chair of the Board of Directors. «It felt like I had finally arrived,» she says, and with that, the matter is settled.
«I have one more question.»
I’d like to talk with Bea Knecht about various topics that concern her as the founder, co-owner, and board member of a successful company—for example: What does she think about the women’s quota? Is that a model with a future? Yes, she says; the women’s quota is important—otherwise, nothing will happen. She used to think differently, but time has shown that things move far too slowly on a voluntary basis. A clear stance, but before the next question, there’s that sparkle in her eyes again. She pulls her iPad out of her bag and shows me pictures of “Schoggi,” the brown Mercedes Marco Polo 4×4 based on the V-Class. I’m totally hooked and ask if she’s actually going on tour. “Absolutely—I’ve already covered 42,000 kilometers in the last 2.5 years.” She says the bed is comfortable, and the shower in the back is especially nice to use at the beach. “But isn’t there very little space, and aren’t you always missing whatever you happen to need right then?” To that, she replies:
«Don't think, just drive»
«Social, educational, and a new kind of luxury in the age of COVID-19. Space, distance, nature, and mobility,» she summarizes. Bea Knecht has also set up her camper as a mobile office. She can work from anywhere. She has big plans for Zattoo—new developments are in the pipeline. Does the CEO of Zattoo still watch linear TV herself? «Occasionally. But today the question should be: Do you watch TV content at all? And the answer is: every day—in the form of news or documentaries from Europe, or comedies, especially from the U.S., produced by high-quality networks.»
«Every year is special»
Bea Knecht actively shapes her life and celebrates life with friends; every birthday is a reason to surround herself with loved ones. Now, during the pandemic, that’s a bit more complicated, but in May it’ll be time again to set off on a Tour de Suisse—in the camper, of course. «Fully COVID-compliant—ten people in five RVs.» Next year, she plans to go to Athens for her birthday—planning is underway—and the anticipation is palpable.
More Muscle Strength
Bea Knecht has completed her transition—both internally and externally—and now speaks only about her life as a transgender person to support the community. Otherwise, she sees no need for further discussion; everything is as it is. Nevertheless, I ask if there’s anything she misses about being a man. Her answer comes instantly: «Muscle strength.»
«Her desire to live as a woman in the future prompts her to take some time off. She flies to the U.S. and does whatever needs to be done.»
And now she’s back with Schoggi, Büsi, Coco, and Schwan. She probably won’t keep the entire fleet; she could even imagine renting out the truly spectacularly outfitted campers so that other people can experience this luxury, too. Because one thing is clear: In addition to the IT expertise that makes her a successful entrepreneur, Bea Knecht also has a wealth of knowledge in the fields of design and interior architecture. That’s why Coco, her Mercedes Sprinter, has a yacht-style interior—complete with solar power.
