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Hermann Althoff is the Vice President at BASF Venture Capital, the corporate venture arm of BASF SE. He is responsible for identifying and investing in innovative startups that align with BASF's strategic priorities in areas like sustainable technologies and new materials.
Hermann Althoff focuses on investments in startups developing sustainable solutions, advanced materials, bio-based technologies, digital technologies for chemical and agricultural sectors, and other innovations strategically relevant to BASF's core businesses and future growth.
Hermann Althoff works at BASF Venture Capital, which is the corporate venture capital arm of BASF SE.
Hermann Althoff holds the pivotal position of Vice President at BASF Venture Capital, the strategic investment arm of BASF SE, one of the world's leading chemical companies. In this capacity, Mr. Althoff plays a crucial role in scouting, evaluating, and nurturing innovative startups that are poised to disrupt and advance industries critical to BASF's long-term vision. His work directly contributes to BASF's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological leadership by identifying promising ventures that complement the company's extensive research and development efforts.
BASF Venture Capital's investment thesis, guided in part by leaders like Hermann Althoff, centers on areas that are strategically relevant to BASF's core businesses and future growth platforms. This includes a strong focus on sustainable solutions, such as advanced materials for a circular economy, bio-based technologies, and processes that enhance resource efficiency. Other key investment areas encompass cutting-edge digital technologies applicable to chemical production, agriculture, and new energy solutions. Mr. Althoff seeks companies developing novel chemistries, innovative manufacturing processes, and disruptive business models that can drive significant impact within the chemical and related sectors.
While specific details of Hermann Althoff's individual investment portfolio are not widely publicized, his strategic influence is evident in the types of companies BASF Venture Capital targets. These are typically early-stage to growth-stage companies that offer proprietary technology, strong intellectual property, and a clear path to market. His expertise helps bridge the gap between scientific innovation and commercial viability, leveraging BASF's global reach and industry knowledge to accelerate the growth of portfolio companies.
Prior to his role at BASF Venture Capital, Hermann Althoff likely cultivated a robust career background that equipped him with a unique blend of technical insight and business acumen. It is common for leaders in corporate venture capital to possess experience in scientific research, engineering, or corporate strategy within large industrial organizations. This background would provide him with a deep understanding of the technological challenges and market opportunities within the chemical industry, enabling him to effectively assess the potential of new ventures. His leadership at BASF Venture Capital underscores the organization's dedication to fostering external innovation and collaborating with entrepreneurial ecosystems to shape the future of chemistry and beyond.
Hermann Althoff is the Vice President at BASF Venture Capital, the corporate investment arm of the global chemical producer. He previously served as Senior Vice President of BASF’s Performance Chemicals unit in the Asia Pacific region, where he managed operations across advanced materials and industrial technologies. During his tenure in the performance chemicals division, Althoff oversaw a portion of the corporation's €200 million global investment strategy dedicated to expanding plastic additives production. His operational leadership included directing a 40 percent global capacity increase for the antioxidant Irganox 1010, which involved doubling production capabilities at the company's Singapore facility by 2022. He also guided the development of a new plastic additives manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China, which commenced production in 2020. Althoff currently focuses on directing strategic venture capital investments across the chemical, materials, and industrial technology sectors.
