We represent different areas of expertise and backgrounds, but share a common goal: connecting established family owned businesses as well as SMEs with innovative tech-startups to be even more successful – together. Our CVC team is by your side from the beginning – working with you to identify suitable partners and resolving any business and tax questions arising along the way. As this is an important matter of trust, you can get to know the colleagues a little before taking the next step and get in contact with us personally.
Florian founded his first company during school and the renowned “Handelsblatt” already labelled him an “experienced entrepreneur” by the age of 22. Additionally, he has built up his own venture capital fund. Thus, Florian draws from this broad experience and insights leading the Center of Excellence for Venture Capital. Interestingly enough, the fund founded in 2018 supports family businesses and middle market leaders with strategic investments in startups. Florian thrives fostering connections between the next generation of entrepreneurs realising ideas with maximum passion as well as courage and experienced managers to support these entrepreneurs with their knowledge, capital, and good reputation. Of course, the latter group also benefits from the collaboration: besides offering access to new technologies and businesses, startups can also help to boost a company's own research and development activities. Florian has seen these win-win situations in practice many times in his extensive experience with Germany's startup ecosystem – which he gained through his long standing chairmanship of the German association for startups which he founded himself. Nowadays, he still is a trusted advisor to the German federal government on digital and startup policy matters.
“I’m fascinated by tech startups which have a real impact on our lives and our environment. It is amazing that my role at PwC means I can work together with so many of these exciting and innovative companies.”
Enrico keeps an even keel when asked why corporates should invest in startups – and not just because he frequently goes sailing and deep-sea fishing with his family, but also because he is an expert in venture deals and CVC structuring, implementation and execution. As the lead of the startup team NextLevel's Raise programme, he is able to look at all aspects from the perspective of corporates, investors and founders. He believes that – depending on the innovation strategy involved – external dynamic innovation drivers on the one hand can form the foundation for new business models in established companies. On the other hand, corporates could help startups to scale quickly, as well as provide the structures and human resources necessary. He knows from experience that sometimes more in-depth exchange between both parties would be desirable to enhance these mutual benefits. Despite the innovative power and inventive spirit of entrepreneurs, he is aware that teams can still fail with their business models. Good CVCs must therefore start at this point and consider the added value for both sides in all decisions.
“Actually I ask myself this question every now and then… Probably something having to do with deals or consulting. This is just my professional home.”
Gloria will advise you legally and bring your deals safely to their destination. As a lawyer, she specialises in advising on venture capital and private equity transactions throughout the entire investment cycle. Her expertise particularly encompasses investments in growth companies, financing rounds, exits, employee participation, and management equity programmes. Additionally, Gloria supports founders and management teams from the initial concept through to exit.
Oliver is Director, Tax at PwC Germany.