The BlueTech Forum will feature a panel on “Strategic Corporate Investors” that will explore the strategy, approach and success rate of leading corporate venture capitalists and strategic private equity investors within the water industry.
Strategic investors have much to gain from funding early stage water companies that have developed innovative solutions for specific challenges. For a start-up company, a partnership with a strategic investor can significantly improve the chances for success, and provide customer, internal resources and external networks.
However, early-stage investments by strategic investors are also a balancing act, especially for start-ups. Close alignments with strategic investors may limit a start-up’s opportunities to work with other partners. Further tensions might be created from the cultural differences between an experienced strategic investor and a young, dynamic innovator.
Reinhard Hubner, Investment Manager at SKion GmbH, will serve as the panel’s moderator, with confirmed panellists including Menno Holterman, Founder and Chairman at Naesta Holdings, Sandra Eager , Ventures Technology Manager at BP Ventures, and Andreas von Richter, VP of Origination at GE Capital. With years of industry experience, the panel will provide attendees with an in-depth look into strategic corporate investments and its influence on the water industry market.
