FERRY HEILEMANN

Ferry Heilemann is a distinguished figure in the European venture capital landscape, widely recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to impact investing. As a Partner at AENU, a pioneering climate tech venture fund, Heilemann plays a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable innovation. His work at AENU involves leading investments in groundbreaking companies that are actively addressing the climate crisis through technological advancements and scalable business models.

AENU, co-founded by Ferry alongside his brother Fabian Heilemann, is dedicated to backing early-stage startups (from Seed to Series B) that are focused on decarbonization, circular economy principles, sustainable materials, clean energy, and biodiversity. Ferry Heilemann's investment philosophy aligns perfectly with AENU's mission: to generate significant financial returns while simultaneously achieving measurable positive environmental impact. He seeks out visionary founders who are building solutions that can fundamentally transform industries and contribute to a regenerative economy.

Heilemann's career background is marked by a strong track record of successful entrepreneurship and investment. Before co-founding AENU, he made a name for himself as a co-founder of DailyDeal, one of Germany's most successful e-commerce ventures, which was notably acquired by Google in 2011. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into scaling technology companies and navigating complex market dynamics. Following DailyDeal, Ferry co-founded Heilemann & Co, a venture builder and family office, further solidifying his expertise in company creation and strategic investment.

His transition into climate tech investing with AENU represents a deliberate pivot towards leveraging his entrepreneurial acumen for a greater purpose. Ferry Heilemann brings a founder-first perspective to his investment decisions, understanding the challenges and opportunities inherent in building disruptive companies. He is known for his hands-on approach, offering strategic guidance and leveraging his extensive network to support portfolio companies in their growth journeys.

While specific individual investments are often a collaborative effort within AENU, the fund's portfolio reflects Ferry Heilemann's broader investment interests. AENU has invested in innovative companies such as Monta (EV charging platform), Planet A Foods (sustainable food alternatives), Reverion (high-efficiency power generation), and CuspAI (AI for sustainable materials discovery). These investments exemplify the type of impactful, technology-driven solutions that Ferry Heilemann and AENU are committed to fostering, aiming to accelerate the transition to a net-zero and sustainable global economy.