KOEN VAN RAEMDONCK

Koen Van Raemdonck is a key figure at BASF Venture Capital, holding the position of Vice President. In this role, he is instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic investments in early-stage and growth companies that align with BASF's long-term innovation and sustainability goals. His work directly supports BASF's commitment to fostering groundbreaking technologies and business models across various industries.

At BASF Venture Capital, Koen's investment focus areas are diverse yet strategically aligned with global challenges and industrial advancements. He actively seeks out startups specializing in new materials, which includes advanced polymers, composites, and functional materials that offer enhanced performance or sustainability benefits. The circular economy is another significant area of interest, encompassing innovations in recycling, waste valorization, and bio-based solutions that promote resource efficiency. Furthermore, Koen explores opportunities in digitalization, particularly those impacting the chemical industry through advanced analytics, AI, process optimization, and industrial IoT. Sustainability and green chemical technologies are overarching themes in his investment thesis, reflecting the urgent need for environmentally friendly solutions and processes.

Koen's career background provides a strong foundation for his role in venture capital. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from KU Leuven, equipping him with deep scientific and technical understanding crucial for evaluating complex technologies. Prior to joining BASF Venture Capital, Koen accumulated extensive experience within BASF itself, working in various capacities including research and development, project management, and business development. This internal experience has given him invaluable insights into the operational challenges and strategic priorities of a global chemical company, enabling him to better assess the potential synergies and market fit of prospective portfolio companies.

While specific individual investments are often managed by a team, Koen contributes to BASF Venture Capital's broader portfolio, which includes companies driving innovation in areas like advanced recycling technologies, sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, and novel material development. His expertise helps BASF Venture Capital to not only provide financial backing but also strategic guidance and access to BASF's vast network and resources, accelerating the growth and market penetration of its portfolio companies. Koen Van Raemdonck's work is vital in bridging the gap between cutting-edge startup innovation and the industrial scale of a global leader like BASF.