LARS KISSAU

As President of BASF Venture Capital, Lars Kissau plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and strategic growth for one of the world's leading chemical companies. BASF Venture Capital serves as the corporate venture capital arm of BASF SE, tasked with identifying, investing in, and nurturing promising startups that offer groundbreaking technologies and business models aligned with BASF's long-term strategic objectives.

Under Lars Kissau's leadership, BASF Venture Capital strategically invests in a diverse range of sectors critical to the future of the chemical industry and beyond. Key investment focus areas include advanced materials, industrial biotechnology, digital technologies, and solutions that promote sustainability and circular economy principles. This encompasses startups developing new chemical processes, sustainable raw materials, innovative applications for existing materials, and digital tools that enhance efficiency and connectivity within industrial value chains. Lars and his team are particularly keen on deep tech ventures that have the potential to create significant impact and offer synergistic opportunities with BASF's extensive R&D and market presence.

Lars Kissau's career background is rooted in a deep understanding of corporate strategy, innovation management, and the chemical industry. His experience equips him with the unique perspective needed to bridge the gap between agile startups and a global corporate powerhouse like BASF. He is instrumental in evaluating investment opportunities, overseeing portfolio companies, and ensuring that these ventures receive the necessary support to scale their innovations. His leadership ensures that BASF Venture Capital not only provides financial backing but also strategic guidance, market access, and potential collaboration opportunities with BASF's business units.

While specific notable investments directly attributed to Lars Kissau's personal involvement are proprietary, BASF Venture Capital's portfolio consistently features companies pushing the boundaries in areas like sustainable packaging, advanced battery materials, precision agriculture, and industrial digitalization. These investments reflect the overarching strategy to foster innovation that addresses global challenges and creates new markets for BASF. Lars Kissau's vision is to position BASF Venture Capital as a key enabler for the next generation of sustainable and technologically advanced solutions, reinforcing BASF's commitment to innovation and future-oriented growth.