Patrick Claessen

Patrick Claessen is a Partner at Cottonwood Technology Fund based in the Netherlands, focusing on pre-seed and early-stage deep tech investments across Europe and the United States. He brings over 25 years of investment management experience to the firm, having joined the partnership in June 2022. Previously, Claessen served as a Senior Investment Manager at Brightlands Venture Partners, acting as a board member for funds including Chemelot Ventures and the Brightlands Agrifood Fund. His earlier career includes tenure as a Senior Participations Manager at Essent, an Investment Manager at the Brabant Development Agency, and roles at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. He holds a Master of Science in Business Economics from Tilburg University and a master's degree from VLEKHO Business School. Claessen currently concentrates his investment strategy on hard science, science-based hardware, renewable materials, and sustainability innovations.