A tech team for tech teams.

Benjamin Erhart is General Partner at UVC Partners and one of the driving forces behind the firm’s deep tech and engineering software investments. Since joining UVC Partners in 2017, he has led early-stage investments in some of Europe’s most promising technology ventures, including Tacto, Proxima Fusion, planqc, TWAICE, and FAZUA. With a background from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Benjamin combines a deep technical understanding with strong investment expertise.

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He is particularly recognized for his work in fields such as robotics, quantum technologies, and climate tech, where he has built a strong track record of successful follow-on financings and exits.

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Within UVC Partners, Benjamin also spearheads the development of the firm’s internal tech stack and co-leads Value Creation efforts, aiming to turn the unique network of the UnternehmerTUM ecosystem into tangible benefits for portfolio companies. His commitment extends beyond investment, as a mentor in programs like RESPOND, where he supports mission-driven founders.

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What motivates him most? “It’s a privilege to work with outstanding and motivated founders on topics that shape Europe’s future.”

Jakob is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Management & Technology at the Technical University of Munich, with a minor in Industrial Manufacturing. He began his professional journey in finance, where he developed a lasting curiosity about how capital fuels innovation. His perspective broadened during his time at ZEISS Ventures, where he caught the entrepreneurial spark and became captivated by the energy of early-stage innovation. This experience ultimately led him to Munich, to TUM, and finally to UVC Partners.

At UVC Partners, Jakob combines his background in finance with his growing expertise in industrial technologies to support tech startups that are shaping the future of smart manufacturing and industrial innovation.

Ingo has been working in the high-tech industry for more than 25 years. As a venture capitalist, he had the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs in Europe, Israel, the US as well as Asia. Themes and technologies are constantly changing, but success always requires enthusiastic, persistent founders and a strong vision. Ingo is convinced that startups are the driver of innovation, more than ever before, and he is excited to be able to contribute to this development as an investor.

Sarah is an energetic venture enthusiast always looking for a way how to support entrepreneurs for the long haul. She strongly believes that going forward Venture Capitalists need to provide additional support beyond capital to empower the next generation of startups. At UVC Partners, Sarah manages the relationships with our industrial partners identifying growth opportunities for our portfolio. Further, she works closely with the portfolio companies advising them on go-to-market as well as growth via sales and marketing. Sarah draws from her experiences working for companies in M&A, venture capital, and corporate innovation. She holds a PhD in Entrepreneurial Finance from Technical University of Munich, a Master in Management Science from University of Bayreuth as well as a degree in Digital Marketing from University of Oxford.

As a tourism agent, she developed her organizational skills in planning and implementing many trips, events, and projects through various jobs in tourism management. Most recently, she gained experience as an assistant in the public service. She is very happy to be a part of the UVC team and to support her colleagues. Her goal is to lighten the team's load and be available as a reliable contact person, and she is looking forward to this exciting new chapter.

Dr. Oliver Schoppe is Principal at UVC Partners, focusing on early-stage investments in Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise SaaS, data-driven business models, and Digital Health. Since joining the firm in April 2021, he has supported the journeys of startups such as Aleph Alpha, Patronus, Reel, paretos, Rencore, and Biomatter.

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With an academic background spanning Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, and Computer Science/AI, Oliver studied at renowned institutions including TUM, Oxford, and Harvard/MIT.

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Oliver is deeply rooted in science and research. Among other roles, he led an AI research group at the Helmholtz Center and has continuously expanded his expertise. Today, he is regarded as an AI expert, regularly consulted for different events and media for his perspective on technological developments.

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As an investor and board member, he helps translate pioneering innovations into scalable businesses, particularly where complex innovations meet real-world impact.

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What motivates him most? “Every day I get to work with some of the brightest entrepreneurs out there, pushing the frontier of digital technologies and solving problems that truly matter.”

Veronika takes care of our investment controlling as well as fund reporting and administration. She studied business administration and completed further training as an accountant. Before joining UVC Partners, she worked for a tax consulting firm for ten years and gained in-depth experience in the financial sector.

Nikias graduated from LMU Munich with a bachelor's degree in business administration, majoring in Finance and Digital Business. He is also pursuing a master's degree in Strategy, Innovation, and Management Control at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Nikias is unwavering in his belief that entrepreneurs are at the vanguard of innovation and that particular tech innovation will positively shape our future. Before joining UVC, Nikias gained valuable experience from various internship roles within the financial industry, such as deal advisory and financial audit.

Esteban is currently studying Physics at TU Munich. Prior to that, he studied electrical engineering at TU Munich and Technology Management at the Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM). He also spent a semester abroad studying at UC Berkeley. At UVC, Esteban will help out with the IT infrastructure for the data team.

Jannik is passionate about how technical innovations make the leap from research to real-world applications.
After completing his Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on photonics at the Technical University of Munich, he joined one of UVC Partners' portfolio companies in its seed stage, where he gained hands-on experience in the early formation of a new venture and deep insights into the German tech startup ecosystem.
He recently completed his MBA with distinction at INSEAD in France and gained his first VC experiences at the early-stage investor coparion, before now joining the investment team at UVC Partners, where his goal is to use his experience in deep tech and venture building to support founders in building and scaling their companies.

Sabine Mattern is Head of Investor Relations at UVC Partners and the bridge between the firm and its global network of Limited Partners. Since joining in 2019, she has shaped UVC’s fundraising and LP engagement strategies – from annual meetings and roadshows to ongoing investor communication and reporting.

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With a background in International Business and Culture from the University of Passau and academic stops at the Mitchell College of Business and the University of California, Berkeley, Sabine combines intercultural competence with deep expertise in international project management, grant writing, and relationship building. She is also recognized for her dedication to an inclusive team culture, non-violent communication, and equal care advocacy.

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Before UVC, Sabine advised ventures like Nonna Anna and supported the German Accelerator’s fundraising activities. 

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What drives her today? “Being part of something bigger – where innovation meets impact, and strong relationships shape the future of tech in Germany and beyond.”

Max is currently pursuing his Master’s degree at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, specializing in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Information Systems from the Vienna University of Economics and Business. 

Before joining UVC Partners, he gained experience working in both software and hardware startups, as well as in consulting firms across Berlin, Munic,h and Vienna. At UVC, Max focuses on B2B software, with a particular interest in the property and construction sectors.

Understand, shape, and inspire. These principles are central to Maria's commitment. Maria has Iranian and Assyrian roots. She studied law and economics, focusing her final thesis on how to persuade using rhetorical methods and strong content. This interest led her to a career in marketing and communication. For over 15 years, Maria has supported companies in various roles, including editor, opinion researcher, PR consultant, marketing manager, and spokesperson. She has helped develop brands, made stories and achievements visible, and positioned brands across different industries, especially in tech. Maria is skilled at guiding companies from the initial idea to a complete brand identity by profoundly understanding their culture and business model and authentically implementing them.

Johannes von Borries is Managing Partner at UVC Partners and one of the architects behind the firm’s evolution into a leading European early-stage investor for deep tech ventures. Since joining UVC Partners in 2015, he has been instrumental in scaling the firm from a small four-person team to a highly professional, visible investment platform.

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Johannes holds degrees in industrial engineering from TU Berlin and an MBA from U.C. Berkeley. As a board member, he brings hands-on entrepreneurial experience from the successful founding and exit of Nanda Technologies, a semiconductor inspection company. He is widely recognized for his expertise in scaling deep tech and climate tech startups, particularly those involving hardware. 

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At UVC Partners, Johannes has invested in some of the most promising game changers within their industries, including Isar Aerospace, Reverion, STABL Energy, and Molten Industries. Beyond his investment work, he actively shapes the public profile of UVC Partners through strategic marketing and PR engagement.

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Johannes is also deeply involved in education and innovation ecosystems. He serves as a Venture Director at the UnternehmerTUM Venture Labs for Circular Economy, Sustainability, and Advanced Manufacturing and is a long-standing member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. His work has been featured in research publications, including a working document for pitch decks in collaboration with MIT.

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What motivates him most? “Every day, I get to work with highly driven founders and colleagues on breakthrough innovations – that’s a unique privilege.”

Maximilian is currently studying Technology and Management (B.Sc.) at TU Munich with a specialization in Informatics. Alongside his academic pursuits, he contributes to the nonprofit TUM Carbon Removal student initiative, leading their fundraising efforts as a Board Member. Prior to joining UVC Partners, Maximilian gained valuable experience in Consulting and a Family Office in Munich. The prospect of shaping the future of innovation as a part of UVC Partners is what motivates him the most.

Philipp is passionate about the intersection of technology and sustainability, with a preference for circular economy solutions. With experience in both startups and corporates, including InsurTech and battery recycling, he brings a diverse and impact-focused perspective. Philipp earned his Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Mannheim. He is now pursuing an M.Sc. in Management & Technology at the Technical University of Munich, specializing in Entrepreneurship and Computer Science. 👨‍💻 His academic journey has taken him to London and Singapore, enriching his global outlook.

Mariia's academic journey began with International Relations at IIR KNU and progressed to Management and Technology at TUM and UC Berkeley. Her experience at Celonis and the IT Ukraine Association, where she managed projects with C-level executives, naturally led her to explore the venture capital sector. This exploration provided her with the opportunity to develop analytical tools for VC, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, management, and investment. At UVC, she looks forward to further pursuing this exact vector and contributing to its development.

Francisco is currently pursuing his Master's in Management & Technology at the Technical University of Munich, specializing in strategy and computer engineering. He brings experience in consulting, corporate, and startup environments, and is passionate about building solutions, Fintech & Insurtech, and AI.

Julian graduated from the University of St. Gallen with a major in Business Administration, where he also received the university´s Excellence Scholarship. After his studies and his exchange at FGV-EAESP in São Paulo, Brazil, he gained experience in Business Development at Electra, a French scale-up in the Infra-Tech sector and in Investor Relations at Energy Infrastructure Partners, a private equity firm - both in Zurich. To further explore the Tech-World and get to know Munich’s unique ecosystem, he joined UVC Partners as a Junior Value Creation Analyst in April. In this role, he aims to deepen his knowledge of the venture capital industry and support passionate founders together with his team.

Kelsey enjoys learning about all kinds of technology-related topics, specifically regarding sustainability initiatives. She brings experience from a corporate finance background, having worked full-time at BlackRock for two years before deciding to continue her educational journey. Kelsey is currently a Master's student at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management with a focus in strategy and digital innovation and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky.

Marc Alexander Kühn is an Investment Manager at UVC Partners and a contributor to the firm’s investments in software and frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, fusion energy, and the future of computing. 

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He joined the team in 2022 and holds a Master’s in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Oxford and the Technical University of Munich, and has been instrumental as an investor in companies such as Proxima Fusion, Predium, and Atira – startups that are shaping the technological foundation of Europe’s future.

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Marc also contributes to academic research and thought leadership. He has published several papers in the field of machine learning, including “Detecting Word-Level Adversarial Text Attacks via SHapley Additive exPlanations” (ACL 2022) and “Textual Explanations for Automated Commentary Driving” (IEEE 2023). Additionally, he shares insights on emerging technologies, such as in his blog post “The Rise of Vertical Robots – A Thesis on the Service Robotics Market”.

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What motivates him most? “Turning bold ideas into a groundbreaking impact with brilliant founders.”

Joe is currently pursuing his Master at the Technical University Munich in Management & Technology with a specialization in informatics and entrepreneurship. He holds a Bachelor in International Business from Maastricht University and previously worked in Venture Capital and at the UVC portfolio company Tacto. He loves taking deep dives into new and exciting fields - especially in the areas of software, AI and DeepTech. At UVC, Joe is aiming to contribute to the German and European Start-Up and Tech-Ecosystem.

Niklas Frost is Value Creation Analyst at UVC Partners, where he works closely with portfolio companies to address their most pressing operational and strategic challenges.

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Since joining the firm in November 2024, he has been actively involved in supporting startups such as Synera, Atira, and Fruitcore Robotics – helping them accelerate growth and unlock new opportunities.

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With a background in Management and Digital Technologies from LMU Munich, Niklas combines a strong understanding of business strategy with a deep interest in technological innovation. At UVC Partners, he builds bridges between startups and established industry players, fostering partnerships that drive mutual value. He also serves as a key connector between the UVC portfolio and the UnternehmerTUM ecosystem.

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Niklas is known for his hands-on approach, strong network orientation, and commitment to helping founders succeed in fast-moving, high-impact environments.

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What motivates him most? “I’m thrilled to create value each day with some of Europe’s brightest founders tackling our most pressing challenges.”

Jana Petry is an Investment Manager at UVC Partners with a strong focus on early-stage investments in climate/clean tech, and future of work solutions. She has played a central role in the firm’s investments in high-impact ventures such as Reverion, Cyclize, Radical Dot, and Crafthunt, supporting them both as investor and board advisor.

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With an academic background in Management & Technology (Finance & Computer Science) from the Technical University of Munich and the Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM), Jana is particularly recognized for her expertise at the intersection of software, hardware, and sustainability-driven business models, especially in sectors such as chemicals and decarbonization technologies. She conducted academic research in the area of Digital Business Models for Sustainability, and, e.g., co-created the Sustainability Landscape 2022 together with the CDTM Climate Club and other VCs.

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Beyond her investment work, Jana leads process automation and data infrastructure at UVC Partners, ensuring the team operates at maximum efficiency. Passionate about fostering the next generation of innovators, she is actively engaged in female founder support programs, such as Women Start-up by UnternehmerTUM, and mentors early-stage entrepreneurs and students through initiatives like CDTM. Additionally, she is involved in the internal training of Junior Investment Analysts, passing on her expertise to future VC professionals.

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What drives her every day? “Supporting bright minds challenging the status quo with ideas that really make a difference.”

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Alexander Kiltz is a Principal at UVC Partners and a committed partner to Europe’s most ambitious B2B software founders. Since joining the firm in 2017, he has helped build and support a wide range of high-potential startups, bringing his background in Finance and Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich and his own startup experience to the table. Alex leads our Berlin office, which he opened in 2019.

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At UVC Partners, Alex is particularly recognized for his ability to evaluate complex software products, understand their technical foundations, and translate them into scalable business models. His expertise spans enterprise software, vertical SaaS, and enabling technologies, with a sharp eye for go-to-market execution and product-market fit. He is a trusted sparring partner for founders navigating growth, positioning, and early team building within the firm and the broader ecosystem.

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He shares his extensive experience with both current and former portfolio companies such as FAZUA (acquired by Porsche), FINN, HQS Quantum Simulations, Innoactive, Predium, Reel, Scenarium AI, Synera, Tacto, Tanso, and TWAICE, supporting them as investor and board member.

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His motivation? “Helping founders turn their vision of the future into reality.”

William is passionate about groundbreaking technologies and startups that revolutionize business practices while fostering positive environmental impact. His keen interest extends to B2B software, Industrial Tech, and Climate Tech domains. Currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Management & Technology at TU Munich, with a focus on finance, chemistry, and mechanical engineering, William's academic journey is complemented by a wealth of practical experience. Before embarking on his journey with UVC Partners, he garnered insights from internships at software and tech startups, delved into M&A consulting, and explored the cybersecurity industry.

Renate is the heart of our company and supports the whole team in organizational and administrative matters around the topics back office, events, and appointments. In addition she is our feel-good manager and makes sure that everyone on the team is happy. During the last years, Renate already gained profound experience as an office manager and team assistant in medium- and larger-sized companies related to healthcare and sports and entertainment marketing.

Joyce graduated from Carnegie Mellon University and brings years of experience from her role as Head of Product at a software startup in Qatar. She is currently completing her master’s degree at the Technical University of Munich, with a thesis focused on applying machine learning methods to dissect the qualitative and quantitative aspects of VC investment decision-making. Her passion for building solutions, coupled with her interests in entrepreneurship, finance, and technology, has driven her to explore the opportunities and challenges in the VC industry while working with investors and founders in Germany. At UVC, she will be working as a data scientist to enable a more data-driven approach in the investment process.

Tom is passionate about startups and innovation, having co-founded two ventures before the age of 20 and successfully exited one in early 2025. He is currently pursuing a degree in Business Psychology at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.

In addition to his own ventures, Tom gained experience as a Founder’s Associate at an Israeli alternative protein startup, where he supported the development of sustainable food solutions. He also contributed to a cybersecurity consulting project within Deutsche Telekom's Venture Department in Israel, where he explored emerging trends in Israeli venturing and cybersecurity.

At UVC Partners, Tom is excited to help bridge the gap between breakthrough innovation and industrial application at the heart of Munich’s startup ecosystem, with a particular interest in EnergyTech, ClimateTech, and B2B Software.

Alexander is passionate about tech startups and has a special affinity for 3D printing. He also likes to understand and challenge business models from a financial perspective. He holds a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurial Finance from TU Darmstadt as well as a Master’s degree in Management & Technology majoring in Finance and Mechanical Engineering from TU München. He has worked in several finance-related positions internationally. In addition, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Jakob Banhardt is an Investment Manager at UVC Partners, partnering with early-stage startups in B2B SaaS and ClimateTech. Since joining the firm in 2018, he has worked closely with a range of strong startups, including DyeMansion, Valuedesk, Fruitcore Robotics, Synera, Rencore, Biomatter, and Enginsight.

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A graduate of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Jakob pairs deep analytical capabilities and operational startup experience. He was part of the team that scaled Planetly into one of Europe’s top carbon management platforms – an experience that gave him a front-row seat to the hustle of building a climate SaaS company from the ground up.

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At UVC Partners, Jakob is known for his structured mindset, deep founder empathy, and sharp instincts across software and sustainability-driven tech.

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What motivates him most? “I’m driven by curiosity and the privilege of supporting founders turning bold ideas into transformative businesses. Every conversation is a chance to learn, to listen, and to help build something that truly makes a difference.”

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Johannes is fascinated by innovative start-ups that tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. With his background in Finance, Johannes pays particular attention to a start-up's facts and figures. Before joining UVC Partners, he worked in accounting advisory and valuation, modeling, and analytics at PWC and accompanied major IPOs, spin-offs, and takeovers. Johannes graduated with a master’s degree in Finance and Accounting from Munich University of Applied Sciences.

Jackie is passionate about working closely with founders who challenge the status quo, and thrives on fostering a forward-thinking and inclusive venture ecosystem.
At UVC Partners, Jackie focuses on Artificial Intelligence, EnergyTech, and the Future of Mobility as part of the Berlin investment team, supporting visionary founders who aim to redefine industries.
Before joining UVC Partners, Jackie earned her Master’s degree in Management and Technology at the Technical University of Munich, where she developed a deep understanding of the intersection between business and emerging technologies. Her academic and professional journey, including roles at GFC, Celonis, Moss, and Sino Matters, reflects her enthusiasm for working internationally with early-stage ventures, tackling multidisciplinary challenges, and bringing diverse perspectives to the table. While at TUM, Jackie was actively involved in the entrepreneurial initiative START Munich and co-founded Momentum, an organization dedicated to connecting business and tech talent from Europe’s leading universities.

Lukas is currently pursuing his bachelor's degree in Management & Technology at the Technical University of Munich with a specialization in Computer Engineering. After having gathered experience in Audit, Finance and Consulting, he found his passion for entrepreneurship working for a data start-up in Barcelona, upon which he joined UVC Partners. He is particularly passionate about B2B start-ups focusing on data analytics & Machine Learning and, beyond that, has worked on projects in the area of blood cancer prevention and plastic waste recycling.

With over a decade of experience in venture capitalism, Andreas has dedicated his career to championing innovation in B2B software, deep tech, and mobility. As a co-founder and General Partner at UVC Partners, he has spearheaded investments in companies like Aleph Alpha, at the cutting edge of AI research, and Vimcar, which is redefining fleet management for SMBs. Andreas takes pride in supporting startups that tackle challenging technical problems, such as DeepDrive, which is pioneering efficient e-mobility, and Blickfeld, a leader in industrial LiDAR technology. He has guided several companies from their initial prototype to a successful exit and is passionate about fostering the next generation of tech leaders in Europe.

Robert is an Investment Associate at UVC Partners in the Munich office, bringing hands-on entrepreneurial experience to support early-stage founders. While still in university, he bootstrapped his first company, lehof, to seven figures, working with clients like Amazon, Lilium, Paulaner, and Penny. He later co-founded the SaaS startup InsurMagic, scaling it to its first 100 paying customers in under six months as part of Schub, before transitioning to the investor side. Robert holds a Diploma in Media Economics from the University of Television and Film Munich-where he won an Oscar as part of his graduation project-and is a graduate of the Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM). He first joined UVC Partners in 2023 as a Working Student and now contributes as a full-time Investment Associate. Drawing from his own founder journey, he brings a practical, founder-first perspective to venture.

Scalable tech-startups are Helmut’s passion as co-founder and CEO of UnternehmerTUM, the Center for Innovation and Business Creation at Technische Universität München (TUM). He also serves as TUM’s Vice President Entrepreneurship, as a professor at TUM School of Management and as a member of the advisory board of DENA and other tech companies. With his background as a founder, aerospace engineer and venture capitalist he loves to help new sustainable ventures solve strategy, recruiting, business development and future financing challenges.

Carl has a background in Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich, with studies also taking him to Scotland and India. He has worked in startups across various growth stages and gained valuable VC experience at a DeepTech fund in Paris. Carl is especially passionate about science-based ventures, particularly in energy, biotech, and advanced materials.

Cosmin is enthusiastic about emerging technologies, with a particular interest in AI-driven advancements in finance and blockchain. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Management & Technology at TU Munich, specializing in Finance and Informatics, he brings prior experience from his role as a Business Analyst Intern at Amazon, where he focused on process optimization. Eager to explore the venture capital realm, Cosmin joins UVC Partners with the goal of collaborating with investors and founders to drive innovation forward.

Amanda Birkenholz is a Principal at UVC Partners, where she backs early-stage startups in deep tech and climate tech with conviction and curiosity. From first pitch to long-term scaling, she works side by side with founders, offering a rare combination of technical depth and real-world startup experience.

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She has a degree in Industrial Engineering from RWTH Aachen University, and brings a unique mix of analytical precision and entrepreneurial experience. As a co-founder of VISN, an award-winning B2B startup, she developed a deep understanding of what it takes to build a company, an experience that continues to shape the way she supports startups today.

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Amanda has been actively involved in several portfolio companies, including Cyclize, Radical Dot, DeepDrive, Planqc, and STABL, contributing her expertise as a board member or observer to help drive their growth and impact.

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Her international experience – spanning Germany, Australia, the UK, Spain, and Thailand – gives her a broad, global lens on innovation. And her commitment to inspiring the next generation extends beyond venture capital: she’s the author of CHAMP – Jagd auf den Trojaner, a children’s book introducing young readers to entrepreneurship and technology.

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What drives her? “Partnering with bold founders to shape the future and shake up entire industries.”

Svetlana is an engineer-turned-VC with a strong background in the energy sector. Armed with a Master's in Power Engineering and Business Administration from TU Munich, she's a bridge between technology and business. Besides her product and biz dev roles at the operator’s side, in her research, she’s been deep-diving into technical and economic aspects of smart grids, coupling of mobility and energy sectors, and sustainable charging of electric vehicles. Her goal is clear: to support and empower founders in energy and climate tech domains to create a lasting impact on the world.