The High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is one of Europe’s leading early-stage investors. As of October 13, 2025, Sebastian Borek joins the fund’s management team and takes responsibility for the digitaltech investment division. Following Alex von Frankenberg’s departure after 20 years with HTGF, the three-person management team is now complete.
Sector-focused leadership at HTGF
Together with Romy Schnelle (industrialtech) and Achim Plum (life sciences & chemistry), Borek will represent HTGF to founders, industry, and policymakers. The clear sector-focused structure aims to sharpen the fund’s strategic direction and systematically promote growth potential across all investment areas.
Borek brings more than 25 years of international experience in building digital business models and venture capital structures. He has founded successful tech ventures in New York and Europe, established the Founders Foundation and the “Hinterland of Things” conference, and is recognized as a defining figure in the German B2B startup ecosystem. As a business angel and advisor, he is engaged in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and B2B SaaS.
Borek comments on his new role:
“I’m delighted to join the HTGF team, a driving force for innovation and entrepreneurship in Germany. Coming from a traditional family business background, I see it as my strength to connect established industry with young tech startups. With a founder focus and passion for helping people and companies grow, my goal is to unlock the potential of digital technologies and help shape Europe’s tech champions of tomorrow.”
Armgard Wippler, chair of HTGF’s investor advisory board and ministerial director at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, states:
“With Sebastian Borek, HTGF gains a managing director who brings an excellent national and international network and a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of digital technologies and business models. We very much look forward to working with him and are convinced that he will provide important impulses for the fund’s continued success story and the strengthening of Germany as an innovation hub.”
Since 2005, HTGF has invested in startups in areas such as deeptech, climatetech, digitaltech, industrialtech, life sciences, and chemistry. With over 780 funded companies and fund assets exceeding two billion euros, it ranks among Europe’s most active seed investors.
